St. Valentine's Day Special. Romanovs & Ballerinas: Love, Scandal & Power

The Romanovs' fascination with ballet extended far beyond imperial patronage—many members of the dynasty formed intimate relationships with ballerinas and dancers, some of which led to scandal, cohabitation, and even marriage. While Nicholas II’s rumored affair with Mathilde Kschessinska is the most famous, it was by no means unique.

This lecture explores the lesser-known but equally intriguing romances between Romanov grand dukes and their ballet-star lovers. From Nicholas I, who established a tradition of imperial liaisons with ballerinas, to Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich’s long-term relationship with Anna Kuznetsova, and Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich’s tumultuous affair with Ekaterina Chislova, the dynasty’s connection to the stage was deeply personal. We will also discuss the scandalous case of Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich and his American dancer lover Fanny Lear, as well as Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich’s extravagant gifts to French dancer Élisa Baletta.

Finally, we will return to Mathilde Kschessinska, who, after her youthful affair with Nicholas II, became romantically involved with multiple Romanovs, ultimately marrying Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich in exile. Join us as we uncover the passionate and dramatic intersections of power, performance, and romance in the lives of the Russian imperial family.

Direct Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81497891014?pwd=z6wxzfA74dJd4hNVR98afJw2onPxa4.1

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