Welcome back to our Teacher Spotlight series! In this fourth instalment, we’re excited to shine a light on another incredible educator we have here at UCan2 Dance Studio: Mark Richard Jürna! Mark has previously visited NZ at Harry's invitation, and some of our competitive dancers were lucky enough to have some private lessons with him while he was visiting UCan2. Harry worked tirelessly to get him back here, and so we're thrilled to announce that we now have another Estonian at UCan2, sharing his incredible knowledge and expertise, direct from Europe! He's here for the remainder of 2024, and at this stage - anything else is a mystery, so stay tuned, and book your lesson with him soon, so you don't miss out!
Anyone will know that educators of any form bring unique backgrounds, perspectives and passions to their teaching, which can sometimes make or break a student's ambition for learning. Here at UCan2 dance studio, we want to make sure you’re with the perfect teaching fit, especially for those important life moments like taking your dancing to the competitive level with private lessons, or choreographing your dream wedding dance. So read on to hear Mark’s story, and find if he might be the right coach for you!
(Pssst, if you haven’t already, make sure to read our past teacher spotlights, accessible by clicking here.)
Mark Richard Jürna
Where were you born?
I was born in Tallinn, Estonia.
What are you loving about being in New Zealand?
Nature is just amazing out here. I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else.
When did dance come into your life?
My father and mother established their own dancing club a year before I was born. I had no other choice, I had to become a dancer. The only question was how good of a dancer. Eventually I started dancing when I was 6 as we had dancing lessons in kindergarten.
Who was the most influential person in your life?
My parents and my godmother. But if I had to choose only one then probably my mother.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’ve been to more than 45 different countries.
What was the happiest time of your life?
When I became the Estonian Champion for the first time. That felt incredible.
What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?
Definitely Latin.
If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now?
Good question… Maybe I’d be a footballer but who knows!
What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?
I would have loved to have a longer standard (ballroom) career.
What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?
I felt incredibly proud when I reached the semi-final in the Latin World Championship. But also I’ve been TOP 10 in Youth Latin world ranking.
Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?
I’ve spent over 16 years learning how to dance among the best in the world. I want to share it so that other dancers can have a better career than I had. I didn’t learn everything about dancing just to throw it away.
What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?
The people!
What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?
I love filmmaking.
One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?
Don’t give up, work hard, you’ll get there. Practise like you’ve never won.
What do you value most and why?
I value the opportunities I’ve been given. They have helped me move forward in life.
What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?
I don’t have a favourite song but I really like Samba music with a strong bass.
What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer?
There is always room to improve. Even World Champions aren’t perfect, they are just better than everyone else.
What’s your favourite quote about life (or dancing!)
Champions train, losers complain!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I'm grateful to Harry & Marie for giving me the opportunity to come and teach in this amazing dance studio called Ucan2.
If you'd like a look at some of Mark’s competitions, we found these videos we thought you might enjoy!
The first is this 2018 WDSF Open Youth Latin competition in Croatia, where Mark is dancing with Lisette Metsalu for Estonia:
You can also check out highlights from one of Mark’s latest competitions, the 2024 WDSF World Championship PD Latin in Budapest, where he represented Estonia with Mia Vosman.
Mark also has a Youtube account where he has posted an incredible film he made in Barcelona:
The caption reads “Shot with Sony FX30 combined with Sirui Night Walker series lens. Low light performance is surprising. Footage is color graded by me.”
He also has put up his 2019 WDSF Under 21 Latin competition with Liis Rehemaa, which is a definite must-watch for all young aspiring dancers!
If you want to book a private lesson with Mark, you can click here, or check him out with the rest of our teachers on our teachers page!
Comments