2 3 Throwback Thursday and Catherine Chislova | Ballet Webb

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Throwback Thursday and Catherine Chislova



Throwback Thursday and Catherine Chislova

Catherine Gavrilovna Chislova was born on September 21 1846. She became a dancer with the Imperial Ballet, often partnered by Felix Kschessinsky.

But her greatest fame came from her relationship with Grand Duke Nicolas Nikolaevich. In the 1860s the Duke fell in love with Chislova and their affair caused a scandal, because he was already married. Nevertheless, he set up a house for Chislova directly across from his palace and when Chislova wanted him to visit she would light two candles and place them in the window.

She gave up her dance career for him, and in 1868 the first of their five children was born. When the Duke’s wife moved to a convent in 1881, he arranged for Chislova to have a change in her class status so the children would be granted the surname Nikolaiev. Sadly, the couple was never able to marry since Chislova died unexpectedly on December 13, 1889.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Dance History Secret #322:
“Catherine Chislova was a Russian ballet dancer.”

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Quote of the Day:
“Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant filled with odd little waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like.”
― Lemony Snicket

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