Russian wartime Cossack dance-off set to Run DMC

In this 1941 video, Russian soldiers are seen engaged in a precursor of the modern dance-off; to drive home the point, some wag has set the proceedings to Run DMC's "It's Like That," which is curiously fitting.

Cossack (or Hopak) dancing originated in southern Russian and Ukranian military communities. The general plan was to have a battle, win, then return and have a big dance off with all your comrades. The party was male-only, of course, and often involved pantomime style re-enactments of battlefield moments, with sabres et al.

Wartime Russian Cossack dancers (Thanks, Dunchead, via Submitterator!)

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Nword

Pretty amazing how many of the same mannerisms in the video are still in use, one or two guys going up the other group to show off their moves, the solo dances, etc.
Dinny in Adelaide

Totally Brilliant. Amazing moves!
Matt Maher

I know it’s nit-picking, but for myself, it’s hard to get over the fact that they’re dancing to something with a different tempo. If this person had adjusted the video’s framerate slightly, they probably could have matched it, but it just doesn’t jive for me…
Anonymous

All I can think is that wow, those guys have got to be in amazing shape to do all of those lunges and squats. My thighs would kill me and all my leg tendons would snap if I tried any of that.
MadMolecule

Al & Leon: ORIGINAL UP ROCK!
Boba Fett Diop

You just got served…Comrade!
senorglory

better than “Breakin’ 2.”
McProf

If you enjoy this anachronism, you may also appreciate this mix of current electro-pop with the Charleston:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=339ixMtHrVk
wigg1es

This is one of the greatest things I’ve seen in a long long time. Simply excellent.
PDXgirl

I thought the video was fantastic, and then this comment made it even better:

“Boba Fett Diop

You just got served…Comrade!”
Anonymous

In Soviet Russia, dance serves you.
MarkM

The embedded link wasnt working for me; here’s the original:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=54f_1295342098
Anonymous

Matt’s correct. And I’d rather listen to the original Run-DMC track, without all the House additives – which also differs enough in tempo that it might be a bit more in sync with what’s happening here!
Dunchead

Thanks for picking this up Mr Doctorow!

Love dagfooyo’s comment! (‘In 500 years this video will be in a museum archive somewhere labeled “Russian break dance battle, 20th century”‘)
Sekino

Oh god. This may be the best mashup I have ever seen!! :D
V’s Herbie

To my untrained eye, the upper body moves and larger jumps look much like modern men’s ballet. Coincidence? Causative? Any dance historians in the house?
- Boba Fett Diop
  
  While these guys are trained dancers and likely part of some sort of “morale” corps with the Red Army, the dance style itself originates with the equestrian traditions of the Ukrainian and Don Cossacks. Look at how much work they are doing with their quadriceps in the dip-and-leap moves and the low kicks. This would be very helpful in developing the kind of leg strength you would need to get up in your stirrups for extended periods of time. Especially useful for saber charges, or shooting from the saddle.
HornCologne

This needs a West Side Story, Sharks v. Jets remix, too! Bernstein 4 eva!
Jeff

These people are trained dancers. Untrained dancers like any other untrained activity can easily be spotted. The movement it well executed, full of intention. Timing is on the money and transitions are smoothly choreographed. All the movements are complementary. This is a staged performance. These are not the troops hanging out for the afternoon. Not to mention clean uniforms/costumes.
Anonymous

In Soviet Russia, Street Steps Up to You.
- markinthesnow
  
  In Soviet Russia dance breaks you.
Lobster

They are Russian dancing men!
strandedlad

This is wonderful. Even better,it mirrors the original video for this remix (from 1999?) which was also an extended dance battle sequence.
alecmuffett

I apologise, I sincerely apologise for the pedantry, but mentally it is really hard to get past “In this 1941 _video_”.

Compare: ‘Fritz Lang’s 1927 video, “Metropolis”‘

Nnnnnnnyah.
Anonymous

Cossack dancing was definitely an influence on breakin’.. which is why there’s a move called “the Russian” oh yeah and this video is teh awesome.
Anonymous

This is so awesome I can’t contain my happines
alecmuffett

ps: The Run DMC vs Jason Nevins backing dance-off:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V0XsAK3YUM
- manicbassman
  
  better version here:
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA9_FYU2fsE
Anonymous

The best way to stamp out manure ?
dagfooyo

In 500 years this video will be in a museum archive somewhere labeled “Russian break dance battle, 20th century”
Johnny Fronthole

Laughing at the ridiculousness of humanity; the first global passtime.
millie fink

Ha, good work that works for me.

I think that one guy was air-guitaring with his leg!
Bahumat

This brought great joy to my heart, thank you, happy mutants!