Waltzes, period dresses and duels: why Russian ballroom dancing is experiencing a revival
Russian balls are the ultimate romantic’s dream, as elegant gentlemen with impeccable manners twirl ladies in hooped dresses round the ballrooms of stately homes to the strains of string orchestras. They are currently experiencing a surge in popularity in Russia: enthusiasts young and old are learning historical dances and dressing up in historically-correct glamorous party clothes.
To understand the appeal of balls in the age of night clubs, RTD correspondent James Brown goes to a dance studio and learns basic waltz steps from the best teachers. He then has to hit the floor running and wear the proper outfit at some of Moscow’s top historical dances. But when he gets an invitation to one of European society’s events of the year, will he be up to snuff?