Thread by @BonicMichael

Closed off from the world?? North Korea celebrates Western music & dance

Wangjaesan Dance Troupe danced to Irene Cara's Flashdance What A Feeling in the 1980s

약동하는 춤 - Dançarinas Norte Coreanas - Wangjaesan Troupe: FlashDance!

2/The tempo was sped up, which WDT frequently does when dancing to Western dance hit tracks, probably to amp up the energy level of the song to match the dancers' physical energy. When they take a bow the audience applauses. At this University level of cultural appreciation DPRK

3/citizens have the privilege of hearing perhaps for the first time Western popular music hits. This is actually a top-down approach to inoculating North Koreans to Western culture: When Western songs are taught in Pyongyang U of Music & Dance and danced to choreographically,

4/they have the stamp of Pyongyang's approval. Dance choreographers and Hyon Song-wol, leader of Moranbong Band, teach their students/members music & dance that inspires and fuels dreams, essential for the people of DPRK. It's no coincidence they selected What A Feeling. Here are

5/the lyrics:

Lyrics from Flashdance What A Feeling

First when there's nothing
But a slow glowing dream
That your fear seems to hide
Deep inside your mind
All alone I have cried
Silent tears full of pride
In a world made of steel
Made of stone
Well, I hear the music
Close my

6/eyes, feel the rhythm
Wrap around
Take a hold of my heart
What a feeling
Bein's believin'
I can have it all
Now I'm dancing for my life
Take your passion
And make it happen
Pictures come alive
You can dance right through your life

North Korea celebrates Western music & dance.

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