Dann springt mein Herz

It’s twenty years after the Red Army victory against Hitler’s fascist regime (with evocative images behind the opening credits reminding us of its victims). The central song and dance ensemble of the Soviet military stationed in East Germany goes on a tour of the country. The dancers and musicians talk about their experiences in East Germany and their admiration for German classical music, which includes not only Richard Wagner, but also newer talents such as Arthur Honegger and Paul Hindemith. Short “clips” show the troupe’s repertoire and, of course, “Kalinka” is also on the programme. In a somewhat less official folk festival, they entertain their German audience with hits by Jacques Brel and Chubby Checker, in the spirit of “Let’s Twist Again!”.