VERA ZEN

What is the story behind your stage name?

Vera is a name of Slavic origin that reflects my Lithuanian and Russian roots. But what I love most is its meaning: truth and faith. Zen is a nod to my temperament. I am a very calm person, I rarely allow stress to overwhelm me, and my voice is soft and composed.

What is your story with dance?

I grew up in Germany, surrounded by classical music. My mother played the piano every day, and I developed the habit of dancing beside her. I began ballet when I was three. It was my way of expressing myself because I was a very shy child. I continued my classical training before exploring other worlds such as hip-hop, contemporary, and commercial dance at around fifteen. At seventeen, I entered the University of Music and Performing Arts Mannheim and began teaching alongside my studies. That was where I truly discovered my own style and, above all, my greatest passion: choreography.

What was your Crazy Horse Paris audition like?

I was very young, I had never seen the Crazy Horse Paris show, and it was the very first audition of my life. Nevertheless, as soon as I stepped onto the stage, everything became clear. I had never felt as alive as I did in that moment. I cannot even remember what I danced, only that immense feeling of freedom.

What kind of woman are you when you dance on the Crazy Horse Paris stage?

Off stage, I am a very calm person. But when I dance, the fire of passion takes over and reveals my more intense side. Above all, however, I feel that I am truly myself on that stage. For a long time, I searched for my place as a dancer because I did not fit the conventions of ballet, hip-hop, or any other dance style. Here, I feel as though I have finally found my home and the language that suits my body. Crazy Horse Paris accepted me as I am and embraced both the dancer and the person I am. Here, I do not simply perform choreography; I can bring my story, my personality, and my creativity to it. That is incredibly precious.

What did you discover about yourself when you became a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

I learned to be myself. Truly myself. Fully myself.

What do you want to convey to the audience when you dance on the Crazy Horse Paris stage?

When I dance, I want people to feel love. I want to touch them deeply, invite them into my story, and allow them to feel what I feel. When I am on stage, I do not hide behind a character. On the contrary, I try to connect with the audience and share a deeply sincere moment with them.

In your opinion, what is the most important quality required to become a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

It is keeping an open mind and continuing to question every movement. At Crazy Horse Paris, nothing should ever become mechanical. Every gesture must be infused with intention.

What does being part of the company mean to you?

Being part of this company is a dream come true. It is far more than a job: it is a presence to cultivate every day and a way of living my passion on a daily basis. I am also proud of how far I have come. Joining Crazy Horse Paris requires time, discipline, and a great deal of work. Learning this highly distinctive and iconic style is an achievement in itself.

In your opinion, what has created the magic of Crazy Horse Paris for the past seventy-five years?

Crazy Horse Paris explores universal themes with great sincerity. The acts convey emotions that can resonate with all of us: desire, passion, longing… As dancers, we embody these feelings in their most essential form, without words, using only movement, expression, and light. It is this sincerity that moves me and that, I believe, also moves the audience.

Do you have a ritual before going on stage?

Yes, I talk to myself. Just a few kind and reassuring words that I say out loud to help overcome the stress.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not dancing on the Crazy Horse Paris stage?

When I am not dancing, I create choreography. Everyone hears music differently. What interests me is reaching deep within myself to share my own perception of the music and translate it into movement.

Which female icons inspire you?

My mother. She is the one who taught me to remain true to myself and to be strong and independent. She never judged me or confined me to a particular role. She always allowed me to develop my creativity freely. She lives each of her passions with incredible intensity while retaining great gentleness. It is this quiet strength that I admire most in her.

Can you tell us about the solo Lay Laser Lay, which you were entrusted with in The Dubai Edition?

I always like to build a story behind an act. In Lay Laser Lay, I imagine myself as a wild animal trapped in a cage, like a scorpion or a feline. In my interpretation, there is sadness and anger, but also a form of inner freedom. I like surprising the audience by looking back at them when they least expect it, as though reminding them that I can see them too. It is a solo in which I can fully express my personality.