Dans, Grozny Dans

This touching portrait of a traditional Chechen children’s dance group takes us from the ruins of Grozny to the grand theatres of the West and back again. Jos de Putter (THE MAKING OF A NEW EMPIRE) accompanies the children on a strenuous European tour with which they hope to prove that Chechnya is not a terrorist camp, but a cultural nation. He contrasts the pomp of the opera houses to great effect with images of destruction in the Chechen Republic. The most vivid, moving moments, however, are the dance scenes; radiant images which capture the young performer’s earnestness, dignity and pride.