Growing up immersed in the world of Russian Dancing in Moscow, my vision of the American dance scene was nothing short of an American dream. As someone deeply involved in competitive ballroom and later jazz dance in Russia, the United States seemed like the ultimate destination to pursue jazz dance at its very source. However, our understanding of the American dance world in Russia was often shaped by stereotypes and preconceived notions. Since moving to the U.S. and joining the national tour of Pippin, I’ve come to realize that the reality of dancing here is a fascinating mix of what I imagined and completely unexpected discoveries.
Expectation: The American dance community is fiercely competitive and intensely serious.
Reality: Coming from the rigorous discipline often associated with russian dancing and training, I was genuinely surprised by the sheer joy and enthusiasm that American dancers, choreographers, and teachers bring to their craft. It seems to be deeply ingrained in the American mentality—a drive to find positivity in every situation. Phrases like “have fun” and “enjoy every moment” are incredibly common backstage before a performance. For me, this is a wonderfully refreshing approach. It’s not that I didn’t experience joy in dance before, but now I feel a much greater conscious awareness of it.
Expectation: I would need to downplay my “Russian-ness” on stage to fit in.
Reality: My Russian accent and overall demeanor have actually become an advantage. It turns out, Americans are quite fond of accents! Here in the U.S., several choreographers have specifically encouraged me to “Just be Russian,” implying they appreciate my confidence and the unique perspective I bring from my cultural background. Referencing my russian dancing heritage and cultural identity has become a way to build a stronger stage presence. I even find myself playing with some common stereotypes about Russians – the notions of strength and mystery, which, to some extent, hold a grain of truth. And honestly, what could be more empowering to embody while performing?
Expectation: Strong ballet technique would be a prerequisite, given the reputation of russian dancing.
Reality: This expectation did hold some truth! Due to the global renown of Russian ballet, there’s a general assumption that all Russian dancers are proficient in classical ballet technique. However, ballet wasn’t my primary focus. I only began ballet training at 20, having already established myself in other dance forms. My true strength lies in jazz dance. When I first encountered Luigi jazz technique, its fluidity and joyful expression resonated deeply. It felt instantly familiar, like a style I had danced my entire life. It’s important to remember that russian dancing encompasses much more than just ballet. Russia boasts exceptional schools for modern and contemporary dance, as well as ballroom dance, offering a diverse range of training.
Expectation: It’s incredibly challenging for newcomers, especially international choreographers, to establish themselves in the American dance scene.
Reality: I was pleasantly surprised to find that numerous prominent dance festivals were enthusiastic about showcasing my choreography, even without prior knowledge of my work. The job search experience in the U.S. has been remarkably positive. I’ve observed a refreshing lack of prejudice, with Americans focusing primarily on talent and ability. If anything, my nationality and background in russian dancing have been perceived as a unique and valuable asset.
Expectation: “So You Think You Can Dance” represents the pinnacle of American dance interest.
Reality: To my delightful surprise, American dance masters exhibit a profound connection to the history and traditions of their art form, mirroring the deep respect for heritage I experienced within russian dancing circles. My time studying at the musical theater dance program at Jacob’s Pillow was particularly impactful. The archives there are a treasure trove of recordings showcasing masterpieces from dance history. The entire atmosphere was so deeply rooted in the origins of American dance that I could almost feel the presence of dance pioneers like Ted Shawn and Jack Cole alongside me.
Expectation: The audition process in the U.S. would be overwhelmingly intense and cutthroat.
Reality: Well, it is undeniably stressful! The level of competition here is significantly higher. You need to learn choreography combinations incredibly quickly. However, being often the only Russian dancer in the audition room has, in an unexpected way, been helpful. It allowed me to detach from the pre-audition jitters and “holding room gossip,” enabling me to concentrate on my strengths. I felt a sense of being slightly set apart, yet simultaneously deeply focused and engaged.
