Hi! I’m Yulia. I’ve been inspired by Japanese and Korean culture for many years. My career began in major Asian companies such as Samsung Electronics and JVC Kenwood, where I discovered values that deeply shaped my worldview: respect, discipline, and continuous improvement — kaizen (改善). For over 10 years, I’ve worked as a teacher, built my own business, and lived across Europe. Although I’m originally from Russia, Asian principles have guided my personal and professional growth. After meeting my husband, André, and connecting with his artistic world, I realized that creativity was what I had been missing. Inspired to return to my roots, I opened my own K-pop dance school in Apeldoorn in October 2025 — Dance Your Way.

Hi! I’m André. Since childhood, I have been an anime fan and admired the beauty of the Japanese culture. I have always been passionate about art, even though I didn’t always find much support. Still, I stayed resilient and continued refining my skills with dedication and embodying the Ganbatte (頑張って) mindset. In recent years, my art has been gaining recognition: I have won competitions, participated in exhibitions, and now lead pastel drawing workshops across the Netherlands. I’m truly happy that here in Apeldoorn, Yulia and I have the chance to open the Japanese-Korean club together. I hope to meet people who share the same passion for art and Eastern cultures.

The Japanese & Korean Club project in Apeldoorn is based at the Gigant Cultural Center, located in the very heart of the city. Our workshops, meetups, Japanese-Korean festivals, and special events will take place in the beautiful spaces of this inspiring cultural venue. If you are not yet familiar with Gigant, it is located at: Nieuwstraat 377, 7311 BR Apeldoorn The center is only a 15-minute walk from Apeldoorn Central Station, making it easy to reach even if you are visiting from another city.