Love for Ukraine, But Life Moves Forward

Natalya loves her home — her beautiful Ukraine, now bravely recovering after years of devastation caused by Soviet Union. Her heart belongs to her homeland, to its strength, its resilience, its people.

But life doesn’t stop. Even when the world around you breaks, life finds a way to move forward. And so did Natalya.

A Letter That Changed Everything

While still in Ankara, Turkey, Natalya received life-changing news from her mother: A letter had arrived.

It was from Yevgeniya — a woman who had been like a second mother, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. They hadn’t seen or heard from each other in seven long years. Tears burst from Natalya’s eyes. It felt like a missing part of her soul was finally speaking again.

Yevgeniya had seen something special in Natalya long ago — that spark, that fire that craves to be seen, understood, and nurtured. And now, she was reaching out again.

The message was simple:"Come to Moscow. Let's find new opportunities together."

Natalya didn’t have a plan yet, but she knew — with Yevgeniya, they could create magic.

Returning Home, Then Stepping into the Unknown

Before leaping into the unknown, Natalya returned to Ukraine for four precious months to be with her family. Every moment was bittersweet, knowing she would soon leave again.

And then, with courage in her heart, she left for Moscow — the start of a new adventure.

Finding a New Passion at the Indian Embassy

In Moscow, a vibrant new world opened its arms.

Natalya discovered the School of Indian Classical Dance at the Indian Embassy, where she began studying Kathak, learning Hindi, playing the tabla, and performing with the students' group. She found her guru Ashwani Nigam, the best and only!

It was a beautiful, creative time — a chapter full of learning, self-expression, and deep joy.

Surviving and Thriving: The World of Bellydance in Moscow

Of course, survival meant finding real work, too.

Together with Yevgeniya, Natalya searched for dance opportunities — and they found a promising one at Shakherezada, a restaurant about to revive its bellydance shows.

Months later, she met Zhanatayeva Alla Kaplanovna, a respected Middle Eastern dance instructor and show manager. The meeting was brief but unforgettable: Alla watched Natalya dance, offered her a costume, and said:

"Start tonight!"

In just a few hours, Natalya learned the group's program and performed her first show at Shakherezada.She quickly became part of an incredible sisterhood — a group of talented, strong, supportive women who welcomed her as one of their own.

For years, they performed together every night, creating magic on stage and in life.

Rising to Leadership: Becoming a Show Manager

When Alla had to leave Moscow unexpectedly, the restaurant’s director came to Natalya with an offer:"Take over the show."

Suddenly, Natalya found herself not only performing but managing the entire dance program — working with Moscow’s top dancers, choreographing new pieces, and leading with the passion and excellence that had always burned within her.

It was a huge step. And she was ready.

Dreams Come True: The Journey to India

Amid all the success, another dream stirred to life.

Her new friends in Moscow invited her to join them on a New Year’s trip to India — visiting Delhi, Agra, Mumbai — to welcome the year 2000.

Natalya didn’t hesitate.And the moment she stepped onto Indian soil, she felt it deep in her bones — a connection she couldn’t explain.

The scent of the air, the vibrant colors of the earth, the saris, the buildings — it was as if she had returned to a forgotten motherland.

Visiting Taj Mahal, exploring Jaipur, walking along Juhu Beach — every experience was pure magic, forever etched in her heart.

Moscow: The Door to a New Life

Moscow wasn’t just a new city. It was the door that opened to a bigger world, a fuller life, deeper friendships, richer dreams — and a stronger, more radiant version of Natalya herself.

A true new beginning.