Dance Forever: Belarussian Dancers Share Their Journey

On International Dance Day, we celebrate the lives of those who have turned their passion for dance into a profession. Here are the stories of some renowned dancers from Belarus who live and breathe dance every day.

Ballroom Dancing: Alexander Tishuk and Ekaterina Shibeko

Alexander and Ekaterina are multiple-time champions of Belarus in ballroom dancing. Their journey is a testament to the power of dance in transforming lives.

Ekaterina’s Story

Alexander began dancing in the first grade, inspired by a classmate who performed on stage. What started as a childhood crush soon turned into a lifelong passion. For the past 11 years, dance has been the rhythm that guides his life.

Alexander’s Story

Ekaterina, on the other hand, joined a dance studio to maintain her health. Little did she know that dance would become such an integral part of her life. Today, it’s not just a workout but a source of goals, passions, emotions, and an incredible state of mind.

2018 was a landmark year for them. They became national champions, earned the title of Masters of Sports, and secured the 4th place at the European Championship in Chisinau. They also entered the top 10 in the world ranking for their age group in the European program.

For Alexander and Ekaterina, dance is an incredible opportunity for self-expression and self-realization. It’s an adrenaline rush, a surge of emotions that they can showcase on the dance floor for the audience and beyond.

Hip-Hop, Jazz-Funk, High Heels: Nastya Florida

Nastya Florida is a dancer, teacher, and director of the No Flex dance center. She has been dancing for about 10 years, making it the longest commitment in her life. Her journey has seen highs and lows, but her greatest achievement is the No Flex dance center.

No Flex is a place where people can realize their ideas, enjoy what they do, and feel a sense of belonging. For Nastya, dance is a lifestyle. It’s not something you do on weekends and forget about during the week. Dance stays with you, even when you leave the studio. It’s a culture that you carry in your mind and heart.

Nastya specializes in hip-hop, jazz-funk, and high heels. She believes that dance is a lifestyle, and her family and her passion for dance make her truly happy.

Ballet: Ludmila Khitrova

Ludmila Khitrova is a prima ballerina at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus. She has been in professional ballet for 20 years, starting at the age of 11. Despite her achievements, she remains passionate and respectful towards her profession.

For Ludmila, dance is a flight of the soul. It’s a way to share her inner world, to be filled with new emotions and thoughts. Dance is an integral part of her life, and she is proud to have such a profession.

Vogue: Verushka Bonchinche

Verushka Bonchinche is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and a leader of the vogue culture in Belarus. She has been dancing for over 15 years, starting with hip-hop and house before discovering vogue.

Vogue is more than just a dance for Verushka; it’s a culture where everyone can express themselves and be accepted. She has been instrumental in developing the vogue culture in Belarus, organizing vogue balls in Minsk since 2011.

For Verushka, dance is a lifestyle. It’s a form of meditation, a way of life for those who dedicate most of their time to dance, culture, and creativity.

Dance is a journey of self-discovery and expression. For these dancers, it’s a way of life that brings joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s ballroom dancing, hip-hop, ballet, or vogue, each style offers a unique path to self-realization and happiness.

For more information on the benefits of dance, you can visit Healthline.