Ilona, originally from Kiev Ukraine, is no stranger to music and dance. Growing up in the former Soviet Union, like most Russian kids was exposed to dance and music education from the age of four.A classically trained pianist, Ilona has deep understanding and an appreciation for music and rhythm. Prior to her immigration to the US, she was trained to accompany dancers of the Virsky Folk Ensemble, a world-renowned Ukrainian dance troupe. This is where she developed her true passion and reverence for discipline and form, which sets great dancers apart form the rest.
Over the last 12 years Ilona has expanded her artistic expression once again, now discovering Latin dance, specifically Salsa and Argentine Tango. Trained by Perry Rogovin, Sandor, Fernanda and Gillermo Merlo, Gachi Fernandez and Sergio Cortazzo, Chicho among other acclaimed Tango instructors, Ilona has a strong foundation and deep respect for the “basics” on which the dance is structured.
For last four years Ilona has been teaching Argentine Tango in Los Angeles at 3rd Street Dance as well as, most recently, at the Agape International Spiritual Center. Her passion lies in introducing ordinary people to Tango, the most extraordinary dance that is led and danced straight from the heart. Her background in Spiritual Psychology is yet another aspect that Ilona utilizes in her approach. Being that Tango is an ongoing conversation between two “equal” partners, Ilona’s emphasis is on developing and expanding ones capacity to communicate and listen, trust and surrender – all life skills essential to creating a meaningful and fulfilling relationship on and off the dance floor.
“I believe that dance is one of the most powerful yet fun and enjoyable catalysts to personal growth and expansion. It is both a tool and an outlet for human passion which is the very essence of life itself”.
Ilona offers group as well as private instruction in Salsa and Argentine Tango. She is available for parties and performances.
