is Russia dangerous?

my dad went there on business but his company always gave him private cars with a driver and stayed in mansions etc... my bf parents know a lot of Russians but again only the very rich, that work in the government and lets just say they can do ANYTHING in that country and not get into trouble. this would be so easy to stay with them and get more than first class treatment all over town like my bf parents did when they visited. but we are not like this we want to visit the real Russia not just the rich Russia, but our parents wont let us go as they say its poor and very dangerous? i know is poor and can be dangerous but is it that dangerous that we shouldnt go? has anyone been and found it good? got into trouble etc? we are 20 and 22 (we can go of course without parents permision but if they say we shouldnt im sure theres a reason, they just want us to stay with people they know there and i want to go alone with my bf) advice?