In the early 1920s, about two million of our compatriots found themselves in exile, and many of them lived remarkable lives abroad.

Olga Stepanovna Khokhlova was born on June 17, 1891, into a family of a colonel. She received an excellent education and from childhood showed outstanding abilities in choreography, especially becoming passionate about ballet, to which she dedicated all her time.

Thanks to her hard work and talent, Olga Stepanovna achieved success in her creative career. At 24, she joined Diaghilev's 'Russian Ballet' and went on her first foreign tour. Fame quickly caught up with the young and talented Russian ballerina. When unrest began in Russia in 1917, she decided to stay in Europe.

During this difficult time for Russia, Olga Stepanovna performed in many countries and on several continents. After one of her performances in Barcelona, she met her future husband, the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

Far from her homeland, Olga Stepanovna continued to pursue her beloved art, and in 1918, she found family happiness with the famous Spaniard. Initially, their marriage was happy, and soon they had a son. In the early years, nothing foreshadowed discord in their relationship.

However, in 1927, their family life began to crumble due to Picasso's long affair with a young model.

After their separation, Olga Stepanovna gave birth to a daughter from him. Picasso never granted her an official divorce, as he did not want to share his property. Khokhlova was a caring mother, surrounding her children with warmth and attention. They lacked nothing and loved their mother very much, who remained the meaning of their lives until the end of her days.

Olga Stepanovna lived for 63 years and passed away on February 11, 1955. She found her final resting place at the Grand Jas cemetery in Cannes, where many other Russian émigrés are buried.