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Before the fall of the wall in 1989, every village in East Germany had its ballroom. Generations of villagers came to forget every weekend the harshness of everyday life by partying and dancing. The villages rivaled each other with a lot of decoration with their means, which were not all equal. After 1989, slowly, inexorably the rooms were deserted, forgotten, neglected, abandoned. During a trip to East Germany, I visited about thirty of these abandoned rooms. Access is not always easy. Forbidden in most cases. When you see the condition of some floors and ceilings you quickly understand why. Here, I present to you a selection of 10 of these rooms. If you listen well you may hear the party in full swing!

More info: francismeslet.com | Facebook | Instagram | flickr.com

#1

Blowing Into The Void

Blowing Into The Void

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Susan Stead
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so heartbreaking. I know they're expensive to repair and maintain, but I still can't comprehend just leaving these beautiful old things to just rot away.

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#2

Two Doors Cinema Show

Two Doors Cinema Show

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#5

Disaster Scenario

Disaster Scenario

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#6

The Great Escape

The Great Escape

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A place where imagination can replace tiredness for at least a little while.

#8

No Matter Which Door You Take

No Matter Which Door You Take

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#10

Last Reminder

Last Reminder

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#13

Blue Stairs

Blue Stairs

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You look, then notice, so old and yet so regal ,memories bringing color back into her cheeks as she stands straight and tall.

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#14

Concert In A Fragile Ground

Concert In A Fragile Ground

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tremendous loss, some people will never know the way it feels when you're behind the curttain and the audience loved t!

#15

Dance Of Death

Dance Of Death

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#17

Memories From A Ballroom Notebook

Memories From A Ballroom Notebook

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#19

Private Screening

Private Screening

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Koalamonster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's pretty impressive that the ceiling is all still together- though the discoloration means it probably won't be for long. Its too bad, the floor and ceiling in this one are so pretty.

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#20

Free Placement

Free Placement

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#21

Flower Power

Flower Power

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#22

Entrechats

Entrechats

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#23

In The Evening Of The Reunion

In The Evening Of The Reunion

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to be there on a summar night and dance with my husband to one last song.

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#24

On What Foot To Dance?

On What Foot To Dance?

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like you faced great danger when this picture was taken. I'm grateful you did before it was too late.

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