What's the motivation force?

[Dave Davison]

The heads don't deviate as they would if they were taking hundreds of tiny steps so what propels these dancers, could they have motorized skates? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFIIt2c1wG4 Dave.

[HansV]

I suspect they do walk, you can see their skirts sway from the steps from time to time. But it's an amazing feat of body control!

[John Gray]

I suspect they do walk, you can see their skirts sway from the steps from time to time. But it's an amazing feat of body control!

feat\\\\ feet

[Rudi]

My guess would have been that they are standing on one of these, but since they also move sideways, I'd venture to say they are standing on magnetic rollers and there are people below the stage with big magnets that are running around like crazy to control the dancers.

[AlanMiller]

I'd like to see it done in mini-skirts. That would reveal all ... so to speak.

Alan

[DaveA]

Alan,
You, just want to see the legs!

[StuartR]

You can actually see feet moving at 2:55

[BobH]

I think this type of dance is too old for technology to be the answer. IIRC I saw a film maybe 50 years ago of a similar performance.

What I am most struck by is the nearly exact same body size, head shape and apparent facial similarity. The hair could be done with wigs.

This is a reminder of the artistry that humans can and do achieve. The time spent selecting talent and training is mind boggling.

Knowing how it's done would probably spoil it for me.

What corps de ballet is it?

[Dave Davison]

..interesting points made but I suspect the long dresses are deliberately long to perpetuate the mystery.....

[kdock]

Even more enchanting, apparently Birch trees have blue hankies! Or is that just in Russia?

Kim

[PJ_in_FL]

You can actually see feet moving at 2:55

Darn!

There goes my theory of wheeled sneakers like Steve Martin uses in "L.A. Story"...

[Dave Davison]

Regardless of whether one Walk, Jogs or Runs it it inevitable the head bobs up and down to some degree and the heads of these galls seem to float through the air without undulating!!!!

[HansV]

Practice, practice, practice...

[AlanMiller]

Regardless of whether one Walk, Jogs or Runs it it inevitable the head bobs up and down to some degree and the heads of these galls seem to float through the air without undulating!!!!

I guess that's why they're paid the big bucks ... errr, roubles.

Alan

[BobH]

I'd like to see it done in mini-skirts. That would reveal all ... so to speak.

Alan

I'd like to see it done in mini skirts too and damn the revelation!

[Dave Davison]

...........someone, somewhere will know and could save us all the guess work..........

[HansV]

Here is a short article: The Berezka Ensemble – Russia’s Floating Dance Group.
A video of a rehearsal where you can see their feet: Народный танец "Березка" (Folk dance "Birch").

[ChrisGreaves]

Even more enchanting, apparently Birch trees have blue hankies!

The hankies are actually thin sheets of plastic, poured from a can.
Cheers
Chris

[ChrisGreaves]

The heads don't deviate as they would if they were taking hundreds of tiny steps so what propels these dancers, could they have motorized skates? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFIIt2c1wG4 Dave.

Hi Dave.
this YouTube video may give you a clue, especially after the 0m46s mark.
Cheers
Chris