I had been hearing a lot about the Festival in Karaganda and looked forward to participating in it. When we started rehearsals I was worried, not quite sure that I would be able to perform on stage. I was imagining a huge stage with many people and limelight. Our group "Malyavki" was carefully preparing for the event. We rehearsed our songs and dances.

Finally we got on train to go to Karaganda. I was very much looking forward to the day when I would be performing on a large stage.

We were warmly welcomed in Karaganda, accommodated in a resort near Temirtau town with a beautiful view on the lake. Later I found out that at one of the plants of this town our President Nazarbayev had once worked.

A selection process started... Our group was very excited, we all wanted to be in the gala concert. The jury selected our song "Erets Israel" and a Jewish folk dance. The gala concert was held in a wonderful theater looking like a palace. I think we performed well because the audience applauded very loudly.

On the last day of the Festival came there was an official closing ceremony. We were congratulated and awarded with certificates. Then we were tying up the "treads of happiness" on each other and wished for the best. When darkness fell we went to the lake, lit candles and put them into the water to float. Soon all the coast was glittering with lights. When I was putting my candle into the water it occurred to me that a part of my heart would stay at this Festival. Then we were presented with a very nice surprise - a big cake with a fruit-jelly map of Israel on it. Each participant was also presented with a sweet emblem of the Festival. There were more surprises after that. We were launching balloons with lights inside them into the night sky. When I fell asleep the fairy tale continued in my dreams...

Masha Ignatenko