Originally posted on Oct. 16, 2025, this reflective narrative comes from Rena Farajova, a resident of Regina. For further insights into CBC’s collection of First Person accounts, please refer to the FAQ section.
At the age of ten, I found myself in a magnificent ballroom, consumed by a mix of nerves and excitement. The dazzling stage lights, gleaming polished floor, and charged atmosphere set the scene for a pivotal moment in my life.
From the tender age of three, I had been immersing myself in Azerbaijani national dances with the youthful ensemble “CücÉ™lÉ™rim” (Chicks). These dances focused on the fluidity and grace of movements, offering a magical experience with each performance that brought joy not only to myself but to those witnessing it.
However, my dreams of dancing were abruptly halted by a medical diagnosis at the age of ten. The revelation of arrhythmia and heart valve issues that hindered proper blood circulation in my heart shattered my aspirations.
The news was akin to a door slamming shut on my identity, joy, and heartbeat that dance had represented in my life. The subsequent years were fraught with physical pain and reminders of my limitations during stressful periods, making it unbearable to accept the sudden pause on my passion.
Despite enduring numerous treatments and injections, a gradual improvement in my health allowed me to resume a semblance of normalcy, albeit with a lingering sense of emptiness.
Healing physically was one challenge, but the void left by the absence of dance was another. Witnessing my peers continue their artistic journeys while mine had prematurely ended spurred me to seek solace in recreational ballroom and Latin dance classes in my twenties.
Engaging in these classes was not for professional pursuits but rather to rekindle the sensation of movement. Embracing a fresh start in a different dance form became my way of honoring the significance that dance held in my life.
In my cultural context, we believe that music penetrates our very being, making resistance futile. Despite years of silence, the rhythmic essence of dance remained alive within me.
Upon relocating to Canada with my family, I assumed that my past life involving dance was a closed chapter. Immersed in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, dance gradually faded into the background once again.
Yet, an intrinsic desire to preserve my roots kindled a determination to share my heritage through various avenues like cuisine, anecdotes, and customary practices at home. Surprisingly, the genuine interest and curiosity of individuals in Canada emboldened me.
In collaboration with friends, the establishment of the Azerbaijani Cultural Association of Regina (AzCAR) in 2023 marked a pivotal moment in actively showcasing and preserving our traditions.
The decision to procure national costumes from Azerbaijan was a pivotal step in our cultural preservation efforts. Unpacking the costumes, each intricate detail narr