In this episode, Morana talks to Tatiana Filipenko, a Frame Up Strip teacher, dancer, and choreographer based in Slovenia. Originally from Siberia, Tatiana shares her journey from rhythmic gymnastics to discovering Frame Up through a Russian TV show—an encounter that instantly changed her life. With no local teachers at first, she learned from slowed-down videos, eventually moving to Moscow to train more deeply.

Tatiana describes how she relocated to Slovenia and ended up starting a Frame Up community from scratch in a very traditional dance environment. She discusses her challenges, her students’ growth, and her decision to pursue formal choreography education at age 31 to refine her teaching and give more to her dancers.

Tatiana shares her creative process, her approach to motivating beginners, and what she believes Frame Up represents: freedom. The episode closes with Tatiana’s message to anyone thinking of trying Frame Up: just go for it—you belong on the dance floor.

Tatiana’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_filipena_/

00:00 Introduction
00:40 Tatiana’s Background
01:00 Dance Journey
01:50 Discovering Frame Up
02:30 Learning Without Teachers
03:10 Training in Moscow
03:55 Moving to Slovenia
04:20 Becoming a Teacher
05:30 Classes in Slovenia
08:35 Competitions in Europe
11:00 First Frame Up Competition
12:40 Plans and Goals
14:00 Creative Process
14:50 Advice for Beginners
15:40 Motivating Students
16:45 Boots or Sandals
20:30 One Word for Frame Up
20:50 Memorable Teaching Moment
21:10 Fun Facts
22:00 Final Message

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/

Liza's telegram channel: https://t.me/+Vt0d2Vs-MYjBTUnM

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