Meet Taya Egorova

We recently connected with Taya Egorova and have shared our conversation below.

Taya, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I grew up in a very active family that loved both sports and the arts. Every year, my parents encouraged me to try new activities, but dance entered my life at age 4—and unlike the other hobbies, it stayed. What started as a pastime gradually became a passion, and as I grew older, opportunities began to come my way. I joined a professional hip-hop team, and soon most of my time was dedicated to dance. Thanks to that team and our mentors, I learned how to monetize my talent and saw all the possibilities dance offered. That’s when I started dreaming big. I knew there was nothing I’d love more or feel more passionate about. Dance became my purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Taya Egorova, and I’m a dancer, choreographer, instructor, and content creator. I’m grateful to do what I love for a living, and I approach each project with passion and dedication.

Growing up in a supportive family, I had the freedom to explore different paths until I discovered street dance, which quickly became my passion and purpose. After years of training and joining Apes Crew in Moscow in 2017, I found a community that pushed me to grow. Our mentors introduced us to various street styles, taught us to monetize our talents, and inspired us to believe that anything was achievable. At just 15, I began teaching and choreographing for other teams, and Apes Crew went on to win multiple high-level competitions in Russia. By 2018, we set our sights on the U.S., and after intensive training, we won gold at the World of Dance Finals in Los Angeles—an achievement we repeated in 2019.
After my first trip to LA, I knew I wanted to live and dance there. So, after finishing high school, I pursued my dream by applying to universities in the U.S. I was accepted to the California Institute of Arts, though due to COVID-19 and political circumstances, I had to study online for a year and a half. When I finally arrived in Los Angeles, I left behind my friends, family, and work, but I was ready to start fresh to pursue my dream.
In May 2024, I graduated with a bachelor’s in Dance. Now, I have a year on OPT to dive fully into dance work here and find a way to stay in LA, where I’m building my future in dance.

Right now, I’m balancing three unique yet complementary worlds: choreography, freestyle, and social media. In the choreography world, I’m teaching and taking classes, performing, and working on music videos and other productions. In the freestyle world, I’m diving into a different side of myself and my movement. Nine months ago, I started learning krump, and now I’m preparing for my first battle. In the social media world, I aim to support, motivate, and inspire other dancers and creatives by sharing tips, dance videos, and my journey on Instagram. My goal is to uplift others who are on a similar path.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1) Remembering Your Why: This has been my compass. Dance can be challenging, with long hours, physical strain, and the inevitable moments of doubt. But when I reconnect with the reasons I started—my love for movement, self-expression, and the community I’ve built—I’m reminded that every challenge is worth it. For anyone starting out, remember to hold onto your passion and purpose. Write down why you dance and revisit it often, especially on tough days. It will keep you grounded and motivated.

2) Tough Skin, Open Heart, and Open Mind: In the dance world, you’re constantly receiving feedback, facing rejection, and being challenged to improve. Developing resilience has been essential, but so has staying open—to learning from others, embracing new styles, and letting feedback shape my growth. For those new to this path, be open to constructive criticism but protect your core confidence. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who push you forward, and remember that growth comes from staying receptive and resilient.

3) Not Doubting Your Purpose: Believing in my purpose has kept me on track, especially in moments of uncertainty. Doubt is natural, but it’s important to trust the vision you have for yourself and your journey. For beginners, my advice is to trust the process and believe that your goals are achievable. When challenges arise, remind yourself why you started and trust that each step, even the setbacks, is part of building the dancer—and person—you want to become.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is navigating the limited time I have on my OPT visa, which gives me just one year to build enough credentials and experience to apply for an artist talent visa. It’s an intense balance—knowing that a lot can be achieved in a year, but also feeling the pressure of the clock ticking. The hardest part is not being able to plan too far ahead because my future here depends on securing that visa.

To make the most of this year, I’m pouring everything I have into taking on as many impactful dance jobs as I can, from performances to teaching and choreography, to strengthen my case. I’m working to build a solid portfolio that demonstrates my talent and dedication, all while keeping my focus on what I can control. I’m also staying connected with mentors, building relationships within the industry, and actively promoting my work to expand my reach. While there are aspects of this process that are beyond my control, I’m determined to put everything I have into making this dream a reality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taya.egorova_/

Image Credits

Alissa Roseborough
Norris Photography