Ballerina Ilmira Bagautdinova staged a performance on the frozen waters of Batareinaya Bay, St Petersburg, Russia, in a move to protest against a construction project at the natural habitat.
Bagautdinova, braving the freezing winter temperatures, danced to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, and posted her performance on social media in support of a local protest to save Batareinaya Bay from development. The popular beach is home to various species of migratory birds and plants. As reported by the Moscow Times, the Baltic Grain Terminal was set to build a 35 billion rubble ($470 million) production and logistics complex and grain terminal there by 2024.
Since the announcement, numerous locals and activists have supported a petition against this development to save the local beach. Bagautdinova’s symbolic yet powerful move has gathered attention towards the protest worldwide and is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Image Source: Facebook/Ilmira Bagautdinova