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Elton John

21 May

On May 21, 1979, in Leningrad, Elton John opened a series of concerts in the Soviet Union, becoming the first Western rock star ever to perform on the other side of the iron curtain.…

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Peter Carl Faberge

Peter Carl Faberge was a world famous master jeweler and head of the ‘House of Faberge’ in Imperial Russia in the waning days of the Russian Empire.

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Prominent Russians: Opera and ballet

Nina Ananiashvili Nina Ananiashvili Opera and ballet Georgian born ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, a People's Artist of both Russia and Georgia. Mikhail Baryshnikov Mikhail Baryshnikov Opera and ballet Mikhail Baryshnikov is one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century, who has also become one of the most widely recognizable contemporary performers. Yury Grigorovich Yury Grigorovich Opera and ballet Choreographer of major innovative Soviet ballets since the 1950’s, Yury Grigorovich headed the Bolshoi Theater Ballet for thirty years. Matilda Kshesinskaya Matilda Kshesinskaya Opera and ballet Matilda Kshesinskaya was lead ballet dancer of the classical Russian ballet school at the turn of the 20th century. Maris Liepa Maris Liepa Opera and ballet Maris Liepa was the principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and a man of principle. Ilse Liepa Ilse Liepa Opera and ballet Ilse holds the title of People’s Artist of Russia and among her awards is the “Golden Mask” national theater prize for best female ballerina. Ulyana Lopatkina Ulyana Lopatkina Opera and ballet Ulyana Lopatkina is a renowned ballet dancer and the prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg. Natalia Makarova Natalia Makarova Opera and ballet One of today’s leading choreographers, Natalia Makarova is known as the first female dancer who followed in the footsteps of Rudolf Nureev, fleeing the Soviet Union. Vatslav Nizhinsky Vatslav Nizhinsky Opera and ballet Vatslav Nizhinsky gave a new life to the art of male dance, which until his time was only needed to support the one and true star of ballet - the ballerina. Rudolph Nureyev Rudolph Nureyev Opera and ballet Rudolf Nureyev was a ballet dancer from the Soviet Union known throughout the world for his breathtakingly talented performances and fantastic commitment. Anna Pavlova Anna Pavlova Opera and ballet Anna Pavlova was one of the most famous classical ballet dancers in history and was a mystery both during her lifetime and after her death. Marius Petipa Marius Petipa Opera and ballet Marius Petipa was the inventor of modern classical ballet, who elevated Russian ballet to international acclaim and recognition.