Vitebsk woman Svetlana Levina at 63 is engaged in dancing, drawing and participates in beauty contests

Participation in beauty contests, fascination with dancing, drawing, social activities and volunteering - with the retirement of the life of Vitebsk woman Svetlana Levina played with new colors. A former civil engineer, economist after 50 years engaged in what dreamed of since childhood.

It all began with the “Golden Age”: she joined the ranks of the city public association to fill her free time in retirement with something – now the 63-year-old Vitebsk woman has everything painted for a week ahead. In the first place - dancing, says Svetlana:

- Although I have a mathematical mindset, engineering and economics education, but dance was a pipe dream for me. In the "Golden Age" engaged in sports activities, once offered to try Zumba, they say, the same gymnastics, only to music. Gradually, a dance group was formed, which is now recognizable in the city.

She took a video course on the Internet, took a few lessons offline, since then the self-taught choreographer on a volunteer basis shares her experience with other women of an elegant age, leads the dance team "LINIYADANS", performs at various competitions, teaches beginners.

In the parquet hall of the Vitebsk Center of Culture there are women of different professions aged 50+. The oldest dancer is under 80. Svetlana here is a choreographer, and a director, and a costume designer. Such multitasking is invigorating physically and mentally. I wonder what helps keep in shape. As a person who has mastered a variety of activities, she answers:

- Now all my gymnastics is in dancing. (Smiling.) I still walk a lot and visit the bath once a week.

Volunteering, communication with people are always energy-consuming, Svetlana fills this balance in drawing - visits a circle at the Territorial Center for Social Services of the Population of the October District:

- This is where I reboot. Mixing colors, studying the composition, palette, just relaxing. By the way, as our teacher, I’m a volunteer like myself who just shares what I love. In general, today for pensioners a lot of free clubs, opportunities to do something new. You don't get bored in retirement.

Another important source of strength and inspiration for Svetlana is family. Formerly a husband who will always give a shoulder during a difficult period, then more children, and now four grandchildren, for whom she is not just a grandmother, but a grandmother with the prefix “super”. Vitebchanka took second place in the final of the republican competition “Supergrandmother”. A little earlier won the title of “Grand-Mrs.” in the contest “Vitebsk beauty”.

Participation in these competitions gave Svetlana new knowledge of etiquette, stage skills, fashion show, posing for photos. After all, it is never too late to learn and improve, the interlocutor assures. He adds modestly:

- It was an unexpected experience for me. I never considered myself beautiful. I think the beauty comes from within. I just love life and people.

ryzhkova@sb.by