Meet Yakov and Oksana – dancers in “WOW – The Vegas Spectacular.”
Oksana and Yakov aren’t just partners on stage – they’re a couple in real life, bringing their undeniable chemistry to the stage. From intricate choreography to breathtaking performances, the duo’s passion and connection shine both on and off the stage, making every number they perform unforgettable.
They both shared some of their dancing journey and background with The 702.
Yakov And Oksana Both Discovered They Had A Passion For Dancing During Childhood
Yakov, 32, and Oksana, 33, have both been part of “WOW – The Vegas Spectacular” for a few years now. Yakov began in “WOW” in 2020, but due to “personal circumstances” had to leave for a few years. Oksana has been part of the show for four years now.
Oksana began dancing in early childhood when her mom noticed she had a love for dancing and performing for her family.
“She took me to my first ballroom dance lesson. When we arrived for the next lesson, we found out the classes were no longer being held, which upset me greatly,” she said. “But we didn’t give up, and that very same month, at the age of 4, I became a student of a modern dance ensemble.”
It didn’t take long for Oksana to realize that dance was her future professionally. It was during high school when it was time to figure out which direction to go in and which university to attend that she realized dance was calling to her.
“To be honest, it was difficult to choose just one thing, but my teachers and parents always expressed great support and praise, acknowledging my achievements and talents in dance,” she told The 702. They helped me learn more about applying to the state university’s Faculty of Culture and Arts, Department of Choreography. Spending all my time honing my skills, I realized this was my path and what I loved.”
Before being part of “WOW,” Oksana was a soloist and dance captain in a ballet in Russia and also danced in theaters in China, Turkey, Spain, and South Korea.
Yakov Also Started Dancing In Early Childhood
Yakov’s story isn’t much different. He realized by the age of 14 that he would work in the arts, and was invited as a corps de ballet dancer in a state-run ensemble in his city.
“My mother sent me to art school when I was 6 years old. At first, I didn’t take dancing seriously, but as I studied dance more deeply, I had many role models in the form of great dancers of our time and beyond,” he told The 702. “After high school, I earned a master’s degree in choreography at university, spending another six years studying. In my second year of university, I even managed to work as a guest dancer on a tour in China for six months. So for the last 18 years, all I’ve done is work as a professional dancer.”
While Yakov hasn’t worked in other shows in Vegas before “WOW,” he did perform in various shows in South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and China.
Thinking Back To The Early Days Of Dancing
While many memories along the journey to the “WOW” stage probably stick out for Oksana, she said one specific early memory was her first stage performance.
“I often recall my first stage performances, which I felt like a fairy tale, and the wonderful, inspiring feeling after every concert, when the whole family would gather around the table in the evenings to discuss how it went and how great it was to watch me on stage,” she said.
Yakov said in the beginning of his dance journey, he was “very shy being the only guy in a group of 10 people.” He got a lot of attention for that reason, and ended up being the lead dancer in almost every production he was in, and those memories stand out for him.
About ‘WOW – The Vegas Spectacular’
View this post on Instagram
When asked what the best part of being in “WOW” is, Yakov said he really enjoys the opening of the show and his favorite number, “Titanic.”
He explained that the first time he stepped foot on the “WOW” stage, he said it was “very nerve-wracking.”
“You think you know everything, you’ve learned every number, but the nerves are incredibly overwhelming, and you can make a mistake at any moment,” he shared. “We also work with water, or rather, in water. Some of our dances really do involve water, and to do that, you have to become friends with it. But the moment you take your bow, you realize it’s all over, and the nerves suddenly disappear. But despite the stress of performing your first show, you still get a dose of enjoyment from what you’re doing and the emotions you bring to the audience.”
Oksana shared that her favorite part about being in “WOW” is being part of “such a talented production” as well as the choreography “styles and characters.”
“All the dance numbers are very different, and the ability to switch between looks and delivery inspires me,” she said. “I am also a dance captain and this undoubtedly gives me a lot of interesting experience and transforms me as a specialist.”
She shared that her first show with “WOW” was “very emotional” but after the premiere, she felt like she’s always been part of the show.
Something People May Not Realize About Being A Professional Dancer In Las Vegas
One thing Oksana feels people may not realize about being a professional dancer in Vegas is something she feels is “incredible.”
“Touching the legacy of world show business, seeing the best shows in the world, witnessing the creation of films and musicals, and being neighbors with superstars,” she said. “That’s incredible, fact.”
Yakov added, “Being a dancer in Vegas is a great responsibility, and at the same time, it’s an incredible feeling to work on stage alongside other professional artists, bringing positive emotions and smiles to the audience.”
For more information about “WOW – The Vegas Spectacular,” visit the website.
Leave a Reply