Celebrating My First "день защиты детей"

Today is the National Russian "Holiday for the Defense of our Children." It is a day celebrating children all over the country to honor those who have sacrificed themselves in wars and hardhsips for the future of their country. On a platform in the city square, children from the school performed for eachother songs and dances in celebration. It was as close as you can get to Russia's Got Talent. Some kids were very prepared and very talented, others... not so much. I got a huge kick out of the stage mothers who were literally mimicking every move of choreography from the stands. Once their daughter finished, with a sigh of relief they ran to a clearing to de-stress with a cigarette. It was refreshing to learn that desperate stage mother's vicariously living through their children are not unique to the United States. Below are some great photos and videos of the festivities. I had a blast! I got to meet a lot of the students from the school and saw a preview of the ear to e
You do not want to miss Svetlana and the Supremes! Watch Svetlana take control of the stage in true Diana Ross fashion at 32 seconds. After the performance the crowd errupted and her mother took a bow. Yes stage mothers! I think Svetlana is the sleeper on RUssian Idol next year. I want to drive her to MOscow to the auditions myself!
This video is of a performance by a group of tweens. It was introduced as an "American Dance". I think they are going for a sort of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders meet river dancers meet Kosacks hybrid kind of thing!