How did you get into dance?

I was born into a family of artists in Ukraine, my dad is a musician and poet, and my mother is a professional pianist. I have never dreamed of anything other than being a professional artist. I started dancing at the age of three. At eleven, I tried ballroom dancing. I grew passionate about it and participated in loads of competitions. At age fifteen, I started training to become a teacher, choreographer and dancer in ballet and folk dancing. That’s when Crazy Horse Paris entered my life. The team was touring Kiev and advertisement posters were put up. When my mother saw the posters, she immediately thought I might fit in with the troupe.  She sowed the seed in my mind.

Nonetheless, leaving Ukraine was complicated at the time, so dreaming of a future life on a mythical cabaret stage in Paris seemed slightly crazy. Crazy Horse Paris could have been on a different planet for me, like a wonderful but unattainable dream. However, I managed to obtain my first contracts in Spain and Germany from the age of eighteen. Paris suddenly appeared within reach. I still took my time applying to Crazy Horse Paris… I was afraid that if I dared to believe, the house of cards would come tumbling down.  But one day, I took my courage in my hands, and my dream came true.

How did you get your stage name?

“Prima” is a German word for “great”. And Analytic reflects my curiosity for life. During my training with Sveltlana Kosntantinova, Crazy Horse Paris stage and production director, I asked a lot of questions. I wanted to gain a full understanding of Crazy Horse Paris background, and kept analysing every little dance move.

Who is Prima Analytic?

My stage name “Prima” also infers “Principal dancer”. When I started out, my name felt a little too bloated for me, but it gave me hope. Prima Analytic has been through various life phases. I initially created my own character from scratch, working on her reputation and philosophy by taking inspiration from burlesque icons from the 1950s, and emblematic Crazy Girls from the Bernardin years.  And then, I realised that Prima Analytic was just another, more extroverted and free-spirited, version of myself. So Prima is currently a happy and passionate dancer, as well as a gentle and sensitive woman who is interested in lots of things and seeks meaning.

What is the source of the Crazy Horse Paris magic that has endured for more than seventy-five years?

Crazy Horse Paris has its own visual charter, which is unique in the world, thanks to smart lighting and a careful dancer selection process, creating overall harmony. In my eyes, Crazy Horse Paris has lasted the test of time thanks to its traditional authenticity, rooted in its history and values. Crazy Horse Paris has changed over the years, but its core features and identity have remained: high standards and the freedom of expression of its dancers; Crazy Horse Paris has remained a unique artistic venue since it opened.

What have you discovered about yourself since becoming a Crazy Horse dancer?

I am an accomplished woman thanks to my time spent with Crazy Horse Paris. Both artistically and personally, I have been able to fulfil my goals. I have learnt to express my ideas, to overcome obstacles, and to give free reign to my femininity, emotions and personality both on stage and in my personal life.

What makes you particularly proud to be a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

I am proud to be part of a venue that promotes all aspects of women, at every phase of their lives. Crazy Horse Paris considers differences and emotions as strengths. The message is powerful. Crazy Horse Paris is a temple of femininity by definition, in all its forms

What message do you aim to convey to the public when you dance at Crazy Horse Paris?

I aim to demonstrate that we can do anything if we follow our dreams and work with passion. I try to pass on love, hope and strength. I attempt to tell young women that they can believe in themselves and find their own way in life, if they stay true to their core values.

Do you feel naked on stage?

No, I have never felt naked on stage. At Crazy Horse Paris, nudity is a form of artistic expression. This aspect is crafted just like the rest of the performance, with a real search for meaning, based on self-confidence. I do however feel emotionally naked. Revealing your true emotions requires a mature mindset and plenty of self-confidence.

What is your definition of femininity?

My understanding of femininity is having enough self-confidence to have nothing to prove. I consider that gentleness, tranquillity and sensuality are all part of femininity. Such facets are often perceived as weaknesses, rather than our greatest strengths, as they truly are, providing that we accept and even embrace them.

Which number in the Totally Crazy show do you think is most mesmerizing?

I absolutely love Crisis? What crisis! and always have. Check out the business woman turning the world upside-down; her power emanates from her self-confidence, sensuality and seductive aura rather than her management position. I so admire the basic concept!

There is one other number I also relish and perform: Striptease Moi. It’s a highly intimate duo number cloaked in feline sensuality. This sexy but silent conversation requires deep mutual understanding between the two dancers.

Discover Prima Analytic on video: 

Photos: Paul Morel, Rémi Desclaux, Ficheraz

Video: Cheyne Tillier-Daly