Natasha's Dance

Author Orlando Figes talked about his book Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia, published by Metropolitan Books. In his book Mr. Figes focused on Russia’s preoccupation with defining “Russianness.” He examined the Russian culture over the past 300 years by looking at the works of Tchaikovsky, Chagall, and Chekhov among others alongside the customs and beliefs of everyday Russian people. Mr. Figes showed how this group of very different people had managed to survive despite their own fearful history. Following his presentation, which included slides from the book, Mr. Figes responded to questions from members of the audience. close