Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zakharova Performs Kalinka Dance at Summit

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dances ?€?Kalinka?€™, one of the most well-known Russian folk songs, during a reception for journalists at the ASEAN in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, May 19, 2016. RIA Novosti / AP

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, took some time during the the Russia-ASEAN summit on Thursday to show off her dancing skills.

Wearing 15-centimeter high heels, Zakharova performed Russia’s traditional Kalinka dance at a reception for journalists.

The performance wasn't spontaneous. Earlier on Thursday Zakharova warned the journalists that she would perform the Russian traditional dance later that day.

“Despite the fact that we had worked hard all day, I couldn't resist it. I promised that if we had a chance at this reception, I would definitely dance. I had to keep my word. I do not regret it,” Zakharova told the Life television channel Thursday, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.

When asked how she managed to perform the dance in high heels, Zakharova replied that ?€?it?€™s a woman?€™s secret?€? and offered to ?€?give a master class.?€?

The summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is being held in Sochi on May 19-20. Ten South East Asian leaders have arrived in Sochi to discuss cooperation in the sphere of politics and security.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more