Ballet is to Russia what red buses are to London. The art in Russia was developed and refined in St Petersburg and then in Moscow. Two of the greatest ballet companies in the world are Russian: the St Petersburg based Mariinsky (Kirov) ballet company and the Bolshoi ballet company in Moscow. The dancers at these companies are almost exclusively Russian and are drawn from the world’s premier dance schools in Moscow (State Moscow Academy of Choreography), St Petersburg (Vaganova Academy) and Perm (Perm State …More

As the world’s greatest street festival, Rio de Janeiro’s pre-Lenten “Carnaval” absolutely must be personally experienced by every dedicated traveler at least once in a lifetime. This late February party has been elevated to the pinnacle of sybaritic pleasure by Rio residents creating a spectacle of pageantry and celebration unmatched anywhere on the planet. From roving bands and costumed revelers throughout the streets inviting you to samba along behind them to the breathtaking Samba …More

  As an art form, flamenco is as uniquely Spanish as the controversial art of bullfighting; only neither animals nor matadors are hurt in this production. With its roots in Andalucía, the passionate art of flamenco arose from the gypsies in Southern Spain—from the caves of Granada to the cellars of Seville. However, the Spanish capital of Madrid is the central hub and melting pot of the country’s culture, so you’ll find flamenco is alive and tapping in the bars and …More

Moscow, if truth be told, is not necessarily the only city in Russia for those interested in dancing the night away. While the vodka flows in as generous measures as in other Russian cities, the prices in the capital are much higher than those in the second city and clubbers also have to contend with ‘face-control.’ For the uninitiated, face-control is exactly that—if they don’t like the look of you, you don’t get in. Often the decision on whether you make it past the door into the …More

If you only had one day to explore Rio by night, your best choice of venue would be Rio Scenarum. This converted warehouse, which is the size of about four buildings, is located in the rough and trendy part of the Lapa district. It is a bar, club and concert venue all wrapped into one towering package. Bicycles, theatrical props, antiques and any number of sundry items hang from the walls above large tables that line the balconies of this diverse venue. Each floor encircles a hollow center and this layout allows …More

Whatever you're looking for on your night out in London, there's almost guaranteed to be an offering, many times, several offerings. The options are as varied as the city itself. London is a huge, diverse, thriving city with a night scene to match. Take it from us: whatever you are, you won't be bored.  Fabric, known as London's original super club, is still one of the hottest night clubs to visit in London. You'll find an eclectic mix of music offerings, with Friday nights usually dedicated to hip-hop or …More