Maryja Kovalenko
The music swelled around me as I stretched my arms, feeling the familiar pull and ache in my muscles. Ballet has been my life since I was a child, a pursuit my parents guided me into with a blend of love and high expectations. Now, at 21, I am a permanent member of the Belarus National Ballet ensemble in Minsk. It’s a dream realized, but one that comes with relentless discipline and an intimate acquaintance with pain.
The physical strain is my constant companion. My feet throb, my knees feel like rusty hinges, and my back protests with every bend and leap. The upcoming performance has us all on edge, rehearsing for hours until our bodies scream for mercy. Yet, the real challenge is managing the pain without letting it overshadow the passion that drives me.
Our young sports doctor, Alexej, has become a crucial part of my routine. His treatments are a lifeline, not just for the relief they bring but for the moments of solace in his presence. Alexej isn’t just skilled; he’s also strikingly handsome. Every visit to his office feels like a small escape from the grueling demands of ballet, a chance to breathe and feel cared for.
Lately, the pain has been more persistent, demanding more frequent visits. Or perhaps it’s my own desire drawing me to Alexej's clinic. When he’s around, the pain seems to recede, replaced by a fluttering excitement that has nothing to do with ballet.
There’s a spark between us, one that’s grown with each appointment. Last week, after a particularly intense session, Alexej asked if I’d like to meet outside the clinic. We’ve arranged to meet next week for an evening together, and I find myself more excited about this than our looming performance.
Ballet has always been my singular focus, my every waking thought dominated by the next rehearsal, the next performance. But now, there’s something else, someone else, who makes my heart leap in a way no pirouette ever could. The pain is still there, a constant reminder of the price I pay for my art. But so is the anticipation, the thrill of something new and unexpected.