By: Olga Amraie
Interviewer: Anastasia, tell us how you began your career in Los Angeles.
Anastasia Ori: Initially, I came to Los Angeles at the invitation of a close friend who suggested I participate in the “Miss Russian LA” beauty pageant. One of the stages was a creative contest where I performed an oriental dance. My performance made a strong impression on the audience and the jury, which included stars of American cinema and other celebrities. I won a prize and received an offer from one of the agencies to stay and work in the USA.
Interviewer: What motivated you to stay and develop your career in the USA?
Anastasia Ori: I was inspired by the positive reaction from the audience and the opportunity to work in such a creative and diverse environment. Oriental dance has always been my passion, and I saw a lot of potential for growth and development here. Moreover, the support from my team and the desire to create something unique and beautiful for people played a key role.
Interviewer: Your costumes always amaze with their beauty and artistry. Tell us about the process of creating them.
Anastasia Ori: Creating a costume is really a whole process. We start with sketches, then select the materials such as silk, velvet, lace, and others. It takes 4-5 months to create one costume. I never skimp on materials and always strive to create something unique and memorable. My costumes not only adorn the performances but also match the level of the audience at private parties, where every element must be impeccable.
Interviewer: Your work includes performances at private parties. What moments have been most memorable?
Anastasia Ori: There are many memorable moments. Each event is unique due to its energy and cultural characteristics. For example, a henna party is a loud and colorful party on the eve of a wedding, where the bride says goodbye to her family home. Also, a recent performance at a big birthday party in Las Vegas was unforgettable. Such places always have a special atmosphere, and we love to travel and work under such conditions.
Interviewer: How do you maintain a high level of your work?
Anastasia Ori: I always try to improve my professional level. I take master classes, continuously learn, and strive for perfection. Consistency is the key to success in any business. Don’t be afraid to make yourself known; it’s better to be rejected, but at least you tried. It’s important to rely on your own strengths and give yourself time to recover. And, of course, a smile is an important element of success.
Interviewer: What principles form the basis of your approach to work?
Anastasia Ori: The first principle is quality. I always think through everything down to the smallest details and demand organization from the dancers. A personalized approach to each client also plays an important role. It’s important to listen to the client’s requests, offer your ideas, and sometimes persuade, if necessary. And, of course, energy. I put my soul into every performance and love my job with all my heart.
Interviewer: Have you ever thought about switching to something else?
Anastasia Ori: Never. I love my team very much and plan to scale this project. I see the feedback and want to do even more for people. This is my passion, and I can’t imagine myself in another field.
Interviewer: What are your future plans?
Anastasia Ori: We plan to scale up and work at the state level with different cities in the Los Angeles County. We have many ideas and projects that we want to implement. But most importantly – to continue to delight our clients and create unforgettable moments for them.
Interviewer: Anastasia, what advice would you give to aspiring dancers and artists?
Anastasia Ori: Always improve your professional level. Take master classes.
Published by: Nelly Chavez