In Episode 32 of Strip Journey, I talk to Viktoryia, based in Poland, who is quickly becoming a driving force in the Frame Up Strip community.

From starting dance at just three years old to taking a five-year break and returning through high heels, Viktoryia shares how she found her way into strip dance — and why self-training became the key to her growth. We dive into her journey from corporate life to teaching, building a community in Warsaw, and even organizing her own championship.

We also talk about:

• Overcoming fear of performing (even as a teacher)

• The power of improvisation and finding your own style

• Building community through events, collaborations, and shared platforms

• Why stepping out of your comfort zone is everything

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from showing up, trying, and doing the scary things anyway.

Viktoryia’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyofyourparty/Polish Frame Up community: https://www.instagram.com/frameupstrip_poland/Metro champ: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/metro_champ/00:00 – Intro & Viktoryia’s background01:00 – Starting dance early & moving to Poland02:30 – Discovering heels and strip style04:00 – The power of self-training07:00 – From dancer to teacher10:00 – Building a dance community in Poland12:00 – Creating a platform for dancers & events14:00 – Collaborations & viral video creation18:30 – Competing despite fear of performing24:00 – Teaching, growth & future plans25:30 – Organizing a dance championship (Metro Champ)28:00 – Improvisation & finding your style31:00 – Advice for beginners36:30 – Quick questions (shoes, inspiration, fun facts)38:00 – Final message: just do it

In this episode of Strip Journey, I talk with Pauline, a Frame Up dancer and studio owner from Paris, France. After being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that forced her to stop dancing, Pauline rebuilt her relationship with movement by studying pain management, biomechanics, yoga, and Pilates.

She eventually found her way back to dance through floorwork and Frame Up, and today she runs a training center in Paris focused on a holistic approach to dancer training. We talk about resilience, training with limitations, teaching beginners, and building an inclusive dance community. Pauline also shares her experience competing at Stage 18+ and why she believes dance should be about expression and not fitting a mold.

A powerful conversation about persistence, identity, and creating your own place in dance.

Pauline’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfrenchgirlsaid/

Pauline’s studio The Field: https://www.instagram.com/thefield.paris/

00:00 Introduction01:10 Pauline’s dance background and diagnosis04:00 Rebuilding movement after Ehlers-Danlos syndrome06:30 Discovering floorwork and Frame Up09:00 Opening a holistic dance training studio in Paris12:00 Learning Frame Up in Europe and building community16:30 Teaching beginners and mindset in dance20:30 Competing at Stage 1824:30 Training, recovery, and pushing physical limits29:30 Finding her dance style and inspirations33:30 Advice for new dancers and final message

In this episode of Strip Journey, Morana speaks with Polina Petropavlovskaia, a Frame Up choreographer, director, and official representative with a background in hip hop and experience in stage shows and TV dance competitions. Polina shares her journey into Frame Up and how joining Agny shaped her first steps, her move to Barcelona after an unexpected career transition, and her experience building the style in Europe. She discusses concept-driven choreography, the role of acrobatics and film in her work, differences between dance cultures, and her future plans for dance films, collaborations, and community growth in Barcelona and beyond.

Polina’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_petropavlovskaya/

Frame Up Barcelona: https://www.instagram.com/frameup_bcn/