We recently connected with Veronika Voskalchuk and have shared our conversation below.
Veronika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I was lucky to start dancing when I was 6 year old. My mom simply took me to dance school. There was nothing extraordinary in this move. Ballroom dancing and ballet have always been an essential element of a girl’s education. But what my parents did afterwards, I think, was extraordinary and unusual to the upbringing of those days (since the collapse of Soviet Union) – they let me decide for myself.
When you think about what to do, only your mind works. Our mind analyzes the pros and cons, formulates his views logically and convincingly, and listens to the opinions of others. It is not always the reasons and beliefs of the mind that help us realize our dreams, but the mind itself often sows doubts in us about our ability to achieve what we want. And sometimes really, our wishes don’t come from the heart, and our dreams aren’t really ours.
My parents allowed me to create my destiny and to listen to my heart. Even when at the age of 15 I decided to move to another city and to live separate life from my parents to pursue my dream of dancing, they didn’t say anything against that crazy idea. They just asked me if this is exactly what I want to do. And I replied “Yes”!))
And for that I am entirely grateful to them.
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 Ballroom Dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and owner of the dance studio “Dance Flow Miami”. I have been in ballroom dance industry for 30 years. My teaching experience is 17 years.
My husband and dance partner and I won many prestigious titles throughout our career together. Among them two titles that we are particularly proud of – World Showdance Champions and US Open Ballroom Champions.
Our dances always express the beauty of men and women dancing together. I believe this is the most important part of ballroom dancing. That’s why people dance – they express relationships and stories. And what is amazing about it is that we can tell a story through our bodies and music. I think that’s why people are attracted to us as a couple.
In addition to our own titles and achievements, we are extremely proud of our students’ accomplishments. With over 20 years of teaching experience, we have developed our own teaching method. And its uniqueness lies in the fact that it not only promotes efficiency and people’s growth, but also adapts the lessons to each student.Every person is different. Different body types, different mindsets, goals and skills. And we are responsive and flexible enough to help anyone who comes to our class.
This approach helped us to raise 5 World Champions and 7 United States Champions.
Besides competitive students, we love to work with those who dance for fun, self development and joy.
After a successful 30-year competitive career, my husband and dance partner Alexander and I decided to give back. We especially want to bring ballroom dance into masses, to educate people that there is something else besides Salsa and Merengue (nothing against these dances, we love them) and to make ballroom dancing available to everyone.
That is why we are opening our Dance Flow Miami studio. The address is 5138 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida 33137. We are planning to open sometime in December’22 or January’23. We highly recommend to everyone who is interested to subscribe to our newsletter on the website www.danceflowmiami.com. You will be the first one to
receive news about opening date, service and prices, special offers and events.
We are creating this place hoping that it will become a place of happiness and joy, a place where you can not only learn to dance but also meet new friends and have a great time.
We will welcome people of all ages and dance level. Whether you are an experienced dancer or have never stepped into a dance studio before, we will make sure that the right program will be selected for you. And remember- no dance partner is needed)))
Our studio will provide custom experience tailored to your requirements and needs.
We promise you will have a great time!
And for now, just stay tuned. We will be announcing Grand Opening dates soon.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I think the most pivotal moment in my career as an artist is when i realized that my art and my dancing are not only about me. Clearly, it is not possible to detach ‘me’ from my dancing. But only me is not enough. True art should be more than that. The best art is about all of us, people, our planet, love, energy. It shows not only in my dancing but also in my teaching. When you dance, you try to touch people’s hearts and make them forget about everything and just enjoy your story and your movements. When you teach, you have to start thinking as your student. You have to understand how they think, why they started dancing and how it can help them in their lives.
Only when I understood it and started using it, I became truly successful.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my mission now is to use the power of dance to change people’s lives for the better. In my 30 years of dancing, I have seen many people who are happier and healthier long after they started dancing.
Dancing seems to be part of our DNA. Some studies show that dancing regularly is actually the best way to stay fit, active, flexible, and even improve mental alertness. Studies have also consistently shown that dancing can significantly reduce the risk of disability and dementia. My dance students are more confident, happier, healthier, they lose weight, meet new friends, and never have a lonely or boring night.
Ballroom dancing have many styles for all personalities. So, everyone can find a dance style that fits them the best.
In our studio, we create a program that is tailored to each client, and everyone receives special attention.
This is my way to influence people’s lives. Through art, dance, care, and love
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danceflowmiami.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proballroom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexander.veronika.voskalchuk/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-voskalchuk-aa3603199/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7w1wGiNFC-H40OgqWPdu9w
- Other: www.voskalchuk.com
Image Credits
dancesport photography by Alex Rowan