She’s Living on the Border

Summary

Sav Map writes about using her limited free time to engage in Slavic folkloric dance classes, which have been influenced by the war in Ukraine, leading her community to support her dance teacher's niece in her efforts to rescue and care for abandoned animals in the region.

Abstract

Sav Map, a caretaker for her husband, finds solace in her Slavic folkloric dance classes twice a week. The classes, originally labeled as "Russian," have been rebranded to acknowledge a broader Slavic context, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Her dance instructor Gulya, originally from Belarus, is deeply affected by the war, with a niece living in Ukraine. The niece is using funds raised by the dance class to aid animals impacted by the war. Sav Map reflects on the generosity of people in tough circumstances, citing an example of a judge who was compassionate towards a homeless man for sharing with an animal. The story underscores the global need to support those who are doing good, like Gulya's niece, amidst challenging times.

Opinions

The author has shifted from referring to the dance class as "Russian" to "Slavic" to avoid crediting Russian culture exclusively, especially given the current political climate.
Gulya, the dance instructor, is personally affected by the war, with her emotional response indicating a deep sense of concern for her family and cultural heritage.
The dance class community has shown solidarity with those affected by the war by raising funds to support Gulya's niece's efforts in animal rescue.
The author implies that acts of kindness, such as sharing with animals in need, are indicative of good character, as reflected in the judge's sentiment.
There is an underlying call to action for global support towards individuals like Gulya's niece, who are making a positive impact in difficult situations.

Of Ukraine and Russia, helping animals

I have two guaranteed respites a week from caretaking of my husband right now, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for an hour or so.

Great people come into the house to help out so I can go out.

I use that time to attend a class of Slavic folkloric dances I’ve dedicated myself to since 2014 when Gulya, the teacher, showed up at our gym. Gulya is from Belarus, originally.

A few months ago I would have described the class as “Russian folkloric dances” but I don’t want to give that culture all the credit for dances. It seems to be full of itself right about now, from the outside looking in.

Everyone asks Gulya about the current war in Ukraine, about her family back in Belarus. She has a niece living in Ukraine, on the part of the border not vulnerable, at the moment anyway. But of course, she’s worried about her niece.

Gulya watches the news and cries every night, she said. She taught us a traditional dance from Ukraine and struggled to smile. Her playlists have changed. No more Russian lyrics.

We took up a collection for her niece, who is a dedicated animal lover. Gulya sent her our donation and received photos on her phone of how her niece is using the money: to feed and rescue the pets and farm animals that have been abandoned.

Once I heard a judge in a U.S. court say that she had been lenient to the homeless person she saw outside the court everyday because she saw him share his food with an abandoned dog.

“It takes a lot to share with an animal when you have nothing,” said the Judge.

There are good people all over the world who need support. Right about now.

She’s Living on the Border

Of Ukraine and Russia, helping animals

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