Beauty in the Life by Zlata Karbovska

The lights come on.

Viewers are impatiently waiting for one of the most popular shows of this winter. The tickets were sold out in just one day, despite the very high prices. And it is fully justified: the music, dancing, play, interior, location, actors — everything is flawless.

To make these two miraculous hours on stage come true, preparations took six months in total. Seamstresses made costumes for each person individually — not only measurements mattered, but the whole personality: the colour of your eyes, skin tone, hair colour, the way you talk or smile, even the way you walk.

To create these beautiful stage decorations, a contest was held at the University of Design. The winner would receive a scholarship for the remaining years of their studies.

As for us, the ballet dancers, we were taken to an old, grand building that once served as a home for both living and dancing, so we could naturally convey the feeling of an old-time dance. In summary, the beauty and effort were all in the details — and that definitely added pressure on us as actors.

— Everyone, get ready. Six minutes left.

I stood behind the curtains in a spot where I could see the audience, but they couldn't see me. I was trying to find one person who probably worries about me even more than I do myself. Oh, there she is — my mom! She’s smiling warmly, listening to my dad, yet I can see a slight look of concern on her face. For some reason, that helps. It calms me down.

— Four minutes left — I hear our director say.

I close my eyes and go back fifteen years. I feel warm sun rays on my nose. My loving cat, Snowy, is softly purring next to me. I hear beautiful piano music coming from upstairs, played by someone who’s done it many, many times. The music is pure — like honey to the ears. It’s played by the kindest person I’ve ever known: my mum.

Snowy raises his head. A barely audible knock sounds at my door. My dad slowly opens it. He sees I’m awake. I smile in response.

— Morning, angel! Yesterday, your mum and I had an idea — to go horseback riding today. Do you w—

— Sure! — I answered before Dad could finish.

He closed the door. I got up and went to the window. “So lucky,” I thought.

I was a little child then, but I still felt that I had a loving, supportive family. Hardworking parents who had achieved so much, yet remained grounded and kind. They were my role models.

They taught me the most precious things: to see beauty in everything, to share it with others, and to work hard — because it would pay off. And so I did. I entered the ballet academy when I was 17. Now, at 21, I have the lead role in the play everyone wants to see.

I hear the countdown. I count simultaneously.

— Three, two, one.

I open my eyes. I am ready.