Dessau Dancers
Jan Martin Scharf
The year is 1985 and when Frank and his friend Alex see a film about New York breakdancers, they practically backflip out of the cinema onto the streets of their hometown of Dessau, East Germany. Their street corner dancing soon draws a crowd, including members of the Stasi who are initially concerned by the Western attitudes of the young dancers. And so ‘acrobatic show dance’ is born – a state-sponsored art form. But how long can this enforced collaboration last? And how much compromise will the young dancers accept?
This is a fascinating mix of film genres and styles – think The Lives of Others meets Street Dance – and offers a truly unique vision of a time and a place that already seems worlds away. Teenage rebellious high spirits and the demand for social conformity will always create sparks – as this film demonstrates with all the vibrancy and panache of a dayglo tracksuit spinning around on a piece of cardboard.
| Ciné Sundays Deal Cinema ticket, plus pre-screening hot drink and bacon (or egg) roll from Jute Café Bar, all for £6. Simply purchase a standard cinema ticket and add the Ciné Sundays offer to your Shopping Cart. Please note this offer is valid before the film only. |
The Scooby Gang came along to DCA for a preview of Dessau Dancers before the festival - you can read their review here.
