In this first episode of season 2 of Strip Journey, Morana talks to Djuna, a dancer and teacher based in Berlin, about her journey into Frame Up Strip. Djuna shares how she went from folklore dance and hip hop to developing her own choreographic voice, and how she builds intention into every piece.They talk about:Why Frame Up changed how she feels danceTeaching in Berlin and building trust with students, her Innuendo CrewHow she supports beginners to let go of “looking clean”Why she wants dancers to "go through something" on stageThis is an inspiring episode for dancers at all levels who want to deepen their connection to movement and find their own voice in performance.Djuna’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddjunna/Innuendo crew instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innuendocrew/00:00 Intro – Meeting Djuna02:00 Djuna’s dance background03:25 Discovering Frame Up during the pandemic05:10 What changed in her dance expression after Frame Up08:00 Teaching Frame Up in Berlin09:00 Djuna’s choreographic process: intention first12:15 Why vulnerability is part of her style14:10 When she feels most like herself in dance17:10 Favorite pieces: Emotionally driven choreographies18:45 Movement qualities: tension, contrast, softness20:30 Advice for dancers: let go of needing to be clean21:20 Frame Up in one word23:00 What makes her proud as a teacher24:00 Outro – Final reflections and thank you
🎉 Season finale! In episode 25, I sit down with Anna Strok, dancer and teacher from Warsaw, Poland. Anna talks about starting from ballroom dance, transitioning through go-go and high heels, and eventually finding her home in Frame Up Strip. Anna, previously a founder of the iconic Total Strip Weekend in Belarus, shares what it’s like teaching in Poland, leading her team “Cablook,” and her dream of creating powerful community spaces across Europe. Expect stories about failing forward, sexy choreos, and building art with heart ❤️Anna’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.strok_dance/Cablook instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cablook_dance/00:00 Intro – Episode 25 and welcoming Anna Strok01:00 Anna’s dance beginnings – ballroom to go-go to heels03:00 Discovering Frame Up Strip and falling in love with it05:00 Creating the Total Strip Weekend competition in Belarus07:00 Growing the Frame Up community from scratch08:30 Moving to Warsaw and starting from zero again10:00 Her project ‘Cablook’ – building a team and student family12:00 What ‘Cablook’ means & her open-level teaching approach13:00 Teaching at camps and conventions across Europe14:00 Competing with her team in World of Dance and Stage 18+ Prague15:00 Planning to compete solo for the first time16:30 What’s next: organizing events, growing skills, and new choreos17:30 Her choreo process and why music is everything18:30 Signature style: sexy, soft, and emotional19:00 Advice for beginners – start in socks, don’t be afraid20:00 Boots or sandals? And her Frame Up inspirations21:00 Favorite learning experiences 23:00 Describing Frame Up in one word: “Expressing yourself”24:00 Her favorite teaching memory – owning her own dance hall25:00 Fun fact: she used to hate heels!26:00 Final message: more kindness, more support, more community28:00 Wrap-up and thank you!
What happens when a disciplined ballerina turns rebellious and blends technique with raw emotion? 🖤 Meet Vivian Voss from Greece — creator of "Experimental Erotica" and one of our original voices in the European Frame Up scene. From founding Greece’s first contemporary pole group to building her spider-inspired dance community, Vivian shares her story of unapologetic artistry, risk-taking, and how she teaches dancers to embrace their erotic expression.Vivian’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianvoss_/Experimental Erotica's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experimental.erotica/00:00 Intro & meet Vivian Voss01:00 Dance beginnings: from ballet to contemporary03:00 Why she created Experimental Erotica06:00 First encounters with Frame Up Strip08:00 Teaching in Greece: challenges & growth10:00 The story behind "dada dolls" and her clothing line12:00 How she got the nickname Spider Mother14:00 Teaching at Greece’s High Heels Convention16:00 Competing at Pole Theater 17:00 Future plans: growing the community and hosting more intensives19:00 Her first self-organized erotic intensive weekend20:00 Style focus: eroticism, musicality & spider movements22:00 Advice for new students: "Be a blank canvas"23:00 Manifesting through dance & why technique matters25:00 Boots or sandals? + Frame Up inspirations27:00 Favorite learning moment: Strip Stars Camp Poland28:00 Her own choreo favorites & signature moments29:00 Fun fact31:00 Final message: Try new things, embrace your identity
Calling all dance nerds 🎧 In this episode, we go deep into the making of a dancer. Liza opens up about growing up with a musical family, quitting ballet, moving countries, and rediscovering her power through Frame Up. Her take on musicality, being part of community, and choreographing will resonate with anyone who's ever been obsessed with dance. We talk passion, pressure, socks vs no socks (yes, really), and what it takes to truly own your growth. This is one of our most inspiring convos yet! Plus, she shares what it meant to be recognized by the same people who first inspired her — a true full circle momentLiza’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxmakarova/Liza's telegram channel: https://t.me/+Vt0d2Vs-MYjBTUnM 00:00 Intro03:00 Childhood ballet & music roots08:00 Discovering hip hop and joining her first crew10:00 Moving to Prague & rekindling dance12:30 Frame Up: how she found the style and her mentors17:00 Teaching vs. training – how both shaped her19:00 Joining Poison crew & developing her own style22:00 Frame Up Convention Moscow – certificates & surprises25:00 Creating her own choreo group ‘Charisma’28:00 Preparing for competitions & dancing solo30:00 Winning in Prague & the power of performance33:00 World of Dance Greece – international experiences36:00 Liza’s upcoming teaching tour38:00 Her unique style: musicality, legs, aggression44:00 Advice to beginners: don’t panic, enjoy the process46:00 Quick-fire Q&A: sandals or boots, inspirations & more53:00 Frame Up in one word? Passion.
In episode 22 of Strip Journey, I talk to Maria, the official Frame Up representative in Switzerland. Maria shares her unique journey from growing up in a conservative family to finding her passion for dance after graduating as a medical doctor. She delves into her experiences with dance forms like pole dance, jazz funk, and her love for Frame Up. Maria discusses the challenges of introducing Frame Up in Switzerland, her approach to teaching, and how her medical and musical background complements her dance instruction. She reflects on her competitive experiences, future plans, and the supportive nature of the European dance community. Maria’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_walking_muse/00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:19 Meet Maria: Frame Up Representative01:00 Maria's Dance Journey02:39 Teaching Frame Up in Switzerland06:25 Medical Background and Teaching Approach09:03 Competitions and Future Plans17:06 Teaching Beginners19:16 Frame Up Icons and Inspirations21:19 Favorite Choreographies and Classes23:41 Memorable Moments as a Dance Teacher26:06 Messages for Listeners27:02 Comparing Dance Conventions28:59 Conclusion and Farewell
In this special episode, I talk about my experience at the 5th Frame Up Strip CZ convention and the first Stage 18+ competition. I talk about the classes we had at the convention with our amazing teachers Ira Podshivalova, Baina Basanova, Aleksandra Demianova and Eve, and then I give a quick round up of the amazing competition we had in Prague. And of course, there are statements from Eve, our organiser and participants in the Stage 18+ competition, including pro winner Liza Makarova, team Shafran and pro polers Christiana and Amie. As usual, I had a great time and learned a lot and I hope to see you at one of the upcoming events! Frame Up Strip CZ’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frameupstrip_cz/Stage 18+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stage__18/00:00 Welcome to Strip Journey00:31 Convention Highlights: Day One04:54 Convention Highlights: Day Two08:50 Organizer's Insights: short interview with Eve13:00 Stage 18+ competition begins13:30 Frame Up Solo Beginners category14:20 Frame Up Solo Pro category15:09 Interview with the Solo Pro Champion Liza Makarova16:59 Pole dance champions hooked on Frame Up17:24 Pro competitor Christiana Koulouma18:55 Pro competitor Amie Alma20:37 Small Groups category21:25 Team Shafran interview26:59 Big Groups category28:15 Thank you to the organiser29:55 Conclusion and see you next time
In episode 21 of Strip Journey, I welcome Mariia from Belgrade, Serbia, who shares her dance journey and experience. Mariia talks about starting dance at a young age, focusing on cheerleading and ending up in Frame Up strip. She discusses her experience of moving to Belgrade, introducing Frame Up strip to the local community, forming a dedicated dance team, and participating in international and local competitions. Mariia emphasizes the importance of persistence, community building, and continuous learning in achieving success in dance. This episode portraits the growing Frame Up community and creating a new dance niche in Serbia.Mariia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masha_mahich/00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:15 Guest Introduction: Mariia from Serbia00:49 Mariia's Dance Journey03:31 Joining Frame Up and Teaching in Belgrade06:22 Challenges and Growth in Teaching09:02 Convention Experiences and Certifications13:18 Competitions and Performances17:49 Building and Leading a Dance Team21:02 Future Plans and Community Building27:05 Personal Insights and Advice33:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In episode 20 of the 'Strip Journey' podcast, I re-visit Prague with an insightful conversation with Yana. Yana, an IT project 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_vashaUltima Thule instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultima.thule.artUltima 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 Moments30:08 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 1900:18 Anna's Dance Start00:54 First Dance Experiences and Challenges04:02 Teaching and Expanding Skills09:03 Frame Up21:07 Transition to Frankfurt28:44 Dance Competitions in Europe29:32 Challenges of Teaching Dance in Frankfurt30:26 Comparing Dance Levels Across Cities31:12 Struggles with Dance Studios in Frankfurt32:49 The Importance of Musicality in Dance34:20 Observations on Dance Teachers and Techniques37:43 Experiences in Dance Competitions38:01 Differences in Competition Structures41:13 Growing Dance Community in Europe50:11 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 Introduction01:13 Tatiana's Dance Journey02:53 Discovering Strip Dance06:24 Teaching and Building a Dance Community09:09 Dance as Art and Competitions24:44 Improvisation and Personal Growth28:38 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Strip Journey, I get to talk to a friend and fellow dancer Tara. We talk about differences on starting dance from a young age and later, as well as our experiences from classes and how we percieve ourselves. Tara is a Finnish dancer, dance teacher, and certified dance judge currently residing in Tallinn, Estonia. Tara also shares her extensive dance journey, starting from her childhood in Finland where her mother set up a dance studio, to her current passion for high heels and frame up dancing. Tara talks about the challenges of transitioning between various dance styles, the influences of her performance background on her work in reality TV, and her educational path in communication management and international business. She offers insights on the importance of exploring different dance styles, overcoming self-doubt, and the value of recording and reviewing dance performances. Tara also emphasizes the need to have fun and push personal boundaries for growth in dance.Tara’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_who/Tara’s blog: https://www.tarawho.fi/00:00 Introduction01:45 Tara's Dance Journey05:26 From Miss Globe to High Heels08:24 The Transition to Frame Up10:47 Balancing Dance and Career13:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Dance17:31 Teaching and Learning Dance22:34 The Impact of the Podcast24:51 Exploring Dance Workshops and Making Friends27:24 The Impact of Performance Background on Reality TV30:47 The Importance of Filming and Self-Review in Dance33:50 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Challenges41:01 Advice for Aspiring Dancers
In Episode 16 of Strip Journey, Alina Boshchenko, a dancer from Amsterdam, shares her inspiring story on dancing and getting into dance battles. She discusses her introduction to FrameUp during the pandemic, her dynamic dance style, and her experience with improvisation and battles. Alina highlights the importance of foundational dance moves, musicality, and a supportive community. She also reflects on her participation in World of Dance and local dance battles, emphasizing the value of authenticity and continuous growth. The episode offers practical advice for dancers on improving improvisation skills and maintaining a healthy competitive spirit.Alina’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesslyrics_ 00:00 Welcome to StripJourney00:21 Meet Alina: A Software Engineer and Dancer00:53 Alina's Dance Journey: From Ballroom to FrameUp01:38 Discovering FrameUp During the Pandemic02:42 The Art of Improvisation and Battles04:22 First Battle Experience and Feedback09:08 Developing a Structured Freestyle Plan11:47 The Importance of Community in Battles15:42 Training for Freestyle and Musicality21:45 Balancing Inspiration and Authenticity23:22 The Challenges of Freestyle Dance24:29 Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere for Students24:57 Innovative Exercises and Techniques27:44 Personal Dance Style and Preferences30:00 Choreography Process and Challenges32:47 Experiences on the World of Dance Stage41:36 Memorable Battle Moments
Anastasia Levinson is a successful dancer, choreographer and business woman from Latvia now living in Lisbon. Anastasia shares her story from starting ballet at four, leading dance teams, to discovering Frame Up dance styles. She reflects on her multifaceted career, including running a fashion retail company and mentoring dancers. Anastasia discusses the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of self-marketing, and building a thriving dance business. Listen as she opens up about organizing live performances, dealing with unexpected setbacks, and the power of humility, teamwork, and continuous growth in both dance and life. Get practical advice for aspiring dancers and learn about the significance of perseverance and authentic expression in dance. Anastasia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Levenson.Anastasia LVNSN dance company: https://www.instagram.com/lvnsn.dancecompany FUS show: https://www.instagram.com/FUS.show
In Episode 15 of Strip Journey, I have a chance to talk to Baina Basanova from St. Petersburg, one of the top strip dancers and teachers. Baina shares her journey of joining the strip dance style in 2012, her teaching philosophy influenced by her medical background, and the importance of biomechanics and body awareness in dance. She offers advice to dancers in Europe, focusing on the significance of working hard while enjoying the dance. Baina highlights her upcoming courses in English, stressing the need for a strong foundation in learning strip dance, and discusses her career milestones and personal teaching experiences. She emphasizes the value of making mistakes, dancing with the floor, and the importance of improvisation. Baina also shares personal anecdotes and fun facts about her life and dance journey.Baina’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basanovabaina/Baina’s website: https://bainadance.ru/stripperellaz00:00 Intro00:09 Meet Baina Basanova01:41 Baina's Teaching Philosophy05:14 Observations on European Dancers08:28 Upcoming Courses and Plans09:06 Advice for Beginners17:21 Improvisation Tips20:34 Footwear Preferences21:58 Memorable Projects and Experiences28:15 Fun Facts and Personal Stories31:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell
In episode 14 of Strip Journey, I interview Tanya from New Jersey, USA. Tanya, shares her 13-year dance journey, including 10 years specializing in Frame Up. We discuss the challenges of introducing Frame Up to the US, the differences between the dance scenes in Russia and America, and Tanya’s teaching experiences in New York and New Jersey. Tanya emphasizes the importance of self-expression, overcoming challenges, and enjoying the art of dance. She also shares memorable moments, advice for beginners, and her future aspirations to spread Frame Up through masterclasses and potential competitions. The episode highlights the beauty and diversity of dance and encourages dancers to embrace new styles. Tanya’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanya_phoenix
In Episode 13 of the Strip Journey podcast, I welcome Randa, a dance acrobatics teacher from Helsinki, Finland. Randa shares her transition from being a doctoral researcher in media communication and a Frame Up Strip dancer to teaching dance acrobatics online, inspired by overcoming personal physical challenges. We discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, mindful practices, and creating a supportive learning environment. Randa emphasizes the significance of teaching foundational techniques rather than just choreography, and the psychological aspects of helping students overcome limitations to achieve their dance goals. Randa also provides insights into organizing international dance acrobatics camps and her plans to focus on online teaching.Randa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morella.dance00:00 Intro00:19 Meet Randa from Finland00:53 Randa's Journey into Dance Acrobatics03:07 The Importance of Understanding Your Body05:04 Teaching and Community Building09:54 The Birth of Dance Acrobatics Camps16:02 Future Plans and Online Teaching19:41 Success Stories and Teaching Philosophy25:07 Understanding Mental Barriers in Dance26:09 The Role of a Dance Teacher as a Psychologist27:35 Experimenting with Teaching Methods29:13 Traveling and Teaching Workshops31:57 Creating a Supportive Learning Environment33:22 Balancing Fame and Teaching37:04 Advice for Beginners and Online Classes39:23 Personal Stories and Reflections44:00 The Importance of Technique and Feeling46:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In episode 12 of Strip Journey, I talk with Irina, Frame Up strip representative from Germany. Moving from Russia to Germany, Irina balances being a master student, her part time job and dance. She discusses her journey from childhood dance classes to mastering and teaching Frame Up. Irina shares her experiences attending conventions, organizing dance events, and starting her own dance space 'Six Inch', for high heels and Frame Up. We talk also about the upcoming Strip Workshops De weekend that combines high heels, Frame Up and battles! She highlights the importance of consistency and working on foundational basics. Join us to learn about Irina's story, teaching philosophy, and future aspirations. Irina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaz.irk/ Six Inch DE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinch.de/ Strip Workshops De Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strip_workshops_de/
In this episode of Strip Journey, Morana recounts her experience at the recent Frame Up Strip CZ dance convention in Prague, Czech Republic. I discusses the merits of attending dance conventions and provide tips for surviving a three-day event. Highlighting performances and classes from the 6 choreographers, I share personal anecdotes and insights into their unique teaching styles. Additionally, convention organizer Eve comments on the event's growth and future plans. Convention IG: https://www.instagram.com/frameupstrip_cz Organizer’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/eve_archarly Teacher links: https://www.instagram.com/suspiria.em https://www.instagram.com/basanovabaina https://www.instagram.com/lushichev https://www.instagram.com/iren.bun https://www.instagram.com/levenson.anastasia https://www.instagram.com/ness_lynx
In this episode of Strip Journey, I talk to Eva Marta, a ballet artist based in Dresden, Germany. Eva shares her journey from gymnastics to ballet, inspired by renowned Russian ballet teachers, and her subsequent embrace of the Frame Up dance style. Now a dance teacher and community builder, Eva discusses the emotional healing and self-discovery her students experience through dance. The conversation highlights the importance of improvisation and emotional expression, the mental strength required in dance, and Eva’s approach to choreography. Tune in for insights into Eva's teaching methods in her community, 'Suspiria,' and learn about her recent projects, including a year-long emotional exploration program. Eva’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suspiria.em
The episode features a conversation with Alina Makovska, an Ukrainian dance teacher living in Hanover, Germany. Alina shares her journey from a young creative child in Ukraine to becoming a strip dance teacher in Germany, detailing her experiences in different dance styles, her challenges adjusting to becoming a dance teacher in Germany, and her hopes for the local dance community. The discussion also touches on Alina's theater background, her philosophy on teaching and inspiring students, and her collaborative efforts in organizing strip dance workshops and events. Listeners get an insightful look into the balancing act of pursuing dance while adapting to a new environment and the importance of hard work and passion in achieving one's dance goals. We even shortly talk about me. Alina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ad_makovskaya Strip Workshops De Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strip_workshops_de