In episode 20 of the 'Strip Journey' podcast, I re-visit Prague with an insightful conversation with Yana. Yana, a logistics manager and Frame Up dancer originally from Kazakhstan, shares her journey into the world of dance. She discusses her initial foray into various dance styles and her switch to frame-up dancing inspired by teachers in Prague and Russia. Yana delves into her experience with team dancing, including her involvement with Poison team in Prague, and the challenges she faced due to a knee injury. She introduces her project 'Ultima Thule' aimed at creating a collaborative dance space for artistic expressions. Sharing her creative process, the support structure of her team, and her aspirations for upcoming projects, Yana offers practical advice and inspiration for dancers interested in creative projects.

Yana’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasha_vasha

Ultima Thule instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultima.thule.art

Ultima Thule website: https://www.ultimathuleart.com/

Ultima Thule YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ultimathuleart

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:35 Guest Introduction: Meet Yana

01:21 Yana's Dance Journey

04:32 Joining Frame Up Team Poison

06:12 The Birth of Project Ultima Thule

07:44 Ultima Thule's First Dance Case

09:02 The Academy Format

10:55 Building a Creative Team

13:46 Future Plans for Ultima

17:19 Teaching and Personal Development

18:34 Creative Process and Inspirations

19:55 Advice for Aspiring Dancers

21:43 Frame Up Icons and Preferences

23:14 Favorite Projects and Choreos

26:34 Memorable Moments

30:08 The Growth of Frame Up in Europe

33:29 Final Thoughts and Messages

In episode 19 of Strip Journey, we go back to Germany by inviting Anna from Frankfurt. Anna shares her inspiring journey from starting her dance career at 18 in Moscow to becoming a dance teacher. Despite facing challenges, such as a lack of initial support and starting late, Anna pursued her passion. She details her transition to Frankfurt, the struggle to find dance communities and suitable studios, and her efforts to introduce Frame Up style in a new environment. Anna's story highlights the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and adapting to new circumstances while chasing one's dreams.

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaslide/

00:00 Introduction to Episode 19

00:18 Anna's Dance Start

00:54 First Dance Experiences and Challenges

04:02 Teaching and Expanding Skills

09:03 Frame Up

21:07 Transition to Frankfurt

28:44 Dance Competitions in Europe

29:32 Challenges of Teaching Dance in Frankfurt

30:26 Comparing Dance Levels Across Cities

31:12 Struggles with Dance Studios in Frankfurt

32:49 The Importance of Musicality in Dance

34:20 Observations on Dance Teachers and Techniques

37:43 Experiences in Dance Competitions

38:01 Differences in Competition Structures

41:13 Growing Dance Community in Europe

50:11 Advice for Aspiring Dancers

In episode 18 of Strip Journey, Morana welcomes Tatiana Pawlak, a strip dance teacher from Poznań, Poland. Originally from Russia, Tatiana shares her journey into dance, starting from ballroom dance at six years old to cheerleading and then a decade-long break. She rekindled her love for dance at 25 after discovering high heels dance videos on Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite a lack of local strip dance teachers, Tatiana pursued online courses and eventually began teaching. Tatiana discusses her transition into teaching, her approach to dance as an art form, and her experience in competitions like StripLab. She also shares insights into her teaching methods, emphasizing improvisation, self-acceptance, and the importance of creating meaningful performances. Tune in to hear about Tatiana's ongoing dance journey and her plans for the future.

Tatiana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatiana_pawlak/

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Tatiana's Dance Journey

02:53 Discovering Strip Dance

06:24 Teaching and Building a Dance Community

09:09 Dance as Art and Competitions

24:44 Improvisation and Personal Growth

28:38 Future Plans and Final Thoughts