'Daimohk', meaning 'ancestral land' in Chechen, is a dance group comprising 33 dancers (aged 8 to 18) and four musicians from Grozny, who together perform the traditional acrobatic dances and musical mantras of their homeland.
Daimohk was founded in 1998 by Ramzan Akhmadov - former star of the Chechen National Ballet and Celebrated Artist of the Russian Federation - and his wife Aiza, herself a dancer and choreographer. Ramzan saw dance as a way to give a generation of children surrounded by violence and aggression a positive creative focus and emotional self-expression. Growing up in a city afflicted by two wars in the last decade, many of the children of Grozny have no memories of peacetime.
All of the children live in one area of Grozny - an essential precondition for the demanding rehearsal schedule that Akhmadov conducts, considering the difficulties of moving around the city. Since the destruction of the group's dance hall, rehearsals have been taking place in a school gym to the accompaniment of hand claps, as the group's musicians have left the city to escape military activities.
Rehearsals combine classical dance technique with choreography based on elements of Chechen folklore and tradition. The product is a dynamic and varied programme, from athletic male dances with titles such as 'Chechen Character' and 'Fiery Spark', to graceful female arrangements ('Mountain Spring', 'Charm') embellished with song and instrumental arrangements that themselves are punctuated with dance moves.
Akhmadov imbues the child dancers with a consciousness of their role and responsibilities as ambassadors for a Chechen culture that is often overlooked abroad, with coverage of Chechnya focusing on the conflict with Russian troops. 
If you've seen Daimohk perform use the form below to tell us what you thought of their performance...
your comments
Pete Deadman, Hartland
If you get the chance you've got to see these dancers, they exhibit unbelievable skills and dances and their performances are a testament to the hard work put in by Ramzan Akhmadov and all those backstage making it possible. The children are all great characters and are always willing to talk - Khasan and Magomed and, if they are in your area, you've got to see how good they are!
Fri Jun 22 15:18:53 2007
Ayna1
I am a Chechen person and that is how every person in our religion dances. The daymohk is one of the popular dances in russia.... i love it,
Mon May 22 10:53:04 2006
Katie Snowball, England
I recommend anyone to go and see the group. They are truly amazing. The girls glide over the floor and the guys do the most amazing dance moves I have ever seen.
Wed Jun 29 22:43:45 2005
Hava from Norway
Daimohk is amazing! They have been here in Norway twice now, and they have promised to come this summer too. I can't wait, and believe me I am not the only one. Everybody loves them. The Daimohk is the best dancing group I've ever met. And the concerts they give to people are one of the greatest. I love you!
Mon Oct 25 15:13:09 2004
Selima Utsijeva from Denmark
In Denmark I went to see Daimohk in the rain outside where they only showed half of the programme but I loved the concert, it blew me away. All of the children were very friendly.
Thu Sep 2 14:46:31 2004
Lorraine, Ystalafera
Our thanks to everyone who made Daimohk feel so welcome at the International Eisteddfod. If you would like any more information about the group please look at www.daimohk.org.uk.
Sun Jul 11 15:08:24 2004
Karen Phillips, Wrexham
I visited the Hand Hotel in Llangollen on Tuesday night and was delighted with the entertainment there. The Chechnian children were delighful and friendly, (and such delightful laughter from the youngest girl, and vibrant, strong dancing from the boys) The girls showed us some dance movements, especially the graceful hand movements and showed enormous patience with me in teaching the movements to me. I feel privileged to have met them and wish I had had the opportunity to have seen them perform.
Thu Jul 8 17:44:39 2004
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