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Check it out now: teachers and students of Kyiv Dance Street school know all there is to know about break dance and are always ready to share their knowledge and skills with newcomers. KP Media photo by Konstantin Klimenko Pick you favorite dancing style and practice your moves at one of Kyiv’s dance schools

l is currently one of the most popular programs on Ukrainian television. The series shows famous actors, singers and TV presenters learning to dance professionally and demonstrate their skills. Each star was tutored by a professional dancer, who also served as their dancing partner. Each pair of dancers then shows off their moves through various dances, including waltzes, foxtrots, and sambas, in solo performances on every show. The show has become very popular among Ukrainian audiences and this weekend the finals will take place, with one dancing pair to be chosen by a professional jury and viewers as the grand winner. But apart from enthralling television viewers, “Dances with Stars” popularized professional dancing in Ukraine. Learning to dance can get you in shape and teaches you to move your body with rhythm and grace. It also can be a fun way to spend your free time. Luckily there are plenty of dance schools in Kyiv where you can take salsa, break dancing, or even hip-hop dancing, so you become the star of any party.


Move it, Yo!

Even if rap and hip-hop are not your favorite music styles, you will certainly be amazed by the moves break dancers bust out. The history of break dance began in the late ‘60s when people started to dance in a strange new way—spinning around on their backs, standing on their head and twirling are a few of the break dancers’ typical moves. In Kyiv you can practice your break dancing skills at Saxon club on Thursdays and Fridays and at Patipa club on Thursdays.

It is possible to study break dance at Kyiv Dance Street school, whose students can be seen dancing by Khreshchatyk metro on the weekends. Break-dance novices are treated most friendly at the school both by the teacher and experienced break-dancers, who help them learn the basic moves. To attend break dance lessons you must wear comfortable clothes, such as loose sweatpants, t-shirts and sneakers. Elbow and wrist pads might also come handy.

Hip hop is a fashionable mixture of street and club dances. It attracts clubbers and disco-lovers. The main aim of the classes is not to teach you the exact movements but to set your body up so that you feel free to dance whenever and wherever you want. Nevertheless, learning this style takes at least three months. Afterwards you can groove your way to intermediate and advances classes at the Dance Street studio. One class is Hr 20, month subscription (8 classes) is Hr 125. You can try a test class for free.

Dance Street (4 Nekrasovska, 237-0843)www.dance-street.kiev.ua


Musica Latina

Salsa is one of the most popular Latin American dances in Kyiv. Salsa’s movements are simple but, as in any dance, it is not important what you do, but how you do it. To be a good salsa dancer you need feel the music and synchronize your movements with your partner. There are ten salsa schools in Kyiv, and one of the best ones is Dance Street. There the cost for eight classes is Hr 120. To start learning this dance you need a partner. It would be even better if you could find two partners so you do not get too used to a certain style of dancing. There isn’t any mandatory attire for salsa dancing—you can dance in pants and sneakers or skirts and heels. Six months to half a year should be enough time to make you into a decent dancer. When ready, go practicing your Salsa skills at Caribbean Club (4 Kominterna) on Sundays and at El Asador tavern (29 Nyzhniy Val) on Saturdays and Sundays. This dance may be also seen during Cuba Si festival, which will take place Nov. 25 and 26 in Kyiv.

Flamenco is a passionate, feminine dance originating from the Middle Ages. Flamenco dancers create beautiful movements while clicking their heels and snapping their fingers to music. The obligatory accessories are shoes with stable heels and a special flamenco skirt, which flares and fits tightly at the hip. The traditional colors are red and black. Olga Sharapa from Flamenco School will help you perfect your moves in six months. One class costs Hr 30, and a month subscription (8-9 classes) is Hr 180.

It is often said that Argentinean tango is the most passionate dance for couples, as it brings lovers close together. The most important thing in dancing tango to move with an understanding of your partner. Among the specific requirements for clothes are soft shoes. As the dance techniques become more advanced, women start wearing harder shoes with high heels. Ines Nikolulias is the only professional tango teacher in Kyiv. According to her, women can learn basic tango in three months. But as the leading role is given to men, they need at least six months to master tango. One class is Hr 10, and a month subscription is Hr 210. To show off your Argentinean tango moves, go to milonga parties –Wednesdays at Teatrion center (24 Heroyiv Stalinhradu) and Sundays at Fiesta (115 Antonovycha).

Dance Street (4 Nekrasovska, 237-0843)www.dance-street.kiev.ua

Flamenco School of Olga Sharapa (38 Shchorsa, 8050-3842711)www.flamenco.in.ua

Ines Nikolulias Studio (24/45 Pochainynska 8097-345 8882)


From Ireland to the East

Irish dances include step, reel and jig. They were popular during the Middle Ages in Ireland, when party-goers would dance and drink ale. There were even competitions to find the best dancer. Nowadays Irish dances differ from the originals, as with time they have been mixed with jazz steps and have improved in choreography.

Modern Irish dances are performed in the Rhythm of the Dance and Lord of the Dance shows, well-known all over the world. You can study this style of dancing at Narnia dancing school. Irish dancing is all about quick foot movements. There are two kinds of shoes needed to perform Irish steps: rigid leather shoes to perform tap-dancing and soft shoes for dancing pas. You will also need comfortable pants. To practice, go to an Irish dance party held at O’Brien’s pub (17A Mykhaylivska) every Thursday.

What can be more seductive and mesmerizing than belly-dancing – the most – famous type of oriental dancing. The most important element of the dancer’s clothes is the belt-skirt with clinking coins attached to it (costs Hr 130 to Hr 150). It serves to make the dancer’s movements more graceful by increasing the weight on her thighs. Unlike Arabian countries where showing a woman’s stomach is considered inappropriate in public places, Ukraine has no such taboos. Oriental dances are usually performed every evening at Shakherezada restaurant (Globus). You can study oriental dances at Arabian Dance Studio. To attend lessons you should wear comfortable pants and shirt, and most importantly the traditionally jingling belt-skirt, as well as very soft, comfortable shoes. One class will cost you Hr 25, while eight classes are Hr 180.

Narnia (83A Melnikova, 331-0523)

Arabian Dance Studio (38 Moskovska, room 33, 280-2808).


Waltz, Swing and Strip

Despite the fact that the waltz is a typical classical dance, it is always in fashion. The most important requirements for dancers are to keep their shoulders straight and to have a strong back posture. One more thing to keep in mind are proper shoes. For men, shoes with soft leather soles are a must. Women should wear 3-5 centimeter heels. Be careful, as beginners tend to feel dizzy at first. Masters from Fidelio studio will teach you to dance Vienna waltz in two months. One class costs Hr 20, a month subscription (8 classes) is Hr 130.

Swing is a dance style associated with jazz and rock’n’roll music. It appeared in the ‘20-30s in the U.S. Lindy Hop is a basic swing dance that became known in Europe as the Boogie Woogie. East Coast and West Coast Swing are popular American styles of dancing. Swing movements are full of fun and energy. It can be danced in couples as well as big groups. You need loose attire that won’t constrain movement and soft-sole shoes. Usually, pants made of light cloth, a t-shirt and sneakers are good enough to train in. One class is Hr 25, and a month subscription (8-9 classes) costs Hr 150.

Strip-dance is a kind of dance which teaches how to attract attention to your body without stripping. Recently the interest in strip dance has grown. Women attending strip-dance classes have an ideal ability to get rid of their inferiority complexes and become self-confident, and if you choose to go professional – it’s all up to you.

Jive fitness center invites the ladies to go through the temptation course. Age and figure do not matter. The only requirement is to have a strong will to change, and two months should be enough to master strip dance skills.

You may choose any comfortable clothes and shoes to train in but professionals strongly recommend attending trainings in touch-dancing shoes. 12 classes at Jive center will cost you Hr 300, a one-time class – Hr 45.

Fidelio Studio (9 Kruglouniversytetska, 4th floor; 2/4 Olgynska, 4th floor 8066-726 6791)www.fidelio.com.ua

Jive Fitness Center (18B Chervonostotska, 559-3073) www.jive.org.ua

Swing Dance Studio (25 Shovkovychna, 8050-3125687)ww.swingdance.kiev.ua