Circus Europa, May 2022 show: Incredible feats in Hamburg, Germany!

Incredible feats at Circus Europa, May 2022 show in Hamburg, Germany! But note that I have filmed everything that was on the programme.

Note that the mentioned programme wasn’t exactly what I saw. There may have been a rota around artists and types of performances displayed. Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed it, and so did the families with their children! Circus Europa is suitable for all age groups.

Circus Europa

Now, let me share with you the acts I watch. For some acts, I only have made video snippets.

This first snippet video from the act by Ivan Radev, the juggler from Bulgaria:

Juggling is one of the classics of the circus, but this number will captivate you from the very first second. Look forward to flying footballs and juggling with balances of the new kind.

Then, we moved to an aerial act with this full thick red rope act:

Followed by this snippet video of the hand-balancing act by Bryan from Guatemala that you can find under the usernames  @bryanvulcan_fitness on Instagram and @bryanvulcan on Tiktok:

Then came this full silk duet act by Daria and Olga from Russia:

Last, but not least, came this full flying pole act by Bryan from Guatemala, the same person who did the hand-balancing act:

This is a whole new kind of artistry: aerial acrobatics paired with the classic pole.

And the final full act I filmed was the wheel of death act by two Colombians that you can find on Instagram under the username @theflyersvalencia. They are also on Facebook.

These two daring Colombians use an 8-meter-long wheel, on which they jump rope and do somersaults on the outside of the rotating wheel. Thrills are guaranteed here!

There were  also other shows like:

  • a quick dress change act with Duo Free Life from Ukraine, which you can find under the @duofreelife username on Instagram:
  • a clown act with Tony Alexis
  • and domestic animal acts with ponies, horses, dogs, and camels trained by Sandro Frank.

Circus Europa - Animal handling shows Sandro Frank

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Stellwerk Hamburg German Hip Hop 10 years’ birthday party!

I filmed a few of the acts at the Stellwerk Hamburg German Hip Hop 10 years’ birthday party. But let me give you a bit of background about what Stellwerk Hamburg is and what was the night about.

Stellwerk Hamburg

Stellwerk Hamburg
In 2012, Stellwerk Hamburg began going through a deep-rooted transition from a jazz club to a subcultural center. Hip hop organisers have become like creative artists. Nevertheless, they never forgot their roots and have seen many beautiful concerts with U.S. rap acts, as well as with bands based here in their country. Corona has cashed in on their birthday party, but they still want to get something done in this post-Covid era!

Opening act DJ Play Dead at the Stellwerk Hamburg:

DJ Play Dead is a fixture in Hamburg’s turntable scene. The finest and rarest pieces of vinyl adorn his collection, and he is not too bad at scratching either. As part of the No Tv Raps Radio Show, you can listen to him frequently every first or third Friday of the month from 5-7 pm on FSK Radio.

I have also filmed the following acts at the Stellwerk Hamburg:

Aphroe (R.A.G./RAID) at the Stellwerk Hamburg:

“Aphroe is one of the key figures of the German hip-hop scene. Beginning his modest–but–influential career in the early 90s, when hip-hop jam culture was a big thing in Germany and all over Europe, Aphroe and his partner DJ Wiz (Beat Sampraz) formed the duo RAID.
In the mid-90s, RAID joined forces with fellow crew Filo Joes to form RAG – whose influence can still be felt today. “
One could compress it hastily and leave it there, but it would not be failing to understand its creative breadth. For the fans, the songs like “Silent Post”, Aphroe’s feature in the track “Zeitreise” (Time Travel) on the MC Rene release, or ‘Stratego’ under the “Unter Tage” LP, are Milestones in the History of German Rap.
In recent years there has also been a documentary release about “We almost lost Bochum” telling the history of R.A.G. and Aphroe’s new EP “Akribie”. The latter got very little visibility and was very little showcased on stage due to this annoying Covid virus!
You can follow him on Facebook if you would like to stay updated with his work!

Phaeb & DJ Free-kee:

Almost three years after the painful loss of band partner and friend dude26, the first solo LP of Phaeb is released with phonography. The pictures are exposed. Their memories emerge from the darkroom and get written. The album breathes a gentle melancholy in which the feeling of the Saudade of Portuguese Fado is combined with the wanderlust of early Afro-Futuristic trends.

Phaeb’s voice has depth and structure, creates closeness, and draws the listeners into a great story that spans the entire album length. The beats from the multi-instrumentalist and ‘Daily Concept’ label colleague IAMPAUL are the perfect musical framing for Phaebs’ associative visual language.

Nostalgic, timeless, grown-up – the phonography has been published on 18.12.2020 via ‘Daily Concept’.

Sherlock F:

Only in his early 30s and has already been infected by a hip hop bug for 20 years. He delivers a conscious rap on sample-based beats – no reinvented wheel, but it still reaches its goal.
In the meantime, Sherlock F., who can be found at any local freestyle sessions, also plans small explorations into garage grime realms and still plays for 3 days with a classical ensemble at Stellwerk Hamburg.

 

During the sherLockdown, there was no creative break, but new ways were explored. In his project “Beats, Rhymes and History” he now raps his way through streets and museums as a postcolonial cultural mediator. With his DJ Chris Cutwell from Club27, they have played for the last 2 years mainly open-air and at galas and both are happy to feel the sweat dripping from the ceiling again.

 

 

 

Festi’Couleurs 2020-2021 by Kirikou Events Association in Toulouse

Festi'Couleurs

The Kirikou Events Association presents its flagship event, the Festi’Couleurs 2020-2021, which gathers many visitors every year.

For 13 years now, Festi’Couleurs has been an artistic and festive event around gender diversity. This free event was born out of the desire to value cultural diversity and rich social diversity in Occitanian / Pyrenean / Mediterranean regions.

Coping with this health and economic crisis that has affected all continents, AKE wishes to renew the social, cultural and living-together bond by organising the 14th edition of Festi’Couleurs 2020-2021. “2021 Africa season in Crossed Cultures” will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th May 2021 at the Exhibition Centre Hall 8.

This festival will showcase the art and cultures around the world. It is an opportunity to discover artists from all walks of life: musicians, singers, actors, authors, painters and dancers, and so on. This gathering makes it possible to enjoy a wide range of animations and to live a collective and festive day.

The programme will be rich and varied: concerts, dance, entertainment, games for youngsters and older ones, parades, humour, a charity raffle… The funds raised during this event will be donated to international solidarity actions. This event will also be an opportunity for AKE to renew its trust with its partners.

You will find below their press book explaining:

  • their events’ and festivals’ organised throughout the current year 2020 and the year 2021
  • all actions taken with the collected funds during these events and festivals.

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Stephan Eicher’s live concert at La Halle aux grains in Toulouse (France)

I attended on 3rd January 2020 Stephan Eicher‘ s live concert at La Halle aux grains in Toulouse (France). Although, I have listened to this singer and musician for many years now, it was the first time I went to his concert in this great theatre concert hall.

La Halle aux grains de l'extérieur

Stephan Eicher’s choice for concert place is spot on, a 2200-seater theater with a great acoustic sound and allowing an intimate connection with his public.

La Halle aux grains de l'intérieur

He obviously plays his old hit «Déjeuner quoi?» Stephan Eicher shouts and laughs during the concert. It’s the public who demands it. Stephan Eicher answers «Déjeuner en paix» doesn’t belong to me anymore. The music industry has got lots of money to pay for their lawyers, while I haven’t. So, I’m no longer allowed to sing it. However, you can sing it !» Approval screams. The band delivers a powerful Rock and the crowd sing it in chorus.

Stephan Eicher

1. EXPLANATIONS for STEPHAN EICHER ‘S absence

We know the misfortunes of the Bernese (Swiss German) musician with his Universal Major label. Reason for which, he tells, his stage repertoire has been for 5 years stuck to the same hits with no new released records.  How can it sounds positive to us instead of the bitter experience he had. Since digitalisation, he said he didn’t like the way his contract was changed…but he didn’t ask for more money or music rights. However, he was lucky enough that his existing repertoire allowed him to tour with new shows rearranging his songs and offering new tracks.

2. ABOUT STEPHAN EICHER

Since more than 30 years, Stephan Eicher experiments and challenges himself musically. First, synthetic music with Grauzone and its techno-pop, then at the beginning of the 80s he tries out the rock experience. Then he goes for ballad songs, uses more classic or traditional instruments he associates with modern sounds and rhythms to offer a varied and rich discography.

3. His new album

This time, Stephan Eicher also comes back with new «Homeless songs» album (Polydor) composed of original tracks and of course a new show. He surrounds himself with a quartet to tell his new story, centered on acoustic and classic instrumental music.

In his own terms, this tour brings «not just 5 years of imposed ice skating figures but also introduce us to free skating.» Homeless songs do not have any place in the current music industry. They live elsewhere and sleep outside. This is in no way offensive , even the opposite ! These songs are like small stones children pick up along the river. For an adult, impossible to understand what guided the child’s choice. Was it the pleasant refreshing feeling of the stone ? A small pattern on the surface ? A weird or funny shape ? The fate ? These songs hope to create a relaxing, comfortable space, a dreaming pause.

4. His musicians during this 2020 tour

For this concert, he is accompanied by 4 independent musicians :

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  • Reyn Ouwehand, pianist, film Composer and multi-instrumentalist from Netherlands, who is the opening act.
  • Heidi Happy, Swiss singer and multi instrumentalist (vocals, guitars, cello, mandolin, xylophone).
  • Baptiste Germser, French horn (cor en français) and bass player and music producer.
  • Simon Bauman, German drummer.
  • Ludovic Bruni, French guitarist, bassist and music producer.

3. Live recordings in audio tracks and videos

a) Reyn Ouwehand’s opening act

Reyn played several piano tracks for us and I recorded two of them. Although I do not know the song titles, feel free to add them in the comment section below this blog post!

Obviously, Reyn continued playing for Stephan Eicher throughout his concert!

b) Dominique Regeff

Then there was a special guest, Dominique Regeff, French improvisor, composer, and musician specialising in stringed instruments. He came to play the hurdy gurdy (vielle en français) on the ‘Rivière’ song from Stephan Eicher. In this audio recording, Stephan introduces him and how they collaborate together.

c) Stephan Eicher

Finally, amongst other songs, I recorded these songs in audio and video versions. Once again, if any of you know the track title for his Swiss German song, drop the info in the comment section! He sings in French, Swiss German as well as English.

Here, you will recognise his very first hit in France!

And other well known French tracks!

That is all from me! Enjoy the listening and subscribe!

ERA new age musical project touring in Europe in 2019/2020

ERA, the new-age musical group of the 1990s and 2000s, returns for amazing shows throughout Europe in 2019 and 2020. They provide a real musical journey out of the ordinary, brought by its creator and his 40 singers and musicians.

Former guitarist-rocker Eric Levi begins composing film scores in the early 1990s. Shortly thereafter he creates Era, a project that fuses Gregorian Chant-style choral singing with rock beats, in the style of Enigma’s MCMXC A.D.

ERA new age musical project touring in Europe in 2019-2020

Era (styled as +eRa+, an acronym for “Enminential Rhythm of the Ancestors”)  uses lyrics (by Guy Protheroe) which, although similar to Greek or Latin, are, in fact, deliberately devoid of any exact meaning. Lyrics are also partially based on beliefs of the 13th century French Christians, the Cathars.

Furthermore, Era’s live shows and music videos often feature artists dressed in medieval or traditional clothes and armour. For the ‘Ameno’ song, Eric Lévi draws his inspiration while visiting the Collioure castle, South West of France.

Indeed, 22 years after the triumph of their first album, Era comes back with a family-oriented and enchanting performance. They dive into the group’s fantasmagorical universe that sold more

Additionally, Era sells out in 2019 and adds more touring dates and cities for 2020 throughout France, Belgium and Russia. You can book your tickets or buy their albums directly on their website.

In the meantime, enjoy this slideshow and videos taken at the live concert in Zénith Toulouse in November 2019.

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Finally, if you would like to follow them on social media, you can find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Downton Abbey music score and film to listen to and watch

Let me tell you the story of the must listen and watch Downton Abbey music score and film, which are both fascinating! I hope you will watch the film, or at the very least, watch the series listen to the soundtrack!

1. Downton Abbey Film Plot

First of all, it is a 2019 British historical period drama film written by Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of the television series of the same name.

Indeed, the film draws its plot from the Emmy Awarded series.

The film tells the story of a 1927 visit by the King and Queen to the Crawley family’s English country house in the Yorkshire countryside. As the Royal staff comes to Downton, an assassin has also arrived and attempts to kill the monarch. The family and servants pits against the royal entourage, including the Queen’s Lady-in-waiting who falls out with the Crawleys, especially the Dowager Countess, over an inheritance issue.

2. Downton Abbey HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

While the film is ‘a work of fiction’, it does inspire itself from the real history to create the main themes throughout the film.

Both the film and the series are primarily set in the gothic Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England. The castle’s earliest history dates back to 749. Charles Barry, commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon in 1838, creates the castle we see today, with work beginning in 1842. George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon, a British peer, and his wife Lady Carnarvon (born Fiona Aitken) still inhabit the castle.

The film is already released in some countries, while other may have to wait, as per this schedule.  In some places, you may be lucky enough to view it in original version with subtitles.

Now, let me share you a little teaser, hoping it will motivate you to go and watch it!

3. Downton Abbey MUSIC SCORE

Furthermore, the reason why I also advise you to watch it, it is because the music score in itself is a masterpiece. It is a must-listen! The soundtrack to the new feature film Downton Abbey is scored by Scottish composer John Lunn. In a throwback to the ‘Roaring Twenties’, upbeat jazz arrangements appear alongside lavish waltzes, reflecting the popular styles of the day.

John Lunn drew inspiration from the actual story plot to follow the ups and downs of the characters to enhance the drama throughout the film.

Now, I’m sure you are impatient to listen to this BAFTA-nominated soundtrack!

4. downton Abbey themes

When you listen to music, it will strongly remind you of story themes and meanings, which are as follows:

Downton’s Theme – Main Theme Song

Branson and Sybil’s Theme – A world of their own where there is no class divide

Downton Recurring – Drama – with gossip and betrayal

Carson’s Theme – Carson believes in the old-fashioned ‘proper’ way

Mrs. Hughes’ Theme-Mrs Hughes is warm and loving as well as hard-working

Branson and Sybil’s Theme – Portrays Tom’s love for Ireland and Sybil’s kindness and spirit

Bates and Anna’s Theme

Staff – Display of never-ending work

Whoever and Edith’s Theme

Bates and Anna’s Theme- Symbolises their love even through the pain

Robert and Cora’s Theme – With relation to the Downton theme, it represents tradition & formality

Bates and Anna’s Theme

Downton Recurring – Happiness – Everything good of Downton Abbey

Matthew and Mary’s Theme – Demonstrates Mary’s struggle with herself and Matthew’s support

Daisie’s Theme – Shows how Daisy constantly wraps herself in her imagination

Violet’s Theme – Highlights scandal and hate of change

Whoever and Edith’s Theme – Spotlights Edith’s fight with her desperate and jealous nature for love

Matthew and Mary’s Theme

Downton Recurring – Purity of misery and regret but with a glimpse of hope

Children of Downton – This reflects Sybbie and George having both lost one of their parents

Matthew and Mary’s Theme

Downton Recurring – Determination – Running away or rushing to fix a problem

Thomas’s Theme – Reveals his turmoil with his dark nature and facing himself

Downton Recurring – Sadness & darkness as the Crawleys’ shy away from the truth

Rose’s Theme – Exhibits her thrill from mystery but also dark thoughts of parents

Finally, if you prefer Spotify to YouTube, you can listen to and favourite it there!

Colombian Caribbean Festival 2019 at Mix’Art Myrys, Toulouse

Time is up, on 22nd June 2019, the Picós phenomenon, Caribbean Colombian Coast sound systems, invades Toulouse at Mix’Art Myrys!

As a follow-up to the French ‘fête de la musique’, several Toulousian communities offer to bring you on board of an immersive trip through the popular urban culture of the Colombian coast.

1. EVENT OVERVIEW

Firstly, let me give you an event overview:

la maquina musical del Caribe (the musical Caribbean machine),

– the ‘Hasta Abajo’ exhibition from the photographer Leslie Moquin,

– the live graff painting with Latino Graff,

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– a music set compiled by DJ Galletas Calientes and local DJ No Breakfast. They are meeting for the first time on stage!

2. DJs PRESENTATION

Secondly, let’s talk about the tropical DJ Galletas Calientes (Colombia/France) coming directly from the Caribbean Colombian Coast for everyone’s delight!

►►Galletas Calientes Records label creator, he honours us as a DJ within the ‘Mas I Mas’ Parisian community since the middle of the 1990s. Techno/Drum and bass DJ at first, he is also currently interested in the traditional folk and electro music fusion…
Since he lives in Colombia, his music culture is enhanced with Latin and tropical rhythms. He collaborates with labels and artists at the forefront of the Colombian stage such as:

  • Systema Solar,
  • Meridian Brothers,
  • Palenque Records,
  • Sonidos Enraizados…

For this festival, he offers you a trip through frenzied rhythms around a set coming directly from the best Picós of the Colombian Caribbean Coast!

And with him, the unmissable and legendary local DJ No Breakfast we no longer introduce due to his reputation of vinyl’s digger and music nights entertainer in the pink town of Toulouse.

►► DJ No Breakfast offers us a wonderful Caribbean set on his vinyl collector discs.

3. PROGRAMME

Then let’s move on to a more detailed programme.

►► 7 pm:

  • Champeta’ dance entertainment by Anika. Champeta is a Caribbean Colombian Music of African influence. I’m afraid I do not have videos of this, as I came to the event at 9 pm. But I have filmed their music performance!
  • A fresco from a collaboration between Colombian artist Soma and a local artist Natsvit.
  • ‘Hasta Abajo!’ is a series of street posters at the image of the Picó nights announcers. They are produced by the photographer Leslie Moquin in partnership with Locombia Festival.

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►► 9 pm: The ‘Picó’ documentary: the Caribbean music machine. It is about the ‘Picó’ culture, sound system from the Colombian Caribbean coast.

It is worth noting the film is a finalist at the Sundance London Film and Music Festival 2019. This highly recommended film has been produced by Roberto de Zubiria and Sergio Zaraza.

►►10.30 pm: DJs sets start

Colombian Caribbean Festival

►►12 pm: Video Mapping by Felipe Vargas, the Caribbean Mapper:

4. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Thirdly, here is the overall programme of the main events:

  • 7-9 pm: Doors opening and Latino Graff Walls
  • 9 pm: Film screening
  • 10 pm: Champeta music
  • 10.30pm: DJ sets start
  • 12 pm: Video mapping.

Furthermore, please take note of the festival location:

Mix’Art Myrys, Rue Ferdinand Lasalle 43, Toulouse.

Also, what else to find?

  • refreshment and catering areas
  • market stalls of Colombian Caribbean souvenirs such as these dolls:

5. Organisers and partners

Finally, a big thank you to all the following partners who made this festival possible!

Groove festival at La Cartoucherie Exhibition Hall, Toulouse

First of all, are you ready for the most epic Groove  festival? I surely hope so!

After having played groove music in a good few cultural bars in Toulouse, the Groove Festival Box 2 #FeelingGrooveFestival invites the whole family and thinks big!

Groove music and arts festival

1. The location

Besides, the Groove Festival is organised at La Cartoucherie market building and exhibition hall, a now well-known third place by Toulousians.

La Cartoucherie

2. THE PROGRAMME

Then, you can find the following entertainment activities during the weekend of 22nd and 23rd june 2019 for only 5 Euros:

    • Roller disco (3 € for rollerskates rental)
    • 100% women hip-hop dance battles
    • Graffitis, Street art and painting exhibitions
    • Sculptures
    • Live painting
    • Live music.

3. STREET ARTS EXHIBITION WALLS

Additionally, for the occasion, exhibition walls Bullet Factory from ExpoCity by Cisart are visible all day long for free! This is one of the last occasions to admire the graff collective exhibition from 40 artists. They are present since November 2018 on more than 1000 squaremeters walls in the Cartoucherie exhibition hall.

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4. PHOTO EXHIBITION

Furthermore, there is also a photo exhibition unrelated to the festival called ‘Ce que je suis‘. It is also a collaborative project presented by inhabitants from Brax, Cugnaux, L’Union et Launaguet (towns surrounding Toulouse).

It is a reflection on our self-image/persona and how we would like to be seen by others. The project offers us two outlooks of the same person.

However, please note that I have only attended some of the Saturday sessions. So, let me go through that day programme and events I attended :

Groove music and arts festival

Groove music and arts festival

2pm : Roller Disco opening with ASTR Rollerdance Toulouse, Ekyoz, Ortz

2pm: Opening of arts exhibitions (not on walls) from Marion Neira-Faro, Massa Anthropo-Anima and sculptures workshops from the arts schools Le Maillet d’ébène and  L’ABCS Sculpture.

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3pm : Live music from WAB and the Funky Machine for the roller disco

4pm: Open Mic opening with Lapin Passion and the beatboxers from the beatboxing battle

6pm: Battle opening with Dax Santos MC

7.30pm: Rap and Beat Box Interlude with Dax Santos and Paolo.

5. PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS

Finally, within the scope of the eco-neighbourhood, car parking on the public highways is voluntarily restricted. But , an Indigo parking is located 200 meters from the exhibition hall.

In this respect, we strongly encourage you to come with Tisséo public transports, or your bike, scooter or skate to join us!

Tram Lines T1 & T2 – Arrêt Casselardit Stop
Bus Lines 45 and Linéo 2 – Casselardit Stop.

Pedestrian and bike access : avenue de Grande Bretagne, then Casselardit tram stop, then go to towards the Charpark alley and Thomas Dupuy street in direction to the market building. Access to Thomas Dupuy street (parking at 200m).

Diversity Festi’couleurs 2019: fashion, dance shows and dance battles

I attended on Saturday 30th March 2019 the festival Festi’ Couleurs at Exhibition Park in Toulouse, France.

There are two more events to come in May 2019!

Diversity Festi'couleurs 2019

1. About the festival and its organisers

Association Kirikou Evènements (A.K.E) organises every year Festi’ Couleurs, the diversity festival around spring in the Exhibitions Park from Toulouse.

Indeed, the events offer to the public a large range of people, cultural diversity in a friendly atmosphere and a sense of togetherness and sharing.

Furthermore, Festi’ Couleurs’ purpose is:

  • to highlight the rich cultural diversity of the region
  • to ensure the promotion of arts and unknown or underrepresented country cultures.

Besides, the festival allows collecting donations (school supplies, IT equipment, clothes, medicines…) for their various international solidarity actions.

2. Entertainment offered

Additionally, you can find at the festival:

  • Afrobeat dance battles
  • Artistic shows (dancing, singing, circus arts…)
  • Fashion shows
  • Entertainment (children shows)
  • Exhibition village (craftspeople, associations…)
  • African and Caribbean food.

A.K.E partnered with Canal+, Univers Voyages, Ramdam, Toulouse Library, Battle Afro, Occitanie Region.

3. Fashion Show

At first, I filmed one of the fashion shows, collection from Tout Mimi. She creates clothing and accessories’ lines for both men and women.

Diversity Festi'couleurs 2019

I hope you will enjoy this video:

4. Artistic dance performance

Then, I divided the Madagascan dance video performance into 3 parts. To view the second and third videos, click on the small arrow on the right-hand side of each video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzhwlwgUY8/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

5. Afrobeat dance battles

Finally, I recorded the Afro Battles qualifications. The dance winners of each category are qualified for the French final in Paris with the best European dancers. You can find snippets of them below.

  • Women battle

To view the second video, click on the small arrow on the right-hand side of the video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrhBLQA1Zb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Men battle
  • Dancing duet
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