For Tatjana Scheda, movement has always been part of life. What began with ballroom dancing as a child eventually led her to the world stage of pole dance – and to a moment that symbolised years of dedication, patience and determination.
At the Pole Dance World Championships in Argentina, Tatjana was crowned world champion in her category. For her, the victory represented far more than a medal. It was the result of a long journey defined by her passion for movement.
“I was very proud to represent my chosen home, Germany,” Tatjana says. Having moved from Kazakhstan to Germany at the age of twelve, the moment carried particular emotional significance. Standing on the podium while the national anthem played was something she describes as deeply moving – a moment that made the years of effort feel worthwhile.
Tatjana’s relationship with sport started early. At just six years old she began ballroom dancing in Kazakhstan, training in a highly disciplined environment where dedication and structure were central to everyday practice.
“The training was strict, and discipline was the most important rule,” she explains. Looking back, she recognises how valuable that foundation became later in life. The habits she developed as a child – commitment, patience and consistency – shaped her mindset as an athlete.
Interestingly, pole dance entered her life much later. She discovered the sport at the age of 27, when it was still relatively new across Europe. Curious and motivated, she began practising at home, learning techniques through online videos and gradually developing her skills.
What started as curiosity soon became a lasting passion.
Fifteen years later, pole dance continues to motivate Tatjana in new ways. One of the reasons, she says, is the sport’s remarkable diversity.
Pole dance blends athletic strength, flexibility and artistry. Some routines emphasise power and technical difficulty, while others highlight grace, creativity and expression. This constant variation keeps training exciting and ensures there is always something new to learn.
“There are endless elements to explore,” Tatjana says. “Sometimes the focus is strength, sometimes flexibility, or simply creating a beautiful flow around the pole.”
For her, the most satisfying moments often come after persistence – when a challenging element finally comes together after many attempts.
While Tatjana competes at a high level, she also balances her athletic ambitions with family life as a mother of two children.
Her training schedule is therefore carefully planned. In a typical week she completes two to three pole training sessions, increasing to three when preparing for competitions. To complement the upper-body demands of pole dance, she also includes running twice a week, building endurance and strengthening the legs.
Running serves another purpose as well: time outdoors. Being active in fresh air is something she values greatly, both for physical well-being and for maintaining a strong immune system. Occasionally she also participates in races, adding a touch of competition to her running routine.
Years of training and competing have shaped Tatjana’s mental approach to sport. She believes discipline is not about motivation alone, but about showing up even when motivation is low. Progress often comes slowly, and setbacks are inevitable – but they are also an important part of improvement.
Through pole dance, she has developed resilience and confidence in her own abilities. Each new challenge overcome becomes a reminder that perseverance can lead to growth.
“Seeing yourself achieve something you once thought impossible builds trust in your own strength,” she says.
For Tatjana, taking care of the body is essential for sustaining an active lifestyle, especially when balancing training, competitions and family responsibilities. She focuses on a balanced diet, sufficient hydration and good sleep to support recovery. High-quality supplements also play an important role in maintaining performance and well-being.
Her introduction to Eqology came during competition preparation, when she received Eqology Pure Arctic Gold Oil as a gift. After using it regularly, she felt improvements in recovery and less muscle soreness following training sessions. Encouraged by the results, she explored other products such as Vitamin K2+D3, Nordic Energy Booster and Marine Collagen Premium+.
What resonated with her most, however, was Eqology’s broader philosophy – a focus on sustainability, quality and supporting people in living healthier, more conscious lives. The fact that the products comply with the Cologne List, which verifies purity and safety for athletes, further strengthened her confidence.
This shared vision ultimately led her to become an Eqology Brand Ambassador.
Tatjana believes that movement should always be associated with enjoyment rather than obligation. Her advice for anyone who wants to stay active and confident is simple: find an activity that brings joy. When exercise feels meaningful, consistency becomes far easier. Equally important is listening to the body, allowing time for recovery and supporting it with proper nutrition. Staying healthy does not require perfection. It requires patience, persistence and a willingness to keep moving forward – even when progress feels slow.
“Everyone has their own path,” Tatjana says. “Be proud of your progress and don’t compare yourself to others.”
For her, sport is ultimately about more than performance. It creates satisfaction, confidence and happiness – and proves that with dedication and belief in yourself, remarkable achievements are always possible.
