1991 — Dance College Journey: The Next Step

Leaving the group Lotus (группу «Лотос») — Kurbanov's family (семью Курбановых) — was not easy.They had become an important part of Natalya’s life, a true family in every sense. But deep inside, she knew it was time to continue her journey — to study, to pursue her professional education, and perhaps one day return with new experiences and fresh inspiration.

She had no idea it would be seven long years before their paths would cross again.

Yet, through all the changes and challenges of those years, one dream continued to warm her heart: to one day witness the magic of India. This chapter follows Natalya’s dance college journey, where discipline and training shaped her future as a professional dancer.

Nizhyn College of Culture 1991-1994

Before she could set foot in India, Natalya’s path led her through college and a few more dance contracts.She enrolled at Nizhyn College of Culture (Ніжинське училище культури),where dance wasn’t just a passion—it was a discipline.There, she studied choreography, dance history, ballet, Ukrainian folk,neighboring countries’ folk styles, and ballroom.Three years of intense training.She used to call it her “military school”—strict, exhausting, but unforgettable.And through it all, no matter how many steps she mastered,one rhythm stayed closest to her heart: Indian dance.She held on to that love quietly, patiently—knowing the time would come.And it would.To be continued…#NaliniDance #DanceJourney #NizhynCollege #FolkToFilm #BollywoodInHerBones #IndianDanceDream

Nizhyn College of Culture 1991-1994

On Nizhyn’s city square, college students bring Ukrainian folk dance to life during the city festivities.

Natalya and Anna bring Ukrainian dance and culture to life at a daycare — dancing with the children, playing games, and sharing folk stories.

Наталя і Анна представляють програму про український танець та культуру в дитячому садку — разом з дітьми танцюють, грають та розповідають історії.

Once a year, on City Day, all the college choreographers march in an organized formation, playing rhythms on large drums, followed by the student orchestra. It was an honor to be part of this ceremony!

Раз на рік, в День міста, всі хореографи коледжу йдуть організованою колоною, граючи ритми на великих барабанах, за ними слідує студентський оркестр. Було честю бути частиною цієї церемонії!

College Stage, 1992 — Indian Classical Dance in Full Grace

It was a different kind of activity than performing on stage, but the choreographers marched with such grace!

Це було зовсім інше заняття, не таке, як виступати на сцені, але хореографи йшли з такою грацією!