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Brief video link - 1979 Moscow News competition

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Just so you know I haven't disappeared, herewith a link to a Soviet news programme, 'News of the day' in which you'll find a brief news summary on the all around Moscow News competitions, 1979.  You'll see, all too briefly, Natalia Shaposhnikova, a very young Olga Bicherova, and the magnificent Stella Zakharova, who won the competition.

Zakharova is seen in the middle of a particularly expressive dance sequence; remember that orchestrated music was only introduced to the sport in 1979 and this routine was probably performed to piano.  Interesting point: did the introduction of orchestrated music downgrade the level of expression in floor routines?  I have a sense that it was a time when floor became more 'showy' and less heartfelt.  Hmm.  Wasn't especially attuned to this consideration at the time so if anyone has any views, please do post. 

Bogdan Makuts won the men's competition.  Coverage starts at 8.04.

I am still buried under a pile of marking but promise I haven't forgotten about my duties re the transcription of results for the regional competitions. 

love, Elizabeth

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