The most outstanding
feature of the ball is that it closely follows past
events, both in its atmosphere and its scenario,
which present-day historians have painstakingly
revived.
Some innovations have been made to the ceremony in keeping with modern technology.
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Arriving
Comfortable coaches have replaced gilt carriages,
though guests are still welcomed by a brass band
and uniformed hussars carrying torches. The guests
walk up to the main entrance on a thick carpet and
the palace is again aglow with lights. |
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Welcome Cocktail
After entering the Palace the guests are invited for the Welcome Cocktail in the Stasov Room.
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Royal welcome
Inside the Palace Tsar and Queen provide a lavish welcome
traditionally reserved for royalty.
The procession follows through the suite of beautiful baroque rooms. |
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Entering The Palace
Upon mounting the marble stairway, the guests pass
through silken rooms and polished halls to admire
the elegant palace interiors. Magnificent rooms
stretch in a sumptuous line to form one uninterrupted
suite of apartments. |
Music and Ballet
The interior is animated by enchanting flute music
and ballet dancers performing duets to the sounds
of a harpsichord. |
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Amber Room
The splendid effect of this passageway prepares
the guests for one of the main treasures of the
palace - the mysterious amber room. Its exquisite refinement leaves no one indifferent.
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Imperial Dinner
French chefs always managed Imperial cuisine in
Russia. And once again, the prestigious French catering
company Potel & Chabot is in charge. Dinner
starts with the finest of Russian delicacies - black
caviar, a delight to satisfy the most discerning
gourmets.
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Folklore Dancing
The extravaganza continues with Russian folklore
and Cossack shows. Fiery dancers and ethnic songs
enhance the impression of a magical night |
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The Magic of Russian Ballet
This magnificent celebration of Russian winter would not be complete without
the magic of Russian ballet. Excerpts from operas
and ballets are performed by soloists of the famous
theatres and opera houses of St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg boasts many world class orchestras and one of the finest orchestras plays throughout the dinner. |
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Ball Dancing
Dances are the most exciting part of any ball. Couples
move graciously to the strains of Strauss's waltzes
in golden interiors shimmering in candle light.
All this makes one feel as if one has stepped into
a fairytale. |
Take this amazing opportunity to spend New Year's Eve in a Real Palace!
Visit the Tsar's Ball New Year's Eve December 31, 2005
in Catherine's Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
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