By Dancer Ilmira Bagautdinova traded one of Russia’s most prestigious stages for the frozen waters of the Gulf of Finland in an artful protest against a construction project locals say threatens a unique natural habitat.
Braving freezing temperatures in her pointe shoes and white tutu, Bagautdinova filmed herself as she performed arabesques and plies on the frozen waters of Batareinaya Bay after she read reports there were plans to build a grain silo at the site.
The Mariinsky Theatre dancer posted the video online, adding music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake in a nod to the swans that live in the area about 50 km (30 miles) west of St. Petersburg.
