Ukrainian dancer Olena Shoptenko has revealed how her eight-year-old son reacted to her recent third marriage to an Austrian man named Christian.
The choreographer explained in an Instagram post that her son Oleksiy initially experienced mixed feelings about the wedding, despite sharing an exceptionally good relationship with her new partner. She said the boy was worried about losing his mother's love and attention before simple conversations helped to ease his concerns.
Shoptenko previously divorced the boy's father, entrepreneur Oleksiy Ivanov, several years ago. She kept the separation private for a long period because she hoped to preserve their family unit before eventually opening up about the split.
Career and family life
Shoptenko is a prominent Ukrainian ballroom dancer and choreographer who gained widespread public recognition after winning the national television competition Dancing with the Stars in Ukraine. Over her career, she has become one of the country's most recognizable dance personalities, regularly featuring in television broadcasts, hosting workshops, and leading high-profile dance projects.
Following her divorce from Ivanov, she focused on raising her young son while continuing her professional career. She explained that addressing her child's emotional needs remained her top priority during her recent transition into a new marriage.
Shoptenko noted that she spoke to her son using clear and straightforward language to reassure him. She added that those discussions quickly removed his fears, and the family now recognizes Christian as someone who loves them and whom they love in return.
Meeting in Austria
Addressing her social media followers, Shoptenko also disclosed how her romance with Christian first began. She explained that the couple first saw each other approximately four and a half years ago before becoming better acquainted about four years ago.
Their initial introduction took place in Vienna, the capital of Austria, during a New Year event organized for displaced Ukrainian children. Shoptenko was conducting a dance masterclass for the young attendees, while Christian was serving as a co-organiser of the gathering.
Shoptenko emphasized that their romantic relationship did not start immediately after the charitable event. Instead, the pair began communicating more closely and started dating roughly six months after their first meeting.
She confirmed that her son has now successfully built a strong connection with her new husband despite the initial hesitation surrounding the wedding ceremony.
