At the 80th Russian Victory Day celebration held on May 11 at Le Meridien Dhaka, an unexpected burst of culture and emotion unfolded onstage-led not by seasoned performers or celebrated stars, but by eleven teenagers from Kaluga, Russia. As the folklore ensemble Obraz took the spotlight for a nearly 50-minute, non-stop dance spectacle, the entire ballroom-filled with diplomats, dignitaries, and culture enthusiasts-watched in awe.

Initially, the scene might’ve evoked comparisons to those glittering Bollywood nights at the Filmfare Awards-dramatic entrances, seamless choreography, costume swaps that defy physics. But that’s where the similarities ended. There were no celebrities, no behind-the-scenes technical crew working magic, and no over-the-top production gimmicks. What Obraz brought to the table was raw, unfiltered talent-an earnest celebration of heritage and unity, performed with passion by kids barely into their teenage years.

Despite their age, the young dancers held the stage like seasoned professionals. Their energy was infectious, their timing impeccable. It was the kind of performance that didn’t just entertain-it invited reflection. For someone unfamiliar with Russian folk traditions, the experience could be overwhelming. What exactly were we watching? What stories were these movements telling? What should we, as viewers, be absorbing from the rhythm and choreography?

To better understand the significance of what we had witnessed, we approached the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, His Excellency Alexander Mantytskiy Khozin.........

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