PBS aired a documentary from 2003 featuring 2 families of gymnasts preparing for the Korean mass gymnastics demonstrations.
… As the United States confronts North Korea over its impending resumption of nuclear weapons production, North Koreans prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their supposed “victory†over the South in the Korean War. This documentary will tell the story of two teenage girls and their families as the girls prepare to participate in this year’s Mass Games, an intricately choreographed display of dancers, acrobats, and karate-chopping soldiers, celebrating North Korea’s statehood and revolutionary zeal in one of the last surviving Communist showcase pageants. North Koreans rehearse for millions of hours in preparation for this unique extravaganza. We’ll see the girls and their schoolmates practice their routines in Kim Il Sung Square, their diligent efforts leading toward an awe-inspiring public performance. This film yields surprising insights into family life and daily activity in the little known world of the “hermit kingdom.†…
A State of Mind – Wide Angle
Click PLAY or watch the trailer on YouTube.
The Mass Games in North Korea are the biggest spectacles of human performance ever. There were, for example, 100,000 performers at the Arirang Mass Games in 2008. They celebrate the birthday of the late Communist leader Kim Il-sung. (Father, not the son.)
This despite extreme hardship for the Korean population. Talk about circuses, not bread.
Click through to flickr to see more photos by Grete Howard. UNBELIEVABLE.
Thanks Jennifer Isbister.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 