Mikey Madison Says Pole Dancing and Learning Russian for 'Anora' Felt 'Impossible'

For Mikey Madison, stepping into the shoes of the protagonist for the critically acclaimed film Anora was as daunting as it was exhilarating. Known for her nuanced performances, Madison faced a unique set of challenges that pushed her limits both physically and emotionally in her latest movie. Her preparation for the role was a steep learning curve, from adapting a Brooklyn accent to pole dancing.

Anora’s story in the movie revolves around her being an exotic dancer in New York who marries a Russian oligarch’s son—and much drama ensues after. One of the most significant hurdles Madison recalled facing was learning how to pole dance: The skill is skill essential to Anora's (also called Ani) character, who works as a stripper. Madison told Dazed her initial attempts were far from smooth, but she had support. Her father helped by installing a pole in her home so she could practice regularly. 

Learning Russian was also a challenge: "I was like, ‘Fuck, there’s no way I’m going to be able to learn Russian for this movie... Like, ‘This is impossible. I can’t believe I didn’t start this six months ago,'" Madison revealed in the magazine's Winter 2025 issue.

Becoming Ani wasn’t as straightforward as stepping onto the set. Madison also immersed herself in the Brighton Beach neighborhood, where the movie takes place, to better understand the character's real world. The technical and physical demands had Madison doubting whether or not she could convincingly portray Ani on screen at some point. However, the actor buckled down after some procrastination and started taking multiple Russian classes per week.

This agency is part of what made Anora so special for the actor. Unlike other directors she has worked with who weren't receptive to her ideas, director Sean Baker encouraged Madison's perspective and ideas. "This experience has completely changed the way that I want to work in the future," she confessed.

Madison’s preparation for the role spanned much more than the physical feats of pole dancing. She dove into linguistic and cultural immersion to bring authenticity to Ani’s character. Learning Russian proved to be one of the more intimidating tasks, but eventually, it all came together as she portrayed the character who navigates high-stakes romance, family drama, trauma, and empowerment. Madison's transformation into Ani was more than just stepping into a role—it was a learning experience that reshaped her approach to acting. The actor continues to rightfully win over Oscars buzz for her emotional performance.