We recently connected with Anya Panova and have shared our conversation below.

Anya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Hello everyone, my name is Anya. I am originally from Russia but now live in NYC. In 2018, I made the bold decision to relocate to the United States in pursuit of my dreams as a professional dancer.

Starting from scratch in a new country where I didn’t know anyone was incredibly challenging. I had to learn how the industry works, what kind of jobs I could look for, and how to turn my passion into a sustainable income.

I won’t sugarcoat it – it took me several years to build connections and network with people in the industry. I reached out to different companies, choreographers, and artists, constantly seeking new opportunities. The work of networking never stops because once you achieve one milestone, you’re ready to move on to the next level, which requires forging new connections.

Choosing to pursue dance full-time is a big risk, especially in a competitive city like New York. But I hold a 0-1 visa as a dancer and dance teacher, which means I can only work in the dance field. This visa restriction pushes me to stay laser-focused on dance opportunities, without a solid backup plan.

Of course, my biggest and closest goal is to get signed with a dance agency. This would give me access to bigger and more high-profile jobs. However, one thing I quickly realized after moving to New York is that there are numerous other opportunities that may seem smaller in comparison to touring with an artist or appearing in a music video, but they are still important and can bring in income.

Right after I moved to NY, I began working with various entertainment and dance companies. I started teaching dance and also worked as a backup dancer for several artists. These opportunities allowed me to gain valuable experience and establish myself within the industry. As time went on, I had the chance to assist choreographers on different projects, further expanding my network and knowledge.

It’s essential to recognize that every opportunity, no matter how small, contributes to my growth as a dancer and helps me build a sustainable career. Each gig brings its own unique experiences and challenges, and I embrace them all as stepping stones towards my ultimate goals.

I hope you find my journey inspiring and I’m excited to share more about my experiences as a dancer in the following interview.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a professional dancer and dance teacher based in NYC. Originally from Tyumen, a city in Siberia, Russia, that’s where I began my dance career. In my hometown, I owned a dance studio with my friends, where we trained kids and teenagers for various dance competitions. We organized large events and invited dance teachers and judges from the US and Europe. After dedicating many years to teaching, I realized that I still had many personal goals to achieve as a dancer and performer. That’s why I made the bold decision to apply for an O-1 visa, which allows individuals with extraordinary abilities to work in their field in the USA.

One of my proudest career highlights is being a featured dancer in the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

After moving to New York, I auditioned for AATMA Performing Arts, a dance company known for their renowned show “Mystic India: The World Tour.” This internationally acclaimed Bollywood dance spectacular showcases the transition of ancient India into modern times. With AATMA, I have performed at numerous venues across the US. Although I had never tried Bollywood dance before, during the audition, all I wanted was to be on stage performing.

Currently, I reside in New York and share my passion for dance by teaching classes at SassClass studio. I also collaborate with various entertainment companies as a dancer and choreographer. Presently, I am working as a backup dancer for the incredibly talented artist Sabrina Monique, a New York-based vocalist and songwriter.

Being authentic and staying true to myself is of utmost importance to me. When I first moved to the US, I was eager to fit into the dance community, which led me to lose sight of my background and the valuable knowledge and experience I gained in my home country. It took me some time to realize that people respect me for who I am, precisely because I am not from here. Rather than a weakness, my cultural background and the work ethics and professionalism I developed back home are seen as strengths. People appreciate me for the unique perspective and expertise I bring to the table.

Currently, my main goal is to reconnect with my true self and reintegrate all the knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the years. I strive to share this wealth of expertise with the people I work with in New York. By embracing my authentic self, I hope to foster a deeper connection and make a positive impact in the dance community here.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Throughout my creative journey, I have come to realization that there is no limit to what I can achieve, regardless of my background or where I come from. Growing up in a small city, I initially believed that my talent may be overshadowed by those from larger, more prominent cities. However, I soon understood that the challenges I faced only made me stronger and more determined to succeed.

In the creative field, there are no boundaries. I have learned that I can create opportunities for myself, even when none are available. This mindset has led me to achieve my goal of becoming a dancer in New York.

While I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment, I am constantly setting new goals for myself. I believe that there is always more to achieve and explore in the creative field. I am excited to continue pushing my boundaries, seeking new challenges, and making my mark in the NY dance community.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had a mentor when I started my dance career in NY.

When I first arrived in New York, I quickly realized that simply taking dance classes wasn’t enough to achieve my big goals. There was a wealth of industry-specific knowledge that I was completely unaware of, and I’m still learning to this day. Having a mentor would have saved me a tremendous amount of time and provided me with access to valuable information and, most importantly, real-world experience.

One of the challenges I faced was understanding what makes a compelling headshot. It may seem like a small detail, but a great headshot can make a significant difference in how you present yourself to potential employers. Additionally, I had to learn what a dance reel should include and how to create one that showcases my skills effectively. Another aspect I had to navigate independently was figuring out what to wear to dance auditions. These seemingly small details may not be taught in dance classes, but they can greatly impact your chances of success.

I believe that seeking guidance and mentorship is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and a genuine desire to grow. In my experience, reaching out to individuals who have already achieved success in the industry can be incredibly rewarding. Even if they are unable to mentor you directly, they may still be willing to offer valuable advice or connect you with other resources. Remember, the worst-case scenario is that they say no, but you never know until you ask.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @anya_panova

Image Credits
Photographer Jon Taylor @jontaylorphoto