Folklore shows in St Petersburg?
 

We are taking a 2 day tour in St Petesburg with Red October in July. The 9-20 hour days don't leave time for the folkloric shows offered by the cruise line (or by Red October for that matter)- unless we want to go non-stop for 16 hours. Should we fit in in? How important is it to see? Thanks, [email protected]

We did one of those (part of the package) when we went to St Pet the first time (back in the days when you had to do a tour). It was a major yawn. After the second dance they all start to look alike. (IMHO, this is not a function of Russian shows, found the same thing at several others I have seen including the Ballet Folklorico of Mexico).

If you're only going to be there 2 days I would spend as many hours as you can. But do yourselves a favor and see the Kirov instead.

I agree, after the maybe third dance you may start edging towards the door. Yes, Kirov instead. You will love St. Petersburg though, it is really something.

If it's anything like the one I saw (arranged through an agency not a cruise) don't even consider it. Total waste of time - and I have seen folk dance displays I found worthwhile (notably in Budapest).

To me the only folkdance shows that are worthwhile are the authentic ones. That is, not shows for tourists in a theater with an "official" company of dancers - but local groups in smaller towns actually taking part in some local festival. We've seen several of those - in Germany and Austria - some dancing and some local bands - and they were a lot of fun.

But spending major dollars to see a boring theatrical performance in a theater - really just go to the Kirov box office and get tickets yourself. The price is way less, it's a world class company and you even get programs in English (I think from an ancient mimeograph machine).

alb:


The only suggestion I can add is:

If the Georgian National Dance Troupe is performing anywhere in St. Pete...go! It is 180-degrees different than any typical Russian folk dancing show..unlike anything I've ever seen in that part of the world. Breathtaking!

Stu T.

If you want to see some folk style show and not spend too much time – have a dinner at the restaurant ‘Demidov’ – very good Russian food and evening show – gypsy’s songs. It lasts for about one hour and you are not charged extra for it. Besides the restaurant is located in the beautiful area – on the bank of Fontanka River so you will enjoy walking around.


Enjoy your trip!

Eugenia, Thank you!!!-We looked at the web site fot the Demidov, looks great! Do you know what time(s) the dinner show is at the restaurant ‘Demidov’ . Do we need to make a reservation? We want to go to the dinner show on a friday evening 23 May. Thanks...

I suggest boking a table for 7.
30pm. The show starts at 8.00 so you will have enough time to read the menu and place the order. Important thing is to call the restaurant in advance - Friday evening can be busy.


have a great trip!

Eugenia, Thank you!!!