The Main Snow Maiden of the Country
“Tell me, Snow Maiden, where have you been? Tell me, dear, how are you?” - each of the modern Lady Snow would answer these questions from a famous children's song with an interesting story. Our guest today is no exception – perhaps the most famous Snow Maiden in Kyrgyzstan. The incredibly charming and talented actress Galina Ketova.
- Galina, tell me, is it difficult to play the role of the Snow Maiden?
- To be honest, despite the challenges, I really love being the Snow Maiden. Just imagine, throughout the entire evening, you must fully embody the fairy-tale character. The Snow Maiden must radiate kindness and magic, which are so lacking not only for children but also for adults. You must never raise your voice or say anything rude or unkind, even if the children start to misbehave. Otherwise, the little ones will simply stop believing in the fairy tale.
- What do you remember about your first performance in this magical role?
- It so happened that this performance took place at school. Santa Claus was played by one of the parents, and among the children was my little sister. It ended in embarrassment because, according to the script, I was supposed to approach my relative, and she was to recite a memorized poem. But my sister, upon recognizing me, simply said, “Get away from me!” I was trying to pull her to the center, and she was resisting. I think it looked funny from the outside. My real initiation happened when I once lost my Santa Claus. He simply fell asleep off to the side. Now it brings a smile, but at that time, I wasn't laughing at all.
- Galina, you are a regular participant in the Santa Claus parades, right?
- That's right, for many years now, I have been leading the march with Grandfather Frost Vladimir Belkin. I admit, initially, I was skeptical about this idea. Why go out in the cold along the central streets of the capital? But when we joined the parade, I was amazed; tears came to my eyes. Adults were as joyful as children, luxurious cars stopped, people greeted us and smiled, showing their children - it was always a fairy tale. It’s a wonderful, brilliant idea that brings festive cheer not only to the participants of the parade but also, of course, to all the residents of Bishkek.
- Is there a significant difference between being a Snow Maiden at children's performances and adult corporate events?
- Not at all. The main thing is to come with kindness. Adults are just like children. They also want to believe in fairy tales and actively participate in them. The key is to have a kind attitude towards those present. Of course, there are incidents when they test the strength of my braid, but that’s rare. Often, even high-ranking officials who usually warn at the beginning of the evening, “Don’t call me for contests!” end up frolicking in the circle and participating in all the funniest competitions ten minutes later.
- What would you wish to all Kyrgyzstani people on behalf of the Snow Maiden?
- I would like to wish peace, prosperity, health, love, and happiness. Believe in miracles, and they will definitely come true! May the New Year 2016 bring many wonderful moments and good news.
Talking to this wonderful actress warms the soul. And when Galina dons her magnificent Snow Maiden outfit and walks the streets accompanied by a hundred fairy-tale characters, it seems to all passersby that a fairy tale is nearby. Our heroine, a mother of three wonderful sons, despite her many responsibilities, finds time to bring joy to all her viewers.
- Galina, tell me, is it difficult to play the role of the Snow Maiden?
- To be honest, despite the challenges, I really love being the Snow Maiden. Just imagine, throughout the entire evening, you must fully embody the fairy-tale character. The Snow Maiden must radiate kindness and magic, which are so lacking not only for children but also for adults. You must never raise your voice or say anything rude or unkind, even if the children start to misbehave. Otherwise, the little ones will simply stop believing in the fairy tale.
- What do you remember about your first performance in this magical role?
- It so happened that this performance took place at school. Santa Claus was played by one of the parents, and among the children was my little sister. It ended in embarrassment because, according to the script, I was supposed to approach my relative, and she was to recite a memorized poem. But my sister, upon recognizing me, simply said, “Get away from me!” I was trying to pull her to the center, and she was resisting. I think it looked funny from the outside. My real initiation happened when I once lost my Santa Claus. He simply fell asleep off to the side. Now it brings a smile, but at that time, I wasn't laughing at all.
- Galina, you are a regular participant in the Santa Claus parades, right?
- That's right, for many years now, I have been leading the march with Grandfather Frost Vladimir Belkin. I admit, initially, I was skeptical about this idea. Why go out in the cold along the central streets of the capital? But when we joined the parade, I was amazed; tears came to my eyes. Adults were as joyful as children, luxurious cars stopped, people greeted us and smiled, showing their children - it was always a fairy tale. It’s a wonderful, brilliant idea that brings festive cheer not only to the participants of the parade but also, of course, to all the residents of Bishkek.
- Is there a significant difference between being a Snow Maiden at children's performances and adult corporate events?
- Not at all. The main thing is to come with kindness. Adults are just like children. They also want to believe in fairy tales and actively participate in them. The key is to have a kind attitude towards those present. Of course, there are incidents when they test the strength of my braid, but that’s rare. Often, even high-ranking officials who usually warn at the beginning of the evening, “Don’t call me for contests!” end up frolicking in the circle and participating in all the funniest competitions ten minutes later.
- What would you wish to all Kyrgyzstani people on behalf of the Snow Maiden?
- I would like to wish peace, prosperity, health, love, and happiness. Believe in miracles, and they will definitely come true! May the New Year 2016 bring many wonderful moments and good news.
Talking to this wonderful actress warms the soul. And when Galina dons her magnificent Snow Maiden outfit and walks the streets accompanied by a hundred fairy-tale characters, it seems to all passersby that a fairy tale is nearby. Our heroine, a mother of three wonderful sons, despite her many responsibilities, finds time to bring joy to all her viewers.
