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

Taya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally when I joined Apes Crew in 2017. By then, I had already discovered that street dance was my passion, but being part of this team solidified my vision. Our mentors not only taught us various street styles but also showed us how to turn our talent into a career. Through intense training, choreographing, and competing, I realized how fulfilling it was to pour myself into something I loved.

The defining moment came in 2018, during our trip to Los Angeles for the World of Dance Finals. Competing on an international stage, winning gold, and experiencing the vibrant dance culture in LA made me envision a future as a professional dancer in the industry. From that moment, I was determined to make it my reality.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, and a content creator who’s passionate about sharing my love for movement and self-expression. My journey into dance started at the age of 4, but it wasn’t until I discovered street dance that I found my true calling. I’ve been fortunate to train with exceptional mentors and compete on some of the world’s biggest stages, including winning back-to-back gold at the World of Dance Finals in Los Angeles.

Now, I dedicate myself to teaching, performing, and creating dance content that inspires and empowers others. I offer dance classes that focus on technique, creativity, and confidence-building. Through my work, I aim to solve challenges like finding one’s voice in dance, improving performance quality, and overcoming self-doubt.

What sets me apart is my personal journey and the dedication I bring to teaching. Having started as a young dancer who built a career from scratch in Russia and then rebuilt it from the ground up after moving to Los Angeles, I understand the discipline, perseverance, and joy it takes to grow. My approach combines professional expertise with a genuine passion for helping others thrive.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the progress of my students and followers—whether it’s mastering a new move, performing with confidence, or simply falling in love with dance. My goal is to inspire creativity, foster growth, and build a community that celebrates the art of movement. Through my classes and content, I hope to make dance accessible, fun, and meaningful for everyone.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that I needed to have everything perfectly planned out to succeed. Growing up, I always thought that having a step-by-step roadmap was essential to reaching my goals. This mindset worked for a while, especially during my early dance career in Russia, where everything seemed structured—train hard, compete, win, and move forward. But when I moved to Los Angeles to rebuild my career, I learned that the path to success is rarely linear.

The backstory is that after I moved, I faced a completely new environment, new challenges, and an unpredictable industry. My plans didn’t always go as expected. Opportunities came from unexpected places, and some setbacks ended up opening doors I hadn’t considered before. I realized that being flexible, staying open to change, and trusting the process were just as important as working hard and having a vision.

Another key takeaway from this journey is the importance of always staying ready for an opportunity. In LA, I learned that opportunities often come unexpectedly, and being prepared—whether it’s having your skills sharp, your mindset focused, or your energy in the right place—can make all the difference. This shift in perspective taught me to embrace uncertainty, stay ready, and focus on what I could control: my craft, my growth, and my ability to adapt. It’s a lesson I now live by and share with others—success doesn’t always follow a straight line, but staying prepared and open to possibilities will keep you moving forward.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the emotional investment and vulnerability that come with pursuing a creative path. As a dancer, every performance, choreography, or class I teach is deeply personal—it’s not just about movement; it’s an extension of who I am. Putting your heart into your work and then sharing it with the world means opening yourself up to both praise and criticism in a way that can feel very raw.

Another aspect that’s hard to grasp is the unpredictable nature of a creative career. Unlike traditional paths with clear milestones, the creative journey is often full of uncertainty. There’s no set formula for success, and opportunities can come and go quickly. Moving to Los Angeles and rebuilding my career taught me to navigate this uncertainty while staying resilient. To non-creatives, this might look like instability, but for me, it’s about adaptability and persistence.

Lastly, the sheer amount of unseen work and sacrifice involved might not always be obvious. For every moment on stage or in a polished video, there are countless hours of practice, planning, and problem-solving behind the scenes. It’s a lifestyle, not just a job, and that level of dedication is something I think only other creatives truly understand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taya.egorova_/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/taya.egorova

Image Credits

Alissa Roseborough
Norris Photography