Dwight and I have never been known for packing light. We just finished packing and we together are just under the allotted 200 pounds of checked luggage. So what weather did we pack for:
St. Petersburg, Russia 60 degrees F in June, with nights at 52 Degrees and days at 68 degrees. It also rains 16 out of 30 days.
Moscow is slightly warmer and averages 64 degrees F in June, 72 high of the day, and nights at 55 degrees. It rains 12 days out of 30.
Muscovites in their forties are polished European dressers, and most dress codes at nice restaurants and clubs require upscale dressing and “no sports shoes.” There is quite a snobbery of sorts concerning sports shoes, and frequently you will see “no sports shoes” allowed. This directive seems almost directed at the tendency of American travelers to wear tennis shoes at every available opportunity. I saw no Russian in sport’s shoes or tennis shoes, but I would assume the Muscovite would wear sports shoes in the gym, although I did not actually visit a gym and I never saw one in our upscale hotel. I, however, didn’t search for the gym because every day was quite athletic without the gym—walking, dancing….
Polished Muscovites are into name branded shoes and purses. At the Bolshoi, I noted the lady sitting next to me carried a Channel Bag and wore the traditional Channel flat shoe, the one with the cap toe. I noticed all around me Valentino and Dior. It is easy to spot Valentino because of the studded detail and Dior because of the D. I believed they were authentically dressed, and these did not appear to be “knockoffs.” I also saw no stores or street vendors selling knock-offs. I don’t recall seeing Tory Burch or Kors in these groups, but Kors signs were everywhere.
Let’s face it; dressing in name brands is extremely expensive, so I feel these Muscovites were sending the message that they have arrived and are successful financially. Let’s turn a bit to the fashion of those not so middle aged and not yet established.
Our beloved choreographer, Taliat Tarsinov, who is sought after worldwide, is Stellar Duo’s artistic director. His career in dance in 1974, turned professional in ’88, and began choreographing after his retirement in ‘95. Tarsinov has chosen Mystery of Masquerade as our theme.
This theme has quite the history lesson. It dates back to the Roman Catholic’s Pre-Lent Festival, known as Mardi Gras. For the 1700 and 1800’s the only people in attendance to these festivals and galas were the rich social elites. Although, in the 21st century all are welcome to these gatherings, the secrecy of who lies under the mask is still part of the excitement. The mask’s origin is however, the premise of being unknown, being equal, dancing and living without judgement. The masks’ will set you free and let you create your own identity; let you reestablish yourself. It allows you to let go, become unified, and live without fear- or judgement.
THIS DANCE IS GOING TO BE VERY POWERFUL. IT TELLS A STORY OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMEN WHO HAS A CHANCE MEETING WITH A RUSSIAN OFFICER. WHEN IT STARTS, I AM VERY TIMID AND DON’T REALLY WANT TO GET TO KNOW THE OFFICER, BECAUSE I AM ALREADY IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE.BY THE END I RUN AWAY BECAUSE THE OFFICER TOOK OFF MY MASK AND EXPOSED ME TO THE WORLD.
Ask Carolyn