Show & Tell: Tatiana Banassevitch

Excalibur Party Pit

Hometown: Novy Urengoy, Russia

Age: 29

Father was in the oil and gas industry, mother was in economics. … Came to Las Vegas for a monthlong vacation. … Eventually decided to stay; has been living in the U.S. for just over 10 years. (“Now I’m going to Russia on vacation.”) … Before moving here, was pursuing a degree in “fashion design-slash-art history.” … Had no professional dance experience, but went to an audition here and landed the job. … Holds a degree in interior design. … Possible post-dancing career: Registered nurse. … When not dancing, loves “everything with the outdoors,” including hiking, camping and snowboarding.

On learning how to dance in public:

“For me it was kind of a challenge, because I’m actually a very shy person. I don’t engage in conversation with somebody first, so it was kind of a challenge for me. But I feel more comfortable dancing onstage than (dancing with) my friends. … (Laughs) I would be the one sitting in the corner. So, onstage, I think I’m a little more comfortable.”