I had the pleasure of meeting Polina, and her partner Volodya, as a judge at the Ciao Amore Dance-O-Rama a few years ago. What struck me immediately about them, and their studio, was how "Arthur Murray" they were.
Seriously.
Here was a studio that was in another country, a new addition to the company, and they were cheering, supporting, and dancing like they were one of the most popular studios in America.
So when I heard about Team Ukraine, and their showing at the 2016 Superama, I was thrilled for the franchisee Olga Struk, their studio, and that pair of energetic superstars that the rest of the world was finally getting a chance to see.
Here is their story.
My Arthur Murray Journey: From Kiev to Las Vegas
by Polina Ishchenko
So, our big trip to the New World came to an end and I’m taking this opportunity to reflect upon how this journey has influenced us.
Taking part in this year’s Superama in Las Vegas was a big achievement for us. Volodya and I have spent a long time moving towards this goal step by step, getting closer with each day. After taking part in our first Dance-o-Rama in Venice in 2014, we couldn’t even dream of ending up here at the Las Vegas Superama, one of the biggest events organized by Arthur Murray International.
We are extremely honored and proud to have been the first ones to represent our beautiful country and Arthur Murray Kyiv (Kiev) this year. However, what made this event even more special for us and our students is the unity.
The unity of people, coming from different countries and continents, of different races and religions. This exact feeling is what our society is lacking nowadays in a fast-developing world. Arthur Murray connects people all around the world, erases boundaries, and makes you feel as if you are a part of one big family, giving everyone an opportunity to do what they love, no matter who they are: a student, a teacher or a franchisee.
Everyone has an opportunity to inspire and be inspired.
We achieved great results as one of 60 couples all over the world. Here is how we placed:
1st Rising Stars Pro Rhythm
2nd Rising Stars Pro Smooth
5th Open Pro Rhythm
Semi-final Open Pro Smooth
This has given us a unique, irreplaceable experience that we hope and will use for our future improvement and development. We’d like to thank each and every person who had the smallest and the biggest part in our preparation.
First of all, I’d like to thank my partner, Volodya, for sharing this special moment with me and for being as crazy as me. I believe we’ve made a big step in the direction of our goals. Thank you to our muse and supporter, Iryna Berezna, you are our inspirer.
Thank you to LeNique and Olya Popovych for supplying me with costumes which made me feel like a queen. Thank you to our Team Ukraine who were present and were supporting and cheering on us the whole way through. We are very proud of you as well. Thank you to all of the people who kept their fingers crossed, who supported and believed in us from across the ocean.
And last, but not least, thank you to Olga and all the other franchisees who give the opportunity to their followers and employees to express themselves through the beauty of dance and connect with people who all speak one language – the language of body movement. Thank you for giving us inspiration for further development, inspiring us to always go forward and never look back.
Good beginning makes a good ending. We’ve conquered another top, let’s move on to the next challenge. Carpe diem and make it happen!
