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When 17-year-old Diana Shynkarenko moved from Kyiv to Bern, she, like many other teenagers, experienced a change of country, language, and environment. But instead of withdrawing into herself, Diana decided to take action.
With her heart on stage: how Diana helps build bridges between cultures
Today, she is not just doing her Lehre as a clothing designer - she is a choreographer, teaching Hip Hop, Jazz Funk and High Heels and helping both children and adults integrate into a new reality through the power of dance.
"I've been dancing since I was four, and since then, dance has been my life. It's a way to express myself, open up, and share emotions. It's also a great tool for socialization," says Diana.
Her dance journey began in Ukraine with ballroom dancing, but her real breakthrough came at the DPS Family studio, where she mastered Hip Hop, oriental dance, pole dance, breakdance, vogue and other styles. Even before the full-scale invasion, she was already teaching - she had her first group of children aged 4–6 in Kyiv. So when life brought her to Switzerland, Diana decided not to stop.
More than choreography: dance as a space for development and mutual understanding
Today, she collaborates with the USB Association and independently forms groups: a children's group (8–11 years old) and two adolescent-adult groups. The plans include a younger group for children aged 4–6, as well as performances at festivals, competitions, dance corporate parties and other activities. The price of classes is symbolic, to cover the costs of renting the premises: 50–60 francs per month.
"Each training session is more than just movement. It's a game, it's a challenge, it's a path to friendship. I see my students changing: they open up, reveal themselves, become more confident, emotionally free. They get to know each other, work in pairs, support each other," says Diana.
Youth Creating Today: Dance as a Space for Change
Dancing, she says, is not just a way to relieve stress or improve physical fitness. It is a way of integration. Through a common goal, teamwork, and participation in classes, participants create new connections and feel part of a community — first a dance community, and then a local one.
"I myself felt that true integration begins when friends appear. It was dancing that helped me feel at home in Switzerland. And I want to give this opportunity to others," she shares.
Despite her young age, Diana clearly sees her future. Professionally, she plans to work as a clothing designer, but choreography is something that will always be with her. She is constantly developing, attending master classes, participating in trainings, and creating original productions.
“Integration can begin with music, with rhythm, with a simple desire to move together,” Diana is confident. “And youth is not only the future, but already the present, capable of changing the lives of others.”
