DESSAU DANCERS Clip | TIFF Next Wave 2015
A group of young gymnasts in 1985 East Germany is inspired to form their country's first-ever breakdance team after catching a screening of the US film Beat Street. Much dancing in the streets ensues — much to the displeasure of state authorities.
Communist. German. Breakdancers. Put these three words together and you've got the basic premise for one of the most original dance-battle movies since Bring It On.
East Germany, 1985: After catching a screening of Stan Lathan's American movie Beat Street in a local cinema, four young gymnasts in the town of Dessau are so inspired by their glimpse of New York City hip-hop culture that they take their own acrobatic talents to the streets and form their country's first-ever breakdance team. The group becomes an overnight sensation, but their success is soon met with unease from family, friends and — much worse — the authoritarian East German government. With their artistic integrity and personal freedom on the line, the "Dessau Dancers" must step up and decide if they will conform and obey, or rise up and revolt.
— Ethan Godel, TIFF Next Wave Committee