Kateryna and Tymofiy Badikov are both MIM-Kyiv graduates. They are the survivors of the Russian occupation as well as their dance school in Irpin. However, they restarted their Irpin Dance Center to help children and families recover after nightmares of the time spent under Russians.

When the Russian invasion began, Kateryna and Tymofiy were in Vorsel. It was occupied very early into the offensive. Safety was their family’s top priority. Later they learned about their Dance Center.

- When everything started, we were shocked. We were stuck in Vorsel without any communication with the outer world. Our Dance Center was a very personal undertaking for us. When we were liberated, we learned that our Center premises were in the shelling zone, and the windows were broken. People told us that Russians stayed in the neighborhood. However, we were extremely lucky because only windows and the entrance sign were broken as a result of the shelling, Kateryna Badikova shares her story.

The dancing community was also disrupted because many trainers and students left. However, in June they decided to take a new start because the students wanted them to.

- Due to our students and our team we decided to relaunch the school. We were not sure because dances do not seem to mix with war. But as some of our trainers and students were coming back to Irpin, and many families from other parts of Ukraine were making Irpin their new homes, they needed positive emotions to carry on. Many wanted something for their children. We also hired trainers who fled more dangerous places and looked for jobs. It was very similar to starting a business from the scratch. After talking to our students, we opened the IDC in July, Kateryn Badikova tells us.

Reopening the business is not easier than launching it. When the couple started the business, they faced delays because of the covid-19 pandemic. Now they are not having enough trainers and are limiting their wartime activities as well. However, they still have the ambition to be the best at what they do.

- Before we launched our business, we studied international practices and visited dancing schools in Kyiv and Odesa. We coped with many obstacles. But we were together and set on having our dream come true. When we first started, we offered services to children. Then we slowly expanded our programs and launched very popular dancing parties. Now we also started with classes for children. But we will not have dancing parties until the end of the war.

- Now, our business, our team, and our clients are even more important to us. We are looking for trainers because we cannot work at full capacity without them, Kateryna explains.

- If you are committed to what you do, you should find a way to start anew. Do not be afraid to ask for help. You can succeed because people want to live normal lives no matter what difficulties they are facing. Business-wise, we reviewed our application for IT and reconsidered our competitive edge. It is time to recover the economy. What is more important is to support and help each other. We know it first-hand. Help each other and never forget about those who are ready to help you.