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SHABASH TEAM
Anka StormSupreme Creator, Idea Maker, the driving force and soul of SHABASH — the one where it all began. She is the one who creates the energy and atmosphere of every event and, together with the team, keeps SHABASH moving forward. Her passion for dance, attention to detail and unique sense of style transform every event into a true art experience. Anka does not just create ideas — she breathes life into them. Her vision shapes the atmosphere, and her inner fire inspires the whole team. Everything you see at SHABASH events has gone through her intuition, experience and the fire within.
For Anka, it is not just about creating an event. It is about creating an atmosphere where every participant feels like a part of something bigger.
Anka says:“SHABASH is a place of power, passion and the magic of movement.
I always feel deep admiration and gratitude when I see our participants open up on stage and fully experience their performance.
For me, it is not just a project — it is a journey I give myself completely to: from the first idea to the smallest detail of every event.
To every future participant, I want to wish confidence, inner freedom and the joy of every moment you spend with us.
Because SHABASH was created for you and thanks to you. And maybe a little bit thanks to the fact that I never stop keeping this fire alive.”
For Anka, it is not just about creating an event. It is about creating an atmosphere where every participant feels like a part of something bigger.
Anka says:“SHABASH is a place of power, passion and the magic of movement.
I always feel deep admiration and gratitude when I see our participants open up on stage and fully experience their performance.
For me, it is not just a project — it is a journey I give myself completely to: from the first idea to the smallest detail of every event.
To every future participant, I want to wish confidence, inner freedom and the joy of every moment you spend with us.
Because SHABASH was created for you and thanks to you. And maybe a little bit thanks to the fact that I never stop keeping this fire alive.”
Yana IshchenkoSHABASH Advisor, whose experience and vision help the team make important decisions. Her attention to detail and deep understanding of the process help SHABASH grow, improve its rules, categories and performance judging. She helps to put everything in its place, sees the bigger picture and knows how to suggest the right step when doubts appear.
HelgaThe organizer’s right hand, the guardian of communication and the connection between SHABASH and the outside world. The one who is everywhere and always there for everyone — with incredible warmth and care. She joined SHABASH in 2022, coming to her first event as a participant coordinator. Since then, she has been part of every project: welcoming guests, coordinating locations, communicating with partners, assisting with organization — and now she has become the main link between SHABASH and you.Olya is the perfect balance of precision and warmth. Her experience in hospitality, attention to detail and genuine desire to support people create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. From now on, she is the voice behind SHABASH messages — the person who is always there to answer, explain, help and calm you when needed. At the same time, she continues to build bridges between the event and our partners, helping create the level of quality you see in every detail — from organization to gifts.
Olya says:«Every SHABASH has had its own challenges, but this is exactly what makes us grow. I am always amazed by our participants — their beauty, courage and incredible attention to their looks. I call SHABASH a celebration of feminine power and self-expression, and I want to wish every participant not to be afraid to apply, become a part of this experience and never hesitate to ask for help. Because your successful performance is our happiness!»
Olya says:«Every SHABASH has had its own challenges, but this is exactly what makes us grow. I am always amazed by our participants — their beauty, courage and incredible attention to their looks. I call SHABASH a celebration of feminine power and self-expression, and I want to wish every participant not to be afraid to apply, become a part of this experience and never hesitate to ask for help. Because your successful performance is our happiness!»
LeraValeria — SHABASH coordinator, helper, and registration manager, who was with us even before SHABASH became what it is today.She remembers the time when it was only an idea: no logo, no rules, no team. Just a conversation between her and Anka Storm — and then Lera said: “Whatever you create, I’m with you.” And she has been by our side ever since.The first SHABASH was both extremely stressful, exciting and unforgettable for Valeria ❤️She was at the registration desk, coordinating participants, running between floors of the club, and at the same time she also took part in the championship and battles. It was stress, chaos and a huge amount of love that stayed in her heart forever.Today, Lera works with paperwork in a very serious organization 😹 But dance has always been a part of her life. She performed a little, competed a little, taught a little. Now she simply enjoys it. And who knows — maybe one day she will return to the stage again.
Valeria says:«I am incredibly proud to be a part of SHABASH. I believe that SHABASH 2022 became a starting point for the revival of Ukrainian exotic dance — not only after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but in general.I am happy to see the success, growth and development of this project and its participants because I remember how everything started. And I can truly say that SHABASH has a special place in my heartTo all participants, I wish you not to chase places and medals, not to try to please everyone, but simply enjoy and love what you do. Because this is the real reason why it is worth stepping onto the stage.And we will do our best to inspire you and share the energy of the SHABASH community with you »
Valeria says:«I am incredibly proud to be a part of SHABASH. I believe that SHABASH 2022 became a starting point for the revival of Ukrainian exotic dance — not only after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but in general.I am happy to see the success, growth and development of this project and its participants because I remember how everything started. And I can truly say that SHABASH has a special place in my heartTo all participants, I wish you not to chase places and medals, not to try to please everyone, but simply enjoy and love what you do. Because this is the real reason why it is worth stepping onto the stage.And we will do our best to inspire you and share the energy of the SHABASH community with you »
Daria
Participant Coordinator and Event Assistant — the one who whispers: “Get ready, you’re next.”Daria is the voice behind the scenes who guides participants to the stage, keeps everything organized, supports, calms nerves and sometimes finds a moment for a hug. She is with us at every SHABASH: sometimes as a coordinator, sometimes as a participant, sometimes in both roles at the same time. But always one of us.In the past, she worked in television with years of experience, and today she is an Exotic Pole coach and a part of the heart of SHABASH. She joined the team after taking part in competitions herself: first she fell in love with the experience as a participant, and then she stayed forever. Because, as she says, here it is “honest, diverse, fair and truly like home.”Daria says:«Sometimes I feel like I need more lightness myself, so this is exactly what I wish for future participants: enjoy the moment. Don’t take everything too seriously. This is an experience, a celebration of beauty, and a moment that will stay with you forever.
And I will be there to make sure you reach the stage on time — with a warm heart and confidence.»
Sasha
The Stage Tech Fairy of SHABASH, Show Control Assistant and the bridge between participants and the technical team. She makes sure that the technical side of every performance runs smoothly: launching videos, coordinating lights, sending signals and helping create stage harmony.An architect by education, a tattoo artist by passion. And today, as she says with a smile, her main role in life is being a “happy mom of two little angels” 🤣. She loves mountains, skiing, hiking, dancing and wakeboarding — and even with all of this, she always finds time for SHABASH.
At the very first SHABASH, she asked for a position where she could see the performances and not just watch them, but become a part of them. And from that moment, she became a part of the heart of every event.
There have been challenges too — like the moment when the computer responsible for sound and video suddenly stopped working. Sasha reacted immediately, gave a signal to the host to keep the audience engaged, and when the technology came back, the show continued as if nothing had happened.
Sasha says:«Fate brought me together with Anka Storm during stretching classes. Over these years, she has become a true mentor for me, helping me discover new abilities I never knew I had (and she continues to do so).When the first SHABASH was being created, Anka was building the team and invited some of us, her students, to join. That is how I became a part of this wonderful project.I have been part of every event from the very beginning. I am incredibly proud to be a member of this team. It is a big responsibility, but I truly feel that I am exactly where I should be.My message to participants: if you have the desire to express yourself on stage — don’t wait. The best time is now. And we will do everything we can to help you shine on stage.».
Olya
SHABASH Registration Coordinator — one of the first people participants meet when they arrive. She welcomes, registers, answers countless questions and always does it with a smile, clarity and calmness.Outside SHABASH, Olya works as a marketing specialist. She loves dancing, enjoys photography and is never someone who just sits still. She is always discovering something new, so her interests are wide and constantly growing.She joined the SHABASH team thanks to @anka.storm, whom she calls a dance magician. It was Anka who once opened the world of exotic dance for her and told her that everything is possible with dedication and effort. Since then, dance has become a true source of inspiration and joy for Olya. When she found out that SHABASH was looking for helpers, she immediately joined without hesitation. She already had volunteering experience, so she understood that every event could bring new challenges.She has been with us since the very first SHABASH in autumn 2022. Since then, we have created 7 events, and not a single one happened without her presence and support.Olya says:«Being a part of SHABASH is pure joy . It is always amazing to realize that you are a small part of something truly special — something that helps the exotic dance community grow. It inspires me. It gives you the feeling that you are involved in something meaningful and something that helps others express themselves To all participants, I wish you to enjoy every moment on stage. Enjoy your performance. This is your moment of triumph, when you are the brightest star of this celebration. And every one of you shines in your own unique way.
The energy you bring to the stage will stay in the hearts of the audience and will be remembered — even if something is not technically perfect.»
Anna
SHABASH Reception Administrator — one of the first people guests and participants meet when they arrive. She welcomes, registers, helps and solves questions — always calmly, confidently and with kindness.In everyday life, Anna works as a warehouse manager in a company that distributes professional trichology cosmetics. In her free time, she dances exotic, reads, travels and loves active adventures.Anna joined SHABASH at the beginning of 2024. She saw an Instagram post looking for helpers and simply decided to try. Her first event was a festival where she immediately took the role of reception administrator. She says she felt the magic from the very first minutes: the atmosphere, communication, stage, costumes and performances inspired her so much that since then she has not missed a single event.Every event brings its own challenges, but together with her teammates Anna always tries to solve them with care, respect and attention to everyone.Anna says:«For me, it is very special to be a part of such a big event and a part of this community. Especially because at every SHABASH you always meet so many familiar faces. I always feel responsible and truly care that everything goes well.
To future participants, I want to wish you to believe in yourself, enjoy the stage and dance, and keep going no matter what»
Katya
SHABASH Backstage Manager — one of the people who welcomes participants during registration and takes care of the backstage space, making sure everyone feels comfortable, supported and surrounded by a warm atmosphere.In everyday life, Katya works in IT as a software tester. In her free time, she reads books, listens to music and watches movies. She says this is her way to recharge, find balance and get inspired.
She joined the SHABASH team thanks to @ok.dory, who felt that Katya would connect with the atmosphere of beauty, strength and creativity. And she was right.
Katya attended her first SHABASH as a spectator, and at the next event she joined the team behind the scenes. She says that the backstage side of this magic is even deeper and more real.
Katya says:«I have only been to two events so far, but each of them has become very special to me. I love this feeling of warmth, unity and sincerity. Knowing that you help create a space where girls can express themselves, open up, feel their strength and beauty — it is truly inspiring.
I wish all participants to enjoy every moment and trust themselves. Your energy is unique, and it is what makes SHABASH so special. Allow yourself to shine, dance from your heart and feel how beautiful and strong you truly are..
Taras Hreskov & Crew
Event Video Creators — the eyes of SHABASH. The ones who film, broadcast and create the visual story of SHABASH. They capture every performance, bring the live stream to the audience and create videos that stay with participants forever. Thanks to them, the stage comes alive again — on the screen, but with the same energy and emotions.Taras became part of SHABASH thanks to Daria. Our first collaboration was not easy: unexpected challenges, re-edits and honest feedback. But the team never gave up — they learned, adapted to our high standards and with every event they create an even better result.
Taras brings years of experience with him. He works on major television projects, including The Bachelor, but still always finds time for SHABASH. It is a great honor to work with such a professional as part of our team.
Taras says:«When we first came to SHABASH, the things that impressed us most were freedom and strength — participants do not hold themselves back. They are real, and the atmosphere is incredible.
Our task is to capture all of this in video. We understand that our shots help participants see themselves from a different perspective and preserve these emotions. That is why we try to show not only the image, but also the mood, atmosphere and power of the moment.
My advice to participants? Open yourself, bring your ideas to life on stage and work with light. Light is your ally — it highlights your beauty and helps deliver your vision to the audience.».
Kateryna Suha
A talented photographer who will become the eyes of our SHABASH this time! 📸 She will capture every bright moment of your journey and turn it into an unforgettable memory.Kateryna has a unique background: in the past, she was a pole dance and aerial gymnastics coach and competition judge. That is why she understands your potential like no one else and knows exactly when to capture the perfect moment. Her professional eye has been shaped by years of experience working in Ukraine, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Moldova and Poland.
Although this is our first collaboration with Kateryna, we are absolutely sure that her unique vision and professionalism will create something truly special for all of us.
Kateryna says:«I wish all participants to enjoy every minute of their championship experience. I am sure this show will be unforgettable because each of you is a queen »
Get ready for amazing photos!
Karinka
The Pole Cleaning Fairy, the guardian of grip and the one who takes care of every dancer stepping onto the SHABASH stage.When the performance is over but the applause has not yet faded, Karinka is one of those who appears under the stage lights to quickly and carefully clean the pole, creating a safe and reliable support for the next dancer.
Her journey with the team began in 2022, when a friend invited her to join the championship and help with cleaning the poles. Three years later, Karinka has become an inseparable part of the team, which now feels like family to her.
She is preparing to enter a theatre university, performs in shows, practices pole dance and gymnastics. Her life outside SHABASH is full of activities, but even between training sessions and rehearsals, she always finds time to be with us.
Karinka remembers almost every event, but one of the most special ones for her was the 2023 festival with the theme BLACK & WHITE MAGIC. She says the contrast of black and white, the performances, the dress code and the atmosphere created a memory that will stay forever.
Karinka says:«I am very happy to be a part of a team that has grown together with me. I am always excited to see familiar faces at new events.
To future participants, I want to wish you to come to SHABASH as often as possible and never slide off the poles.
And don’t worry about the poles — I will clean them for you ».
Про нас
Kateryna Semenova
COLLABORATION ENDED. No longer a SHABASH representative.Former SHABASH Co-Organizer and one of the people who helped shape the beginning of our project. She was part of the foundation of SHABASH, taking financial responsibility together with Anka and helping launch the first events. She built important processes behind the scenes — from budget management and venue search to strategic agreements with contractors and partners.We are truly grateful for her commitment, experience and the journey we shared during the early stage of SHABASH development.
Laima
COLLABORATION ENDED. No longer a SHABASH representative.Former SHABASH Co-Organizer and Brand Maker. She was one of the people who helped build the foundation of the project and, together with Anka and Kateryna, shaped its structure — from the concept to the internal framework (naming, rules, categories and protocols).
Thanks to her systematic approach and dedication to the idea, SHABASH preserved its unique aesthetics and identity. Although our paths have taken different directions, we are truly grateful for her significant contribution to creating the philosophy and the complete vision of our events.