Conversations with Stav Ben Zur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stav Ben Zur.

Hi Stav, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m 24 years old living life in Los Angeles, California. I’m a professional dancer jazz teacher, choreographer ,surfer , snowboarder , and an international model. I grew up in my tiny holy land Israel, in a small town right by the sea. Finished high school and joined the military like we all do. In my service, I got to be lucky enough to travel outside my country, that was my first time visiting California through dancing. I fell in love and after I served for two and a half years while always knowing I’ll move here as soon as I can.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If you go back in history, I’ll be the first generation that was brave enough to think about the idea of pursuing my dreams outside of my country. My grandparents are the ones who moved from Iraq and Poland back in the 1940’s so my childhood was very different than theirs and one of the biggest challenges was staying in my path. Also, stopping your life for two years and joining the IDF was a big part of my journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
You know with my case it’s hard cause I’m into so many creative things. I make life my heART. I’ll start with me wanting to change the world and the first step I took towards that is going vegan. After a long time off, I knew everything about nutrition. That was one of the best decisions I made, I’ve been vegan for the past four years and especially here in California, it’s been a privilege. As I said before I grew up by the beach, surfing and especially kite surfing was a big part of my life, only when I moved to California I got really good in surfing the ocean and not the sea (because that’s what we have over there, it’s usually wind swells) and now I’m a surf teacher in a private school in Malibu. Surfing with dolphins on a daily basis.

As we all know, the past year has been a rough ride to say the least, but I’m really grateful to have so many things I love to do and striving to get better at them. I also grew up as a daughter of the head union of the ski and snowboard Israeli institute, yup there’s such thing and yup that was my mom. So we were lucky enough to have those ski trips around Europe, today I’m a snowboard instructor. In between that, I’m skating and rollerskating for cardio and fun:) In my career as a model, I’ve reached places I would never dream about going nor getting paid. I’ve traveled and met the most talented people. I have to say that the fashion industry also the dance industry is very small in Israel, and sometimes it felt like family, that’s one thing I miss. I’ve traveled through work to France, Italy, England, Fiji, South Africa, Denmark, Vietnam, New York, Oregon, Colorado, Mexico and now based in LA. I love my LA models family here and now I am honored to join also New York models agency , I get the best opportunities.

Last but not least, the thing that moved me the most was dance, always, that’s why I chose LA. I’ve been dancing since I’m 12 years old. Took every type of class seven days a week, those teenage years that you’re young but you still sacrifice so much for what you love. I took ballet , jazz, contemporary, breakdance, and hip hop classes . My studio was known for its HipHop , I got to the point that I’m on point in my ballet classes but was never flexible enough to be some kind of a ballerina and luckily hiphop was the thing that burned in my heart, competing and traveling Israel with my studio HIPHOP crew. Hip hop was the core of my life as I was 15 of age till joining the army . through my Army time I manage to have my JAZZ – HIPHOP teacher diploma and I started teaching in four different studios around the center and north Israel for two years before I moved here. Choreographing for each studio showcase and competition routines. In the past year, I opened a clothing brand (specify on swimwear right this moment) with my best friend and partner.

We both are really connected to nature and we respect and appreciate traveling and consuming but we also wanted to give back to mama earth. We got to know each other through Craigslist when I moved in, and from there are mutual interests founded a new company that plants a tree on each purchase that has been made. I truly believe all companies should give back. Our baby is called KIIANA.CO. Check it out. Let me know what you think! I think the best part about myself is that I’m passionate in everything I do. I bring all of my creativity to any job or project I’m doing. If it’s a commercial that I’m participating but also directing the main talent, or a dance visual and I’m adding my fashion and editorial side. The thing that sets me apart are my past experiences.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
First, knowing what you want or even better what you don’t want. Hens find the most professional in that profession and from there, it’s a matter of taste. I think today we can use all those platforms for knowledge and getting better, making this world better, and especially connect… I believe there are no rules. Today my mentors are Antoine Troupe and Kolanie Marks, the best in making dances reach their full potential, as I think. Also, never taking anything personal!

Contact Info:

• Website: kiiana.co
• Instagram: @stav.ben.zur
• Youtube: Stav Ben Zur