Tomas Janonis & Darina Antonova – Ukraine 🇺🇦 “Our dance is the reflection of who we are”

Tomas Janonis & Darina Antonova – Ukraine 🇺🇦
“Our dance is the reflection of who we are”

Interview by DST Journalist

DST Journalist: What’s your pre-competition routine?

Darina: I like to wake up around 6:00 AM so I have enough time for hair and makeup if it’s a midday competition. After that, breakfast with Tomas is the best moment—it sets the mood for the whole day, just the two of us. Then, I usually dance a little, listening to music that really vibes with me.

Tomas: I try to keep my mornings as normal as possible. I start with a walk, followed by a cold shower. Breakfast is a must—especially with an espresso. After that, I start my preparation by styling my hair and ironing my tailsuit. This whole routine makes competition day feel special.

DST Journalist: Any rituals or superstitions?

Darina: I try not to use anyone else’s shoe brushes—unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Tomas: Honestly, the whole competition day feels like one big ritual. I have a specific time and method for preparing my shoes. And if we have long breaks between rounds, I like to practice body scan meditation to stay focused.

DST Journalist: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on the dancefloor?

Darina: I was around 15 or 16, dancing with my previous partner. During a Viennese Waltz, I said some “forbidden words” out loud… I’m pretty sure the judges heard me!

Tomas: I once fell during a show dance performance. Definitely unforgettable… unfortunately.

DST Journalist: How do you handle technical disagreements during practice—and outside the studio?

Tomas: In the studio, we usually try both approaches and decide together what works best. If we still can’t agree, we ask our coach. Outside the studio, we might talk about it, but if there’s no solution, we leave it for the next practice or try it out at home.

Darina: If the disagreement is about something visual—like direction or movement—we record a video, check how it looks, and fix it. If it’s about internal feeling, it’s harder. We take a break, step outside to calm down, and then slowly start talking. Sometimes we try things at home, and by the next day, it usually works better during practice.

DST Journalist: What do you think sets you apart from other couples in your category?

Darina: I’d say our style—it’s sporty, classic, and elegant. And honestly, I think my emotions make us memorable.

Tomas: Our coaches always push us to be creative and build our own choreographies. That creative process helps us discover new ideas and shape our unique style.

DST Journalist: Is there a figure or choreography element that truly represents you?

Tomas: We always try to create standout elements in every choreography—whether it’s through creativity, musicality, technique, or connection with the audience. That’s how we express who we are.

Darina: For me, it’s the right lunge we do in the corners with a quick head turn. I love those moments when I can lock eyes with someone and create emotional contact.

DST Journalist: Do dancefloor tensions ever follow you home? How do you disconnect?

Tomas: Sometimes, yes. When it happens, we take time to relax first and then talk it through with a fresh perspective.

Darina: It’s hard to disconnect, but we really work on it because we want to protect our relationship. Usually, one of us takes the first step with a hug, and we move on. Later in the evening, we discuss things calmly. We also have a free day—Tuesday—where we’re just a regular couple and don’t talk about dancing at all.

DST Journalist: What’s the best technical advice you’ve ever received?

Darina: To find my own comfort and personal understanding of the technique—especially when someone says it looks good.

Tomas: To find and use the technique that fits me best.

DST Journalist: Between the two of you, who’s the perfectionist and who loves to improvise?

Darina: At the beginning, I was the improviser. Now, I care a lot about perfecting things like footwork and posture. But I’m still flexible with other elements.

Tomas: I used to be the perfectionist and Darina the improviser, but now we’re much more balanced.

DST Journalist: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Tomas: In the final of the World Championships.

Darina: I would love to dance at Versailles. I just adore the majesty of palaces.

DST Journalist: What’s your ultimate dream—on and off the dancefloor?

Darina: My dream is to be a dancer that people remember, someone special they associate with something unique. Of course, I want to reach the finals and win, but most of all, I dream of being recognized by everyone—audiences, dancers, judges—so that when they see us, they immediately know who we are. Outside dancing, I dream of growing a popular Instagram to share meaningful content, but it’s all connected to dance. And a personal dream—I’d love to own a hotel-restaurant someday.

Tomas: My ultimate dream is to find my best version of dancing—one that truly deserves to win. Off the dancefloor, I dream of owning a Lamborghini.

DST Journalist: Who are your favorite teachers and why? How do you choose them?

Darina: Our home coaches Lina and Donatas Veželis—they’re always close to us, inside and outside the dancehall, supporting us and helping us discover our style. Pietro Braga also made us rediscover music in a totally new way thanks to his knowledge. I choose coaches who really see what makes me and us unique. There are many good coaches, but our favorites—Lina, Donatas, and Pietro—are always close.

Tomas: Donatas and Lina gave me the chance to dance with Darina, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Since then, they’ve been our teachers. And Pietro Braga is another favorite for his deep knowledge of musicality, his structured teaching, and the innovations he brings to the entire DanceSport community.

Tomas Janonis and Darina Antonova proudly represent Ukraine, bringing passion, precision, and artistry to every step. Their dance is more than competition—it’s a story of dreams, emotions, and relentless pursuit of excellence. And we’ll be following them, wherever their journey leads.