Memoirs

Matilda Kshesinskaya passed away in 1971, at the age of 99. The stunning and unmatched ballerina outlived her country, her ballet, her husband, friends, and enemies. This woman had no age. At 64, she performed on the stage of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden her legendary "Russian" ballet, and at 86, she wrote her famous memoirs. With her, an era ended: people gathered by her coffin to bid farewell to the brilliant and frivolous St. Petersburg elite, of which she had once been an ornament. A friend of the heir to the Russian throne, the permanent hostess of the Imperial Ballet, Matilda Kshesinskaya achieved everything she desired: she became the lawful wife of one of the grand dukes and transformed into the illustrious Princess Romanova-Krasinskaya. The famous ballerina maintained her dignity and reputation throughout her life, smiling as she stepped over public opinion in the most incredible situations. That is why the fate of this incredible woman continues to attract attention to this day.