This video is of Ms. Kseniya Simonova, a Sand Artist who hails from Ukraine. She created a magnificent portrayal of life in the USSR during the Great Patriotic War against the Third Reich during the Second World War.  Did I mention that she did this using SAND?  Yes, you heard me correctly.  She is drawing in sand that is in a light box while it is being projected onto a screen behind her.

This video has been seen by more than 7.5 million viewers worldwide via YouTube.  Ms. Simonova won the 2009 “Ukraine’s Got Talent” competition with this incredible artistic creation. While I would normally not argue that these pop culture “talent” shows are commonly suggested tools for international educators, this one clearly breaks from the pack of the “reality television” fodder.  This video would enhance learning about this region of the world as well as increase the creativity in doing so. I can easily see it being used in history classes and pre-departure orientations and students would be particularly engaged by the unique approach to learning about the subject.

Grab your tissues, you will need it for this moving presentation by Ms. Simonova.