Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Heana

I'm going to Russia on Monday and I am just packing my bag for and I was wondering, is there a specific dress code for the opera or ballet in Moscow and St. Petersburg?
I will be going to both next week and do not want to dress inappropriately! In London, I normally just wear smart trousers or a skirt with heels and a nice top, would this be alright?
I tried looking on the theater websites and guidebooks but they do not specify a dress code.

danbrew · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 3:10 am Post subject:

You'll be just fine with the same clothes that you would wear for the theatre in London or the US.

I asked the same question here a few years ago - with visions in my mind of bringing along a tux to look dapper at the Bolshoi. Or perhaps a nice suit. Everyone here assured me that smart clothes would be just fine. I brought a suit just in case.

Then the airline lost my bag. Then I arrived a day late to my vacation in Moscow. Ahhhhgggggrrrrr. Of course my tickets for the Nutcracker at the Bolshoi were for the night that I eventually arrived. I thought long and hard about not going. But I was really looking forward to it, so I went ahead (but was prepared do dash in shame if I got funny looks!).

My attire? A rag-tag sweater and a pair of beat up blue jeans. Let's not forget that I had been wearing those clothes for about 72 hours. I didn't even have time to go shopping in Moscow. All I had time to do was to go buy a new pair of shoes that were better suited to the snow & winter weather.

The caviar and champaign served in the foyer at intermission was just great. I probably would have fit it a bit more had I been dressed more appropriately, but I think folks were fairly forgiving. They probably thought that I was just some dumb American (actually, I am...). It was a wonderful performance.

Go, enjoy, have a wonderful time, and tell us all about it.

Smile

jo jo 7 · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 4:31 am Post subject:

Heana · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject: Thank you!

Thanks for your replies. I've packed some smart clothes so hopefully I won't stand out too much as a tourist!
I'm going to see the Turandot at the Mariinsky in St Petersburg and then La Fille Mal Gardee at the Stanislavsky in Moscow and hopefully they will both be amazing! I'm looking forward to them immensely.

I just heard that Russian women like to dress up when they go to the theatre so I didn't want to seem scruffy next to them!

jo jo 7 · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 5:07 pm Post subject: Re: Thank you!

Heana · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:02 pm Post subject: Any other sites I should see?

Jojo - I am indeed going to the Hermitage Museum, I'm looking forward to it!
Mr Spice, St Issac's Cathedral is also on my list of things to see. I heard of it's beauty from many people!

In St Petersburg I am planning to see: St Issac's Cathedral, Peter the Great's Log Cabin, Hare Island, Peter and Paul Fortress, Church of the Saviour of Spilt Blood, Hermitage Museum, Winter Palace, Museum of Political History, Pushkin Palace and Pavlosk Palace Gardens.

I am then taking the overnight train to Moscow and there I shall see: Cathedral of Christ Saviour, Red Square, St Basil's, GUM, Kremlin, Armoury Museum, Old Arabat Street and the Contemporary Russian History Museum.

It's going to be a very busy few weeks but there's so much to see and do! I really hope that all these sights will be amazing - is there anything else I should include or things to eat?
Any advice or tips would be very gratefully recieved.

Thanks.

Eugenia_Kempinsky · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject:

If, by chance, you have couple of extra hours and you like palaces I strongly recommend you to visit Yusupov palace in St.Pete – it is the estate of the family who was wealthier than even the Tsars. Try to visit not only the gala rooms but the private ones (so called ‘boudoirs’) as well. There is couple of very impressive rooms.
Think of the State Russian museum in St.Pete – you will see the complete history of the Russian art – from the icons to Avant-garde. Besides there is very nice temporary exhibition dedicated to Kuindgi – absolutely unique Russian artist.
Eat Russian food, try Russian blinies at TEREMOK and pies at STOLLE, and enjoy small cafes on Nevsky.

Have a pleasant trip!

Heana · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject: Thanks

Eugenia - thank you very much for your suggestion! I can't imagine the opulence in the house of a family richer than the Tsar, I'm sure I will be profoundly awestruck!

Leaving tomorrow morning, packing all done and very excited! Thanks for everyone's help! Very Happy