In this episode, Morana talks with dancer and choreographer Yuliana Zolotova, joining from Novi Sad, Serbia. Yuliana shares her journey from starting dance at age seven in Ukraine to studying dance professionally, performing on cruise ships around the world, and eventually settling in Serbia for love.
She tells how she discovered Frame Up Strip through Anastasia Koval, later bringing the style to Serbia, where she now teaches and performs. Yuliana recalls working with Serbian pop stars, creating choreography for them, as well as winning first place in her category at World of Dance Serbia.
They discuss her teaching path—from being afraid to teach adults to building Frame Up and heels communities in Novi Sad and Belgrade—and her challenges as an immigrant instructor introducing a new dance style to a new culture.
Yuliana closes with heartfelt advice for dancers: never give up on what you love, stay patient, and enjoy the process.
Yuliana’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuliana_zolotova/
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Early Beginnings
02:00 Studying & Performing Abroad
04:30 Discovering Frame Up Strip
05:30 Teaching in a New Country
06:30 Bringing Frame Up to the Serbian Stage
09:00 Dance Foundations & Style
10:30 Winning World of Dance Serbia
12:30 Injuries & Conventions
15:00 Teaching Today
18:30 Finding Her Style
20:30 Creating Choreography
22:00 Teaching Artists & Groups
23:30 Advice for Dancers
24:30 Upcoming Projects
25:30 Quickfire Round – Shoes, icons, favorite choreo, and fun facts
30:00 Life on Cruise Ships
32:30 Becoming Her Own Project
33:30 Final Message – “Don’t give up on what you love”
In this first episode of season 2 of Strip Journey, Morana talks to Djuna, a dancer and teacher based in Berlin, about her journey into Frame Up Strip. Djuna shares how she went from folklore dance and hip hop to developing her own choreographic voice, and how she builds intention into every piece.
They talk about:
Why Frame Up changed how she feels dance
Teaching in Berlin and building trust with students, her Innuendo Crew
How she supports beginners to let go of “looking clean”
Why she wants dancers to "go through something" on stage
This is an inspiring episode for dancers at all levels who want to deepen their connection to movement and find their own voice in performance.
Djuna’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddjunna/
Innuendo crew instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innuendocrew/
00:00 Intro – Meeting Djuna
02:00 Djuna’s dance background
03:25 Discovering Frame Up during the pandemic
05:10 What changed in her dance expression after Frame Up
08:00 Teaching Frame Up in Berlin
09:00 Djuna’s choreographic process: intention first
12:15 Why vulnerability is part of her style
14:10 When she feels most like herself in dance
17:10 Favorite pieces: Emotionally driven choreographies
18:45 Movement qualities: tension, contrast, softness
20:30 Advice for dancers: let go of needing to be clean
21:20 Frame Up in one word
23:00 What makes her proud as a teacher
24:00 Outro – Final reflections and thank you
🎉 Season finale! In episode 25, I sit down with Anna Strok, dancer and teacher from Warsaw, Poland. Anna talks about starting from ballroom dance, transitioning through go-go and high heels, and eventually finding her home in Frame Up Strip. Anna, previously a founder of the iconic Total Strip Weekend in Belarus, shares what it’s like teaching in Poland, leading her team “Cablook,” and her dream of creating powerful community spaces across Europe. Expect stories about failing forward, sexy choreos, and building art with heart ❤️
Anna’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.strok_dance/
Cablook instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cablook_dance/
00:00 Intro – Episode 25 and welcoming Anna Strok
01:00 Anna’s dance beginnings – ballroom to go-go to heels
03:00 Discovering Frame Up Strip and falling in love with it
05:00 Creating the Total Strip Weekend competition in Belarus
07:00 Growing the Frame Up community from scratch
08:30 Moving to Warsaw and starting from zero again
10:00 Her project ‘Cablook’ – building a team and student family
12:00 What ‘Cablook’ means & her open-level teaching approach
13:00 Teaching at camps and conventions across Europe
14:00 Competing with her team in World of Dance and Stage 18+ Prague
15:00 Planning to compete solo for the first time
16:30 What’s next: organizing events, growing skills, and new choreos
17:30 Her choreo process and why music is everything
18:30 Signature style: sexy, soft, and emotional
19:00 Advice for beginners – start in socks, don’t be afraid
20:00 Boots or sandals? And her Frame Up inspirations
21:00 Favorite learning experiences
23:00 Describing Frame Up in one word: “Expressing yourself”
24:00 Her favorite teaching memory – owning her own dance hall
25:00 Fun fact: she used to hate heels!
26:00 Final message: more kindness, more support, more community
28:00 Wrap-up and thank you!
What happens when a disciplined ballerina turns rebellious and blends technique with raw emotion? 🖤 Meet Vivian Voss from Greece — creator of "Experimental Erotica" and one of our original voices in the European Frame Up scene. From founding Greece’s first contemporary pole group to building her spider-inspired dance community, Vivian shares her story of unapologetic artistry, risk-taking, and how she teaches dancers to embrace their erotic expression.
Vivian’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianvoss_/
Experimental Erotica's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experimental.erotica/
00:00 Intro & meet Vivian Voss
01:00 Dance beginnings: from ballet to contemporary
03:00 Why she created Experimental Erotica
06:00 First encounters with Frame Up Strip
08:00 Teaching in Greece: challenges & growth
10:00 The story behind "dada dolls" and her clothing line
12:00 How she got the nickname Spider Mother
14:00 Teaching at Greece’s High Heels Convention
16:00 Competing at Pole Theater
17:00 Future plans: growing the community and hosting more intensives
19:00 Her first self-organized erotic intensive weekend
20:00 Style focus: eroticism, musicality & spider movements
22:00 Advice for new students: "Be a blank canvas"
23:00 Manifesting through dance & why technique matters
25:00 Boots or sandals? + Frame Up inspirations
27:00 Favorite learning moment: Strip Stars Camp Poland
28:00 Her own choreo favorites & signature moments
29:00 Fun fact
31:00 Final message: Try new things, embrace your identity
Calling all dance nerds 🎧 In this episode, we go deep into the making of a dancer. Liza opens up about growing up with a musical family, quitting ballet, moving countries, and rediscovering her power through Frame Up. Her take on musicality, being part of community, and choreographing will resonate with anyone who's ever been obsessed with dance. We talk passion, pressure, socks vs no socks (yes, really), and what it takes to truly own your growth. This is one of our most inspiring convos yet! Plus, she shares what it meant to be recognized by the same people who first inspired her — a true full circle moment
Liza’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxmakarova/
00:00 Intro
03:00 Childhood ballet & music roots
08:00 Discovering hip hop and joining her first crew
10:00 Moving to Prague & rekindling dance
12:30 Frame Up: how she found the style and her mentors
17:00 Teaching vs. training – how both shaped her
19:00 Joining Poison crew & developing her own style
22:00 Frame Up Convention Moscow – certificates & surprises
25:00 Creating her own choreo group ‘Charisma’
28:00 Preparing for competitions & dancing solo
30:00 Winning in Prague & the power of performance
33:00 World of Dance Greece – international experiences
36:00 Liza’s upcoming teaching tour
38:00 Her unique style: musicality, legs, aggression
44:00 Advice to beginners: don’t panic, enjoy the process
46:00 Quick-fire Q&A: sandals or boots, inspirations & more
53:00 Frame Up in one word? Passion.
In episode 22 of Strip Journey, I talk to Maria, the official Frame Up representative in Switzerland. Maria shares her unique journey from growing up in a conservative family to finding her passion for dance after graduating as a medical doctor. She delves into her experiences with dance forms like pole dance, jazz funk, and her love for Frame Up. Maria discusses the challenges of introducing Frame Up in Switzerland, her approach to teaching, and how her medical and musical background complements her dance instruction. She reflects on her competitive experiences, future plans, and the supportive nature of the European dance community.
Maria’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_walking_muse/
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:19 Meet Maria: Frame Up Representative
01:00 Maria's Dance Journey
02:39 Teaching Frame Up in Switzerland
06:25 Medical Background and Teaching Approach
09:03 Competitions and Future Plans
17:06 Teaching Beginners
19:16 Frame Up Icons and Inspirations
21:19 Favorite Choreographies and Classes
23:41 Memorable Moments as a Dance Teacher
26:06 Messages for Listeners
27:02 Comparing Dance Conventions
28:59 Conclusion and Farewell
In this special episode, I talk about my experience at the 5th Frame Up Strip CZ convention and the first Stage 18+ competition. I talk about the classes we had at the convention with our amazing teachers Ira Podshivalova, Baina Basanova, Aleksandra Demianova and Eve, and then I give a quick round up of the amazing competition we had in Prague. And of course, there are statements from Eve, our organiser and participants in the Stage 18+ competition, including pro winner Liza Makarova, team Shafran and pro polers Christiana and Amie.
As usual, I had a great time and learned a lot and I hope to see you at one of the upcoming events!
Frame Up Strip CZ’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frameupstrip_cz/
Stage 18+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stage__18/
00:00 Welcome to Strip Journey
00:31 Convention Highlights: Day One
04:54 Convention Highlights: Day Two
08:50 Organizer's Insights: short interview with Eve
13:00 Stage 18+ competition begins
13:30 Frame Up Solo Beginners category
14:20 Frame Up Solo Pro category
15:09 Interview with the Solo Pro Champion Liza Makarova
16:59 Pole dance champions hooked on Frame Up
17:24 Pro competitor Christiana Koulouma
18:55 Pro competitor Amie Alma
20:37 Small Groups category
21:25 Team Shafran interview
26:59 Big Groups category
28:15 Thank you to the organiser
29:55 Conclusion and see you next time
In episode 21 of Strip Journey, I welcome Mariia from Belgrade, Serbia, who shares her dance journey and experience. Mariia talks about starting dance at a young age, focusing on cheerleading and ending up in Frame Up strip. She discusses her experience of moving to Belgrade, introducing Frame Up strip to the local community, forming a dedicated dance team, and participating in international and local competitions. Mariia emphasizes the importance of persistence, community building, and continuous learning in achieving success in dance. This episode portraits the growing Frame Up community and creating a new dance niche in Serbia.
Mariia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masha_mahich/
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Guest Introduction: Mariia from Serbia
00:49 Mariia's Dance Journey
03:31 Joining Frame Up and Teaching in Belgrade
06:22 Challenges and Growth in Teaching
09:02 Convention Experiences and Certifications
13:18 Competitions and Performances
17:49 Building and Leading a Dance Team
21:02 Future Plans and Community Building
27:05 Personal Insights and Advice
33:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In episode 20 of the 'Strip Journey' podcast, I re-visit Prague with an insightful conversation with Yana. Yana, an IT project manager and Frame Up dancer originally from Kazakhstan, shares her journey into the world of dance. She discusses her initial foray into various dance styles and her switch to frame-up dancing inspired by teachers in Prague and Russia. Yana delves into her experience with team dancing, including her involvement with Poison team in Prague, and the challenges she faced due to a knee injury. She introduces her project 'Ultima Thule' aimed at creating a collaborative dance space for artistic expressions. Sharing her creative process, the support structure of her team, and her aspirations for upcoming projects, Yana offers practical advice and inspiration for dancers interested in creative projects.
Yana’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasha_vasha
Ultima Thule instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultima.thule.art
Ultima Thule website: https://www.ultimathuleart.com/
Ultima Thule YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ultimathuleart
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Guest Introduction: Meet Yana
01:21 Yana's Dance Journey
04:32 Joining Frame Up Team Poison
06:12 The Birth of Project Ultima Thule
07:44 Ultima Thule's First Dance Case
09:02 The Academy Format
10:55 Building a Creative Team
13:46 Future Plans for Ultima
17:19 Teaching and Personal Development
18:34 Creative Process and Inspirations
19:55 Advice for Aspiring Dancers
21:43 Frame Up Icons and Preferences
23:14 Favorite Projects and Choreos
26:34 Memorable Moments
30:08 The Growth of Frame Up in Europe
33:29 Final Thoughts and Messages
In episode 19 of Strip Journey, we go back to Germany by inviting Anna from Frankfurt. Anna shares her inspiring journey from starting her dance career at 18 in Moscow to becoming a dance teacher. Despite facing challenges, such as a lack of initial support and starting late, Anna pursued her passion. She details her transition to Frankfurt, the struggle to find dance communities and suitable studios, and her efforts to introduce Frame Up style in a new environment. Anna's story highlights the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and adapting to new circumstances while chasing one's dreams.
Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaslide/
00:00 Introduction to Episode 19
00:18 Anna's Dance Start
00:54 First Dance Experiences and Challenges
04:02 Teaching and Expanding Skills
09:03 Frame Up
21:07 Transition to Frankfurt
28:44 Dance Competitions in Europe
29:32 Challenges of Teaching Dance in Frankfurt
30:26 Comparing Dance Levels Across Cities
31:12 Struggles with Dance Studios in Frankfurt
32:49 The Importance of Musicality in Dance
34:20 Observations on Dance Teachers and Techniques
37:43 Experiences in Dance Competitions
38:01 Differences in Competition Structures
41:13 Growing Dance Community in Europe
50:11 Advice for Aspiring Dancers
In episode 18 of Strip Journey, Morana welcomes Tatiana Pawlak, a strip dance teacher from Poznań, Poland. Originally from Russia, Tatiana shares her journey into dance, starting from ballroom dance at six years old to cheerleading and then a decade-long break. She rekindled her love for dance at 25 after discovering high heels dance videos on Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite a lack of local strip dance teachers, Tatiana pursued online courses and eventually began teaching. Tatiana discusses her transition into teaching, her approach to dance as an art form, and her experience in competitions like StripLab. She also shares insights into her teaching methods, emphasizing improvisation, self-acceptance, and the importance of creating meaningful performances. Tune in to hear about Tatiana's ongoing dance journey and her plans for the future.
Tatiana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatiana_pawlak/
In this episode of Strip Journey, I get to talk to a friend and fellow dancer Tara. We talk about differences on starting dance from a young age and later, as well as our experiences from classes and how we percieve ourselves. Tara is a Finnish dancer, dance teacher, and certified dance judge currently residing in Tallinn, Estonia. Tara also shares her extensive dance journey, starting from her childhood in Finland where her mother set up a dance studio, to her current passion for high heels and frame up dancing. Tara talks about the challenges of transitioning between various dance styles, the influences of her performance background on her work in reality TV, and her educational path in communication management and international business. She offers insights on the importance of exploring different dance styles, overcoming self-doubt, and the value of recording and reviewing dance performances. Tara also emphasizes the need to have fun and push personal boundaries for growth in dance.
Tara’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_who/
Tara’s blog: https://www.tarawho.fi/
In Episode 16 of Strip Journey, Alina Boshchenko, a dancer from Amsterdam, shares her inspiring story on dancing and getting into dance battles. She discusses her introduction to FrameUp during the pandemic, her dynamic dance style, and her experience with improvisation and battles. Alina highlights the importance of foundational dance moves, musicality, and a supportive community. She also reflects on her participation in World of Dance and local dance battles, emphasizing the value of authenticity and continuous growth. The episode offers practical advice for dancers on improving improvisation skills and maintaining a healthy competitive spirit.
Alina’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesslyrics_
In Episode 15 of Strip Journey, I have a chance to talk to Baina Basanova from St. Petersburg, one of the top strip dancers and teachers. Baina shares her journey of joining the strip dance style in 2012, her teaching philosophy influenced by her medical background, and the importance of biomechanics and body awareness in dance. She offers advice to dancers in Europe, focusing on the significance of working hard while enjoying the dance. Baina highlights her upcoming courses in English, stressing the need for a strong foundation in learning strip dance, and discusses her career milestones and personal teaching experiences. She emphasizes the value of making mistakes, dancing with the floor, and the importance of improvisation. Baina also shares personal anecdotes and fun facts about her life and dance journey.
Baina’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basanovabaina/
Baina’s website: https://bainadance.ru/stripperellaz
In episode 14 of Strip Journey, I interview Tanya from New Jersey, USA. Tanya, shares her 13-year dance journey, including 10 years specializing in Frame Up. We discuss the challenges of introducing Frame Up to the US, the differences between the dance scenes in Russia and America, and Tanya’s teaching experiences in New York and New Jersey. Tanya emphasizes the importance of self-expression, overcoming challenges, and enjoying the art of dance. She also shares memorable moments, advice for beginners, and her future aspirations to spread Frame Up through masterclasses and potential competitions. The episode highlights the beauty and diversity of dance and encourages dancers to embrace new styles.
Tanya’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanya_phoenix
In Episode 13 of the Strip Journey podcast, I welcome Randa, a dance acrobatics teacher from Helsinki, Finland. Randa shares her transition from being a doctoral researcher in media communication and a Frame Up Strip dancer to teaching dance acrobatics online, inspired by overcoming personal physical challenges. We discuss the importance of understanding body mechanics, mindful practices, and creating a supportive learning environment. Randa emphasizes the significance of teaching foundational techniques rather than just choreography, and the psychological aspects of helping students overcome limitations to achieve their dance goals. Randa also provides insights into organizing international dance acrobatics camps and her plans to focus on online teaching.
Randa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morella.dance
In episode 12 of Strip Journey, I talk with Irina, Frame Up strip representative from Germany. Moving from Russia to Germany, Irina balances being a master student, her part time job and dance. She discusses her journey from childhood dance classes to mastering and teaching Frame Up. Irina shares her experiences attending conventions, organizing dance events, and starting her own dance space 'Six Inch', for high heels and Frame Up. We talk also about the upcoming Strip Workshops De weekend that combines high heels, Frame Up and battles! She highlights the importance of consistency and working on foundational basics. Join us to learn about Irina's story, teaching philosophy, and future aspirations.
Irina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaz.irk/
Six Inch DE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixinch.de/
Strip Workshops De Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strip_workshops_de/
In this episode of Strip Journey, Morana recounts her experience at the recent Frame Up Strip CZ dance convention in Prague, Czech Republic. I discusses the merits of attending dance conventions and provide tips for surviving a three-day event. Highlighting performances and classes from the 6 choreographers, I share personal anecdotes and insights into their unique teaching styles. Additionally, convention organizer Eve comments on the event's growth and future plans.
Convention IG: https://www.instagram.com/frameupstrip_cz
Organizer’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/eve_archarly
Teacher links:
https://www.instagram.com/suspiria.em
https://www.instagram.com/basanovabaina
https://www.instagram.com/lushichev
https://www.instagram.com/iren.bun
In this episode of Strip Journey, I talk to Eva Marta, a ballet artist based in Dresden, Germany. Eva shares her journey from gymnastics to ballet, inspired by renowned Russian ballet teachers, and her subsequent embrace of the Frame Up dance style. Now a dance teacher and community builder, Eva discusses the emotional healing and self-discovery her students experience through dance. The conversation highlights the importance of improvisation and emotional expression, the mental strength required in dance, and Eva’s approach to choreography. Tune in for insights into Eva's teaching methods in her community, 'Suspiria,' and learn about her recent projects, including a year-long emotional exploration program.
Eva’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suspiria.em
Anastasia Levinson is a successful dancer, choreographer and business woman from Latvia now living in Lisbon. Anastasia shares her story from starting ballet at four, leading dance teams, to discovering Frame Up dance styles. She reflects on her multifaceted career, including running a fashion retail company and mentoring dancers. Anastasia discusses the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of self-marketing, and building a thriving dance business. Listen as she opens up about organizing live performances, dealing with unexpected setbacks, and the power of humility, teamwork, and continuous growth in both dance and life. Get practical advice for aspiring dancers and learn about the significance of perseverance and authentic expression in dance.
Anastasia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Levenson.Anastasia
LVNSN dance company: https://www.instagram.com/lvnsn.dancecompany
FUS show: https://www.instagram.com/FUS.show