- HONG KONG
Parents Who Rock Hong Kong: Katya Virshilas, Founder of BallroomBees
TEDX Speaker 2024: Get To Know This Talented Performer & Entrepreneur!
TEDxTinHau Women is back for its eighth year with an afternoon packed with inspirational speakers on December 6, 2024! We chatted with one of the speakers who happens to be…a mom who rocks Hong Kong! Say hello to Katya Virshilas!
She’s danced with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere in the movie Shall We Dance? and Antonio Banderas in Take the Lead. Now, Katya Virshilas runs a highly successful kids’ dance company in Hong Kong, BallroomBees!
Best known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, and choreographing dances for So You Think You Can Dance, Lithuanian-Canadian Katya grew up performing and became Canada’s youngest National Champion at age 16.
Katya lives in Hong Kong with her husband, Klaus and their sons, Alexander and Marcus.
Get to know more about this talented performer choreographer and entrepreneur in the Little Steps’ Parents Who Rock Hong Kong interview!
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Fav Things, Fridge Items And Best Gifts
What are your favorite things to do in the city?
We recently had visitors here from Denmark for only five days and had to squeeze a lot in. I stumbled on private charters (small yachts) for 8-10 people and it was amazing! We went sailing to a private beach and it was so kid-friendly! We went with Yacht Adela Charters, which was such a gem find! Clearwater Bay Country Park is always a favorite and of course our beaches. My fav is Shek O.
In my fridge you will always find…
Pickles (home made and store bought), fresh ginger juice and fresh lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese.
What's the best gift you've ever received and why?
My Rolex, which was my wedding present from my husband 12 years ago, is a timeless piece. I think as we get older I tend to buy less and less extravagant gifts. On my 40th, my best friend gifted me a baby picture of me and my mom that she'd turned from black and white to colour. It was amazing to see!
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Inspiration, Books And Fave Place
When I need to feel inspired, I love to…
I love watching a live performance, whether it's a concert, theatre, or music performance. Live music, dance, and theater inspire me so much.
The best book I've read in the past 12 months?
Letting Go: the Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins and Blind Ambition: How To Go From Victim to Visionary by Chad E. Foster.
What is the one place that means a lot to you and why?
London will always be special as my husband and I met at the old BBC in Shepherds Bush when I was on Strictly and we had our first child in London.
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Words Of Wisdom
In another life, I would be…
I've always wanted to be a travel writer and work for Conde Nast Traveler magazine, reviewing hotels and spas around the world. Or a journalist.
What words of wisdom would you pass down to your younger self?
Embrace the journey of growth with patience and resilience. Life will present challenges and opportunities that will shape you into the person you are meant to become. Trust in your abilities, stay true to your values, and remember that mistakes are lessons in disguise.
Where To Find It:
- Ballroom Bees
- Various locations across Hong Kong
- +852 4622 3215
- info@ballroombees.com
- https://www.ballroombees.com
Additional Info:
TEDxTinHau Women 2024
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon, Hong Kong
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