We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kateryna Shepelenko. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kateryna below.

Kateryna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

One of the things that sets my approach apart from the typical industry standard is the personal attention I give to each student. Having been in the dance world for over 25 years and teaching for more than 10, both in Ukraine and now in the US, I’ve always believed in fostering a supportive environment where every student can grow at their own pace. Unlike many US dance programs that tend to be fast-paced and focus on large groups, I keep my class sizes small to ensure I can truly connect with each person, understand their unique needs, and guide them step-by-step.

My experience in Ukraine taught me how important it is to break down movements in a clear and accessible way, especially for beginners. I always make sure my students have a solid foundation before advancing. This approach has been key in building not just dance skills, but confidence and discipline. I’m passionate about helping students discover their potential, express themselves, and enjoy the process of learning.

I also love working with beginners—especially those who might feel hesitant or self-conscious about dancing. I know how intimidating it can be to start something new, and I’m all about creating a positive, encouraging space where everyone feels comfortable. Many of my students start with zero experience, and over time, I see them not only gain technical skills but also the confidence to express themselves through movement. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those transformations.

Over the past two years, since launching my dance courses and intensive programs, I’ve seen students achieve remarkable progress. Their happiness and sense of accomplishment are truly the best rewards for me. I’ve received heartfelt messages from students who’ve gained new skills, built their confidence, and developed a deep love for dance. Watching beginners overcome their fears and reach goals they didn’t think were possible has been especially fulfilling.

This year, I’ve expanded my reach by offering online dance programs, which allow me to connect with students from around the world—not just in New York. These online dance programs give me the chance to continue sharing my teaching style and offer the same personal attention to dancers of all levels, while making learning more flexible for busy schedules. I’m excited to be able to teach on a global scale and to help even more people discover the joy of dance.

Kateryna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi there! My name is Kateryna Shepelenko, and I’m a dance teacher and choreographer based in New York with over 25 years of experience in dance and more than 10 years of teaching. My journey started in Ukraine, where I trained in classical and folk dance, which laid the foundation for my understanding of artistry, discipline, and the emotional depth that dance can offer. Over time, I expanded my passion into street-style dance, training with some of the best teams, like D. Side Fam in Ukraine and Chapkis Dance Family International.

Throughout my career, I had the privilege of founding and leading two professional dance teams, Rock Bit Crew and Rock Bit Crew Kids. These teams allowed me to not only create powerful performances but also mentor and nurture young talent. I’ve also had the honor of serving as a national and international judge for Hip Hop International, which gave me the opportunity to share my expertise with dancers around the world.

When I moved to New York, I felt called to create something more personal—KS DANCE SPACE. It’s a community I built specifically for women, where dance isn’t just about learning steps—it’s about reconnecting with oneself through movement. For me, dance is a powerful tool for unlocking confidence, empowerment, and a sense of beauty that extends far beyond the studio.

The main service I provide is teaching dance programs that help women explore and express their true selves. Whether they’re looking to improve their dance skills, build confidence, or simply have fun, my classes are designed to help students feel strong, beautiful, and alive. What sets me apart from others is that I focus on creating an intimate, supportive environment where every student is seen and encouraged. It’s not just about the technique—it’s about feeling empowered and discovering who you are through movement.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on my students. They often tell me that my classes don’t just make them better dancers—they make them feel happier, lighter, and more confident in their everyday lives. I’ve heard so many stories of women who’ve learned so much about themselves through dance, and that’s what keeps me motivated every day.

Website : kateshepelenko.com

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first moved to New York, I already had an Instagram account I’d started in Ukraine, but I felt a strong intuition that I needed to start from scratch. I knew I was starting a new chapter in my life, and I wanted my social media to reflect that—my new vision, my new business, and my fresh start in the US. A lot of people, including specialists I worked with, told me it was a bad idea to create a whole new account from zero, especially since I already had an established following. But deep down, I felt that it was the right move.

At first, it was really tough. I was investing time and energy into my old Ukrainian account, but it wasn’t working in the way I hoped. I almost hit a point of frustration and felt like my business wasn’t growing. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start fresh with a new account in English (it was in April) . It was challenging to create posts, write stories, and connect with people in English, but over time, I realized it was actually helping me improve my language skills.

In May, I went to Miami for my birthday, and by June, I was planning to launch a new dance course. I made the decision to promote it through my new Instagram account, which had just 300 followers—most of whom were people I knew from Ukraine. I uploaded a few reels and boosted one post through Instagram, and to my surprise, I ended up with my best-selling course ever (by that time). I had no idea how it would turn out, but it worked! I was amazed, and honestly, so proud of myself for taking the risk to start fresh and do something new.
At that moment I realized that you always need to listen to your inner voice no matter what the experts tell you! If your inner voice tells you strongly about what needs to be done, then don’t resist, just trust and do it.

The next stage was figuring out my voice and content style. I wanted my posts to show who I am as both a professional and a person, and this took time—about two years, in fact. This summer, I finally reached a breakthrough, hitting over 1 million views on a couple of reels. That was a huge milestone for me, and since then, my following has continued to grow. It feels great to see all the hard work, time, money, and creativity finally paying off.

My advice for anyone starting to build a social media presence is to keep going, even when it feels tough. Yes, it will be challenging, and yes, there will be moments when you want to give up. But the key is to keep trying, keep searching, and keep refining your voice. It may take time, but you will find your way, and eventually, the results will come.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation is really about how I teach and connect with my students. A lot of them, especially those who’ve taken classes all over New York, have told me that I have a unique way of teaching that not only helps them learn but also builds their confidence. I really try to encourage and inspire them through dance, and I think that personal connection is a big part of why they keep coming back.

Another thing that’s helped is the quality and organization of my programs. I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to making sure everything is clear and easy to follow. My students appreciate that everything is well thought out, from the little details to the bigger picture. It helps them feel confident and supported, which I think is key to their success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kateshepelenko.com/
• Instagram: @kate_shpl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kate_Shepelenko

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