Born and raised in Slovakia, I grew up in a world filled with art and movement. My parents were dancers, and as a child, I watched them perform on stage with awe. Our family was simple, humble, and content. Despite our modest means, we lived in a state of happiness, filled with the joy of dance. My parents rehearsed in the majestic castles of Slovakia, home to the country's only folkloric dance company. Seeing them represent our country filled me with immense pride, and even as an only child, I never felt alone in that world of rhythm and movement.

 

My journey into dance began when my best friend enrolled me in the only dance school in Czechoslovakia at the time. There, I studied folklore dance—a tradition that felt deeply embedded in my very being. It was a path I eagerly embraced, immersing myself in various forms of dance available in Slovakia over 40 years ago. Though our choices were limited, my passion for dance was boundless.

 

A pivotal moment in my life came when my father escaped communism and moved to the United States. I followed him, and it was there that my career truly began. I had an insatiable curiosity, a strong will, and no fear of the unknown. Everything was new, from the people of different cultures to the vibrant world of contemporary dance. At the age of 21, I began auditioning for everything I could, often unaware of the specifics of the roles I was auditioning for. I faced numerous rejections, but my persistence never wavered. I believed in the value of every experience, even when it came with tears and challenges.

 

My dedication paid off when I earned a scholarship to Alvarelli, a prestigious dance school. This led to an audition for Celine Dion's show, directed by Franco Dragone, which became a turning point in my life. Joining Cirque du Soleil, I spent 17 years creating and performing in about 13 new productions. My time with Cirque was marked by intense creativity, the joy of creating something from scratch with people who quickly became my family.

 

While performing around the world, what I cherished most was the sense of community and belonging. As a single child, I yearned for connection, and I found it in the collaborative spirit of performance art. I explored various roles—dancer, aerialist, acrobat—embracing every challenge and opportunity that came my way.

 

Today, at 47, I continue my journey as a choreographer and creator. My greatest fulfillment now comes from giving back to the community, not just to dancers but to anyone who seeks the joy of movement. Dance has evolved, becoming more accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Whether through social dance, yoga, or other forms of movement, people find ways to connect with their bodies and with each other.

 

For me, creating with others—understanding one another through movement—has always been my driving force. It’s why I became an artist, and it's why I continue on this path, now as a facilitator, helping others discover the power of movement. In the end, we perform not just for ourselves, but for the community we build through our art.