Mathilde Kschessinska was an iconic prima ballerina of the Russian Imperial Ballet.

She was also the scandal of St. Petersburg. Let's spill the tea.

Born into a connected dance family, Little K first met the tsarevich (the future Nicholas II of Russia) when she was 18 and oh boy she was smitten kitten. The relationship ended before she would have liked when he married the future empress, Alexandra Feodrovna. But don't feel too bad for her. Mathilde wasn't lonely long.

In her life she saw Russia go through a tumultuous time and witnessed first hand the craziness that was the Russian Revolution in 1917. She was one of the lucky ones that got out, but what was life like after leaving her home?

Some sources:

• Matihilde's memoir online


• Unofficial royalty


• More on Mathilde's dad Felix

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