Galina was born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. At the age of 8, Galina and her family fled
to Seattle due to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant radiation leak disaster.
In 2001, at age 21, Galina joined the US Army due to her
patriotism, benefits available, and future education opportunities. Standing at 5’ 1” and about 100 pounds, Galina
was commanded to carry 80 pounds of equipment during obstacle course training
with shoes that were too small.
(left) Galina with her companion, Diva; (right) Galina performing her variation of contortionist dance
Photos courtesy of Karen Ready
In this environment, Galina was injured with a stress
fracture in her heel which led to surgery. Not aware of her allergy to metal due
to the exposure of radiation from the Chernobyl catastrophe, the surgeons put
metal screws in her foot to keep the bone in place. After an extremely painful outcome, two of the
three screws were removed. Now she is in
constant pain and suffers from muscular skeletal nervous system disorder from
the single metal screw left in her body. At times, Galina's companion a Long-Haired Chihuahua
named Diva was the only deterrent from suicide.
(above) Diva, Galina's life saving dog, watches the performance
Photo courtesy of Karen Ready
To this day, Galina is unable to walk and has difficulty
with balance. She is able to mobilize
using a cane or walker. Through many
variations of physical and psychological training, she now finds her childhood
love her most healing option—dance. Galina
has titled herself a contortionist dancer. Her debut performance will take place at Bilinear Art Gallery with Bilinear Art House Master of Ceremonies Areola Borialis.
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