Highlights of the event, participants’ and audience feedback
An atmosphere that gives you goosebumps, unforgettable performances, and the raw emotions of everyone who was with us. We’re sharing the moments that shape the history of SHABASH.
JUDGES of the Championship13–14 December 2025
Olga Baidyuk
Judge for ChoreographyA well-known dancer and instructor with many years of experience in pole exotic, whose choreography combines the strength of artistic gymnastics with the emotional depth of exotic. Her bright performances have repeatedly won international championships, while her signature workshops have inspired dancers across many countries. As a judge, Olga values harmony of movement and integrity of image, that moment when each move reveals an idea and the dance becomes a story that captivates the audience.
Larovski
Judge for TechniqueFounder of the Exotic Krump style and the Larovski Project online school, where dancers from around the world train. Over 7 years in exotic, champion of Exotic Generation Hard and Pole Theatre Classic, teacher and mentor with hundreds of students and many judging projects in Ukraine and abroad. As a judge, Larovski stands for strong, precise technique and full control — where every detail matters.
Shaposhnyk Iryna
Judge for ArtistryWinner of SHABASH Duo and two-time Best Tricks titleholder in the Supreme category, Iryna is known as an explosive exo-star whose every stage entrance is full of emotion. A trained actress, improviser, and stand-up performer, she knows how to bring any character to life. As a judge, Iryna values transformation, strong stage presence, and the power to move the audience.
Anka Storm
Video Selection & Technical Judge
The Supreme Creator, co-founder, ideator, and the heart and engine of SHABASH. A driving force that ignites, inspires, and leads. Her eye catches the smallest shifts in energy, the truth of movement, the power of presence. Where others see just dance — she sees a story, a vision, the living soul of a performance.Laima
Video Selection Judge, Penalty & Technical JudgeThe Supreme Exotic Witch and co-founder of SHABASH, keeper of the rules, and main guardian of the classic exotic code. A bright star of old school and sensual strip, for whom exotic is pure inner fire — sexuality, passion, and freedom. Her eye is merciless to carelessness, because the stage deserves respect, not excuses.
Show your magic and impress the audience with your dance at SHABASH!
❓FAQ
What is SHABASH? Is it a competition or a festival?
SHABASH started as an International Exotic Pole Dance Championship — with clear categories, professional judging, and well-thought-out rules. But we have grown far beyond just a competition.
Today, SHABASH is a whole dance universe:💃 championships where you can perform with or without judging🎭 themed festivals focused on image, expression, and creativity🔥 gala shows for the strongest and most expressive artists — where the stage becomes pure magic👯 dance conventions — a space to share experience, insights, and inspiration
That’s why SHABASH is not “either-or.”It’s a living dance ecosystem — a place to compete, to create, and to reveal your own dance magic.Can I join if I have no competition experience?
Of course! We lovingly created the BEGINNERS category for those just starting their journey. If you’ve never competed before or had only a few performances — feel free to apply! You don’t need perfect technique — just your desire to shine, enjoy the stage, and feel the full magic of SHABASH.
Who can take part in SHABASH?
All dancers aged 18 and older are welcome to join.We’re open to participants from any country (except Russia), no matter your experience, background, or style.SHABASH brings together performers of all nationalities from across Europe and beyond — except from Russia.We look forward to welcoming dancers from Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Spain, Portugal, and beyond.
Beginners, amateurs, pros, elites — everyone can find a category that fits.Solo, duet, group, or a non-competitive performance — all formats are possible. → Check the categoriesHow does the video selection work?
You submit an application form and add a link to your video — we watch it with full attention, as if it were a live performance.
Evaluation is based on a clear judging protocol: execution quality, amplitude, musicality, emotional expression, facial expression, audience connection, and category relevance (or concept/synchronization — depending on the direction).
You will receive:
— scores for each criterion
— written comments from the video selection judges
— your ranking based on the results
We feel your energy, live your emotion with you, and judge with attention to every movement and its meaning.What if I don’t get selected?
You’ll still receive valuable experience, professional feedback, and a clear sense of how to grow. It’s not the end — it’s a step toward a stronger comeback. And we’ll be happy to see you again.
How to Travel from Europe to SHABASH Exotic Pole Dance Championship
You can find a full travel guide here:
👉 https://shabash-exotic.com/blog/how-to-get-to-lviv-from-europe-for-the-shabash-exotic-pole-dance-championshipDo I need a visa to enter Ukraine?
Many travelers can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on their nationality. This applies to citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and several other countries.
To verify the specific entry requirements based on your nationality, please visit the official Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs page:https://mfa.gov.ua/en/consular-affairs/entry-and-stay-foreigners-ukraine/entry-regime-ukraine-foreign-citizens
Additionally, the Visit Ukraine Today portal provides up-to-date information on visa requirements, entry rules, and other travel-related guidelines.
Ensure you have the necessary documents and meet the entry conditions before traveling.How far is Lviv from the frontlines?
Lviv is very far from the war zone. It is in the west of Ukraine, near Poland. No active fighting happens here. It is one of the safest cities in the country.
What’s the best route to get to Lviv from Poland?
Most travelers arrive via Przemyśl (Poland) by train — it’s safe, fast, and easy.
Step 1: Get to PrzemyślStep 2: Take a train to Lviv (approx. 2.5 hours)
🎟️ You can buy tickets online: booking.uz.gov.ua/en
There are also direct buses from Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and other cities.
👉 More details in this article:https://shabash-exotic.com/blog/how-to-get-to-lviv-from-europe-for-the-shabash-exotic-pole-dance-championshipCan you explain the current situation in Lviv? Is it considered a safe city now?
Yes. Lviv is one of the safest cities in Ukraine right now. While the country is still at war, this region is relatively calm and well protected. Life continues as usual — with some safety measures in place.
Can a trainer compete in the AMATEURS category?
No. At SHABASH, trainers cannot compete in the AMATEURS category.We believe that a trainer is already a professional. A trainer teaches others, helps shape their style, understands dance on a deeper level, and carries responsibility.
We do not believe in “half-trainers” or “kind of professionals.” A trainer is a trainer.That’s why everyone who currently teaches or has taught dance or related classes (like fitness or stretching) must apply for the PROFESSIONAL or ELITE category.This is fair — both for yourself and for other participants.
You can check the full list of categories here → All categoriesAnd if you want to understand why coaches should not join amateur levels — read the full article → “Top 4 Reasons Why a Coach Should NOT Compete in Amateurs”Why SHABASH doesn’t have a Semi-Pro category?
At SHABASH, we don’t include a Semi-Pro category because we believe there’s no such thing as a “half-professional.”There’s no half stage, half judging, or half energy in a performance.
Instead, SHABASH offers a clear category structure:
• BEGINNERS — for those who are just starting exotic pole dance and have no dance or sports background.• AMATEURS — for dancers with some experience, who are not trainers.• PROFESSIONAL — for advanced dancers or those who are or have been trainers.• ELITE — for multiple-time winners, stage stars, instructors, studio owners, or workshop presenters.
This structure helps every dancer choose the level that fits their skills and experience — to grow, compete fairly, and shine.→ See all categories hereDo I need to buy a ticket for the second day if I want to watch?
Yes. Your participation gives you access to the fan zone (standing area) only on the day you perform.
If you want to watch other categories on a different day — to support friends or enjoy the show — you’ll need to purchase a spectator ticket for that day.