Meet Kiara Fina

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kiara Fina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with kiara below.

Hi Kiara, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience has been a constant presence in my life, something I’ve had to rely on from a very young age. When my parents divorced when I was 4, I had to quickly adjust to a new way of living. But what really shaped my resilience was watching both of my parents go through this, and despite everything, they showed me, through their actions, what it means to be resilient.
My mom’s vision started to rapidly decrease, and I’ll never forget how she never once complained or showed signs of defeat. Instead, she remained positive, always trying to protect me and my brother from the emotional weight of what she was going through. As the condition worsened, we had to step up in ways we hadn’t anticipated. We had to help her with everyday tasks—as simple as getting around, we always made sure she felt safe. We did it without hesitation because we knew it was what needed to be done.
At the same time, my dad was showing me resilience in a different way. Despite all the challenges during this time, he remained focused on making sure me and my brother had a stable, financially secure life ahead of us. He was driven and worked tirelessly to build his company up. I remember how hard he worked to provide for us, and it’s something I’m deeply grateful for.
In conclusion, My mom’s ability to stay positive and protective showed me the power of mental fortitude. My dad’s determination to work hard, no matter the personal struggles, demonstrated how resilience can also be driven by the desire to create stability and a better future for yourself and the people you love. As a result Resilience to me is not just about bouncing back, but about adapting, supporting one another, and continuously moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I started dancing when I was 8 years old, and from that moment, I just knew that dance was my calling. Even though I understood early on that a career in dance would be incredibly challenging, it was actually that challenge that fueled my drive to keep pushing forward. I graduated high school and attended The CLI Dance Conservatory, where I refined my skills and learned about the many paths within the dance industry. That’s when I realized just how broad the dance world truly is, and it inspired me to keep working towards my dreams.
One of the moments that really gave me a huge boost in my career was when I started creating duet videos with my dance partner, Artem Tikhonenko. We posted a few mini-duets that ended up going viral, gathering over 7.3 million views and catching the attention of so many people both in and outside of the dance world. From there, things just started snowballing. I had the chance to perform at an award show with Royal Flux, directed by Jaclyn Royal, and got to work on films like the upcoming Jonas Brothers Christmas Movie and Road to Sydney, which was filmed in the Philippines.
But perhaps one of the biggest dreams come true for me was working with Cirque du Soleil on their show Twas the Night Before. Cirque has always been a dream company for me, and getting the chance to tour with them was beyond anything I could’ve imagined. Touring has also been something I always wanted to do, but never thought I’d get to experience so soon in my career. On top of that, from my page alone I gathered over 50.6 million views from making TikTok videos with me and the dance cast (5 others) in our elf costumes, and millions of more on their pages. We never expected that level of attention, but it was incredible to see how our creativity connected with so many people.
Through all of these experiences, the most important thing I’ve learned is that while success and recognition are amazing, it always comes from a place of pure love for what I do. I’m constantly reminded that it’s about having fun and staying true to why I started dancing in the first place—because it makes my soul feel alive. This is just the beginning of my journey, but I’ve already proven to myself that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, dreams really can come true. As I continue to grow in my career, I’m putting in the extra effort and letting the universe guide me to whatever comes next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, work ethic is essential. Dance is an incredibly demanding profession, both physically and mentally. It requires long hours of practice, constant learning, and the dedication to push past your limits. I’ve always believed that talent alone isn’t enough—you have to put in the time and effort to truly master your craft. This mindset has driven me to show up every day, no matter how tired or challenged I feel, and give my best.

Next, adaptability is crucial. The dance world moves fast, and opportunities can come in unexpected ways. Whether it’s shifting between different styles of dance, adjusting to new environments, or embracing new roles in different projects, being able to adapt to change has been key. Whether I’m jumping into a new project, learning a completely different genre of dance, or performing for the camera instead of on stage, being flexible and open to change has helped me take on opportunities that I might have otherwise hesitated to pursue.
Lastly, creativity is essential. In dance, it’s not about perfecting the moves; it’s about bringing your own unique style and interpretation to the performance. Creativity fuels everything I do, whether it’s coming up with new choreography or finding fresh ways to engage with my audience. I believe that dance is a form of storytelling, and the more creative you are in how you express that story, the more it resonates with others.
These three qualities work ethic, adaptability, and creativity—are what have helped me push through challenges and continue to grow in my career. I’m constantly learning and evolving, and these skills are what guide me as I chase my dreams.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned the importance of taking a step back and allowing myself some space to breathe. Dance, like any creative field, can come with a lot of pressure. In those moments, I remind myself that it’s okay to feel stressed or exhausted. It doesn’t mean I’m failing; it just means I’m human.
One of the first things I do is prioritize self-care. Whether it’s watching a good movie, doing my long skincare, or working out, these small practices help me reset and regain perspective. I also find that journaling helps me process what’s going on in my mind. Writing down my thoughts allows me to identify what’s causing my stress and figure out how I can break things down into more manageable steps. It’s a way for me to release any tension and refocus.
Another strategy is to reach out to my support system. I’m lucky to be surrounded by a network of friends, mentors, and fellow dancers who understand what I’m going through.
My advice would be to remember that it’s okay to take breaks and give yourself grace. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Find ways to recharge, whether it’s through physical rest, mental relaxation, or leaning on the people who support you. Taking care of yourself makes it easier to keep moving forward with a clearer mind and renewed energy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiarafina/
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiarafina?_t=ZM-8tYp8V9WKV4&_r=1

Image Credits

Aidan Tooth Photography

Michael Gillman

Leegumbs Photography