Hello everyone! My name is Kira Lebedeva, and I teach dance during the war. These have been challenging years in my life. First, there were two years of COVID, and now almost the third year of war. Despite these hardships, I remain hopeful for a brighter future.
As an artist, I experience both highs and lows. And with each passing year, I feel that my strength is beginning to wane. I feel like I can't teach for 10 hours as I did during COVID, or for 8 hours as I did during the war. I worked without days off. I was very passionate and wanted to make this world a better place. I rejoiced when my clients smiled. I enjoy making videos on YouTube. But lately, I feel less and less energy and inspiration. But I don't want to give up; I want to continue creating. That’s why I need your help more than ever.
I am very glad that I have the opportunity to tell you how we, the artists, live during the war. It’s not easy. But I believe so strongly that when the situation changes, and we can work in peacetime, we will see our clients happier, we will be able to travel without problems at the border, we will not be afraid of shelling, we will be able to live without the constant feeling of anxiety.
It’s hard to convey how difficult it is when you are teaching and hear an air raid siren, knowing there is danger somewhere, and you must remain strong. And now I feel ready to stop being strong, to tell you how we live, how we feel, and how much we sometimes need help, compassion, and just to be heard.