NATASHA BIKMULLINA - UKRAINE

Nataliia, or Natasha as she prefers to be called, was born in the countryside of Ukraine. She started dancing at the age of 3 but it wasn’t until her 12th birthday that she knew it was her true passion. It was then her father struck a deal with the principal of the local ballet school – he would film the school’s performances in return for free training for his daughter.

By the age of sixteen Natasha was an elite student and received a scholarship to the State Kharkiv Ballet School (Ukraine) to train as a professional ballerina. She endured intensive training six days a week and was rewarded with a place in the National Kharkiv Company as well as opportunities to perform with the Bolshoi Theatre and Kiev National Opera.

After graduating as a Professional Ballet Dancer, Natasha moved from the Ukraine to Hong Kong to continue her studies. She has since received her Degree in Fine Arts (Honours) in Dance with a Minor in Choreography.

Natasha discovered pole dance and aerial arts after suffering an injury during ballet. It was a new way to express herself but still allowed her to dance. She has found great appreciation for the combination of grace and strength and sees pole dancing as art. “Ballet is so strict, but in pole you can express yourself in a way you want. I’m a very open minded person and I love to try new things and new dance styles.”

QUALIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Hong Kong China Pole Championships - Pole Art Champion 2011
• PURE Pole Dancing Amateur Competition – Most Creative Flair 2010
• Professional Ballet Finalist in the Danz Olymp - 4th International Dance Festival (Berlin, Germany)
• Ballet Dancer with the Mariinsky Theatre, Bolshoi Theatre and Kiev National Opera
• Junior Specialist’s Degree in Professional Ballet Dance and a Minor in Teaching Ballet
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) Dance. Ballet Major, Choreography Minor

TRAINING AREAS
• Ballet
• Contemporary
• Pole Dance
• Burlesque
• Aerial Training with Master Instructor Vee : Hoop, Silk