Friday Dance Party: Sand Script

When I was sent this clip, my first reaction was, "Forget it. I'm not going to watch something for eight minutes." But after about 10 seconds, I was hooked. This is Kseniya Simonova telling the story of the German occupation of Ukraine during World War II, through the fascinating art of Sand Animation. Using a box lit from underneath, evocative music, and of course sand, she creates a mesmerizing routine. I confess I am totally unaware of the specifics of her art or of her subject, so allow me to swipe from another blogger's description:

"She brings calm, then conflict. A couple on a bench become a woman's face; a peaceful walkway becomes a conflagration; a weeping widow morphs into an obelisk for an unknown soldier. Simonova looks like some vengeful Old Testament deity as she destroys then recreates her scenes - with deft strokes, sprinkles and sweeps she keeps the narrative going."

This young girl won the most recent "Ukraine's Got Talent" competition with this performance art. You can keep your Susan Boyle and your Wedding Dancers. This is an internet star who deserves the honor:

She signs her final image with the words, "You are always near."