Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia
Natasha’s Dance offers a captivating exploration of Russia’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of its dance traditions. This insightful book combines history, art, and social context to deepen your understanding of Russian identity and artistic expression. A must-read for culture enthusiasts and scholars.
History on a grand scale–an enchanting masterpiece that explores the making of one of the world’s most vibrant civilizations
A People’s Tragedy, wrote Eric Hobsbawm, did “more to help us understand the Russian Revolution than any other book I know.” Now, in Natasha’s Dance, internationally renowned historian Orlando Figes does the same for Russian culture, summoning the myriad elements that formed a nation and held it together.
Beginning in the eighteenth century with the building of St. Petersburg–a “window on the West”–and culminating with the challenges posed to Russian identity by the Soviet regime, Figes examines how writers, artists, and musicians grappled with the idea of Russia itself–its character, spiritual essence, and destiny. He skillfully interweaves the great works–by Dostoevsky, Stravinsky, and Chagall–with folk embroidery, peasant songs, religious icons, and all the customs of daily life, from food and drink to bathing habits to beliefs about the spirit world. Figes’s characters range high and low: the revered Tolstoy, who left his deathbed to search for the Kingdom of God, as well as the serf girl Praskovya, who became Russian opera’s first superstar and shocked society by becoming her owner’s wife.
Like the European-schooled countess Natasha performing an impromptu folk dance in Tolstoy’s War and Peace, the spirit of “Russianness” is revealed by Figes as rich and uplifting, complex and contradictory–a powerful force that unified a vast country and proved more lasting than any Russian ruler or state.
Read more
Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia offers an insightful and richly detailed exploration of the vast and complex cultural landscape of Russia. This book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Russian identity through its art, literature, music, dance, and everyday customs, weaving together historical context and cultural nuance in a way that is both engaging and accessible. It is an essential companion for anyone interested in deepening their appreciation of Russia’s unique heritage and the forces that have shaped its national character. The narrative guides readers through the intricate tapestry of Russian culture, examining how traditional practices coexist with modern influences and how historical events have left indelible marks on the cultural psyche. By blending scholarly research with vivid storytelling, this book transforms the experience of learning about Russia into an immersive journey, making it invaluable for students, historians, or cultural enthusiasts alike. Incorporating Natasha’s Dance into your reading collection enriches your everyday life by opening a window into a world of artistic expression and social history that continues to resonate today. It invites reflection on the power of culture as a living, breathing entity and encourages readers to see Russia beyond stereotypes, appreciating its depth and diversity. Whether used as a reference or enjoyed as a captivating narrative, this book stands out as a thoughtful and authoritative resource for understanding one of the world’s most enigmatic cultures.
Related Products
The Art Of The Lord Of The Rings By J.r.r. Tolkien
Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal To Share His Life & His Love (Hear Your Story Books)
National Gallery of Art 12-Month 2025 Planner Calendar
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir
There’s Treasure Inside
Cher: Part One: The Memoir: Part One of a Two-Part Memoir from the Iconic Artist and Actor (The Cher Memoir, 1)
Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350
Sonny Boy: A Memoir
Man’s Search for Meaning
