ROMANOV FAMILY: NEW YEAR’S BALLS
![Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra dressed as Alexei I and Maria Miloslavskaya, at the Winter Palace's last Imperial ball before the Russian revolution.](https://www.theromanovfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Alix_and_Nicky_in_Russian_dress.3-697x1024.jpg)
Thousands of guests were invited to the first imperial ball of the New Year. The balls usually took place in late January or early February at the Winter Palace. The first dance was the official polonaise, performed of course by the first couple of the nation – Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. After this initial ceremonial dance, the fun began consisting of mazurkas, polkas and waltzes.
The waiters walked around offering sweets like candies, ice cream and fruit, as well as soft drinks and champagne. Having danced for a couple of hours, the guests moved on to the banquet.
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