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LIFESTYLE
GETTING INVOLVED
Text by ALIX RASSELL
Photography by LALA LA PHOTO
z t l a w s n a i s s Ru y t i r a h c r o f rous nights of the year, One of the most glamoll takes place in the the Russian Charity Ba stigious Cercle Cité. grand ballroom of the pre
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ince its foundation the Russian Club of Luxembourg has established a broad range of related non-profit organisations aimed at promoting Russian culture and strengthening ties with the Grand Duchy. One of its main spin-offs, the Russian Charity Ball is an annual highlight. The sixth ball takes place on 14 January 2017, at the Cercle Cité Luxembourg. “The first Russian ball took place in 2011,” says Nadejda Muller, president of the Russian Charity Ball in Luxembourg. Originally from Siberia, Muller speaks five languages, including Luxembourgish, and has lived in Luxembourg for 16 years. “I think it is so successful because it is a glamorous event, rich with Russian culture and warmth. People come back year after year for the experience.” For many Russians living in Luxembourg the event coincides with the Russian Orthodox celebration of Christmas as well as the Christian Epiphany celebrations, making it accessible to all denominations. “Whilst many attendees are Russian,” adds Muller, “we also have Luxembourgers, Europeans and other nationalities attending. In fact, it was similar balls that take place in Vienna, London, Monaco and across the globe that inspired us. There is always something for everyone!” The menu is typically Russian and includes specialties such as karavai (a sweet, aromatic bread traditionally served at festivities), caviar and gelée de vodka, as well as smoked trout and lobster. Alongside the opulent feast, there will be a variety of entertainment including a fashion show, performances from the Russian harpist Anastasia Sergeeva and Chic Planet Orchestra with Tatiana Reshetnikova. “The dancing is always a highlight of the evening for me,” says Muller. Winter 2017
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BALL: WWW.BALL.RUSSKI.LU
“The atmosphere is very amicable as our guests have known each other for many years, they really enjoy the event.” In addition to providing an evening of entertainment and cultural exchange, the ball also supports two important children’s charities, SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde and Podsolnuh. Through SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde, the ball supports a facility in Pskov, and a project in the Ukraine called Tomolino. The Podsolnuh (sunflower) Foundation purchases medicines for children suffering from primary immunodeficiency. This is a rare disease that causes the development of severe chronic infections and the inflammation of organs and tissues. “Without treatment, children with PI can become terminally ill particularly as a direct result of infectious complications,” explains Muller. Over the last five years, €230,000 has been raised to support these charities. Tickets to the ball are not freely available to the public but via the balls’ sponsors, partners and previous attendees. For details, contact ball@russki.lu.
RUSSIANS IN THE GRAND DUCHY Around 3,000 Russian nationals currently live in Luxembourg. 2016 was the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Luxembourg and Russia. There is a Russian primary school in Luxembourg called Kalinka for children aged 3 to 12. www.kalinka.lu
The Russian Club of Luxembourg was founded in 2009. www.club.russki.lu
Deputy prime minister Étienne Schneider is a regular guest at the ball. Even if you cannot attend the ball, donations to the charities supported by the ball can be made via the organisation’s website.
Since 2008, Russia has had a stand at the Bazar International. www.bazar-international.lu/ bazaar-stands/russia