Dancers, especially from the middle-high level and higher, travel very often. They have to go abroad to competitions, lessons, and training camps. But sometimes they decide to relocate because they found a partner in another city or another country.

In that case, we are not only talking about the possibility of seeing new places and different people but a real life-changing decision. 

This can be scary for many of us. Many dancers are even giving up dancing when faced with the decision of moving country for a new partner. 

We can all imagine how difficult and challenging it can be. But there are some excellent examples of champions that decided to change their lives to achieve their goals. 

One perfect example is one young lady from Ukraine who changed countries 3 times, became World Champion in WDSF Amateur Latin 3 times, and an idol for many dancers. This is Kristina Moshenskaya and she is willing to share some insights with us.

Matteo: Kristina, how many countries did you dance for?

Kristina: I danced for Ukraine, Russia, Italy, and now for Germany.

Matteo: And in how many countries did you live and practiced so far?

Kristina: Mostly, I was practicing in the countries I was living in.

Matteo: Which is the thing you miss the most by not practicing in your home country?

Kristina: I left Ukraine 13 years ago, so I cannot say that I miss something by not practicing in my home country. And the countries where I danced lately are very developed as well. But for sure, what I liked the most in the system I grew up was that there were many group lessons. This helped me develop with less money investment.

Matteo: Now you live in Germany, what do you like the most here?

Kristina: I think the infrastructure generally makes it easy. Like starting from everyday life and finishing with sports. For example, we have a dance club where we are practicing which has 4 halls. The rule is that one hall should always be available for free practice.

Matteo: I know it’s not nice to talk bad about places where you have been, but can you tell me a negative aspect for each country? 

Kristina: In Ukraine and Russia, because of the money currency, it’s complicated to take lessons with foreign teachers. Also, traveling to other countries is problematic because you need passport visas.

In Italy, it’s very difficult to practice during summertime as it’s very hot. Also, they don’t have a significantly developed public transport system, especially in small cities.

In Germany, there is a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. And that is an issue if you have a full schedule like ours when you don’t have time to deal with it, you need to get a secretary or an accountant. 

Matteo: What has been more important? The place or the people?

Kristina: For sure the people are more important than the place. It also depends on you as a person, building up your setting and the schedule in the place you are living. 

Matteo: What should be a decisional factor for moving a country for dancing?

Kristina: It depends on different stuff: a better school, a better system, a better partner, or just a better lifestyle or a safer future.

Matteo: To conclude, please, what pieces of advice do you have for dancers who decide to change country for dancing? What should they be prepared for?

Kristina: To be flexible! If you move to another country, you need to accept this country’s culture, so you need to learn the language for starters.

It won’t be easy, especially in the beginning, but you need to be focused on your target.

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