Originally from Kiev (Ukraine), Ilona is no stranger to music and dance. Growing up in the former Soviet Unionshe was exposed to dance and music education from the age of four. A classically trained pianist, Ilona has a deep understanding and appreciation for music and rhythm. Prior to her immigration to the US in 1979, she was trained to accompany dancers with the  world-renowned Ukrainian dance troupe, Virsky Ukranian Dance Ensemble. This is where Ilona developed her true passion and reverence for discipline and form, qualities that sets all great dancers apart from the rest.

Over the last seventeen years Ilona has expanded her artistic expression once again, discovering Latin dance – Salsa, Mambo and Argentine Tango. Trained by some of the world renowned Tango instructors, Ilona has a strong foundation and deep respect for the “fundamentals” upon which this dance is structured.

Her passion lies in introducing ordinary people to Argentine Tango, the most extraordinary dance based on connection between two equal partners. Her background in Spiritual Psychology (University of Santa Monica) is yet another aspect Ilona utilizes in her teaching approach. She sees Tango as a dialogue between two equal partners, therefore her emphasis is on developing and expanding ones capacity to communicate from the heart, to trust and surrender, to lead and follow – all precious life skills essential to creating a conscious, fulfilling relationships, both on and off the dance floor. Hence, Ilona loves working with couples who are committed to creating a life-long “dance” together and are in the process of designing a wedding dance that will not only please their guests, but make their wedding day simply unforgettable. As an hopeless romantic at heart who believes that LOVE is at the essence of all things, she is committed to nurturing and facilitating loving communication between two partners using partner dance as a tool.

For the last ten years Ilona has been teaching Argentine Tango in Los Angeles: 3rd Street Dance , South Bay Adult School, The Studio Art of Dance, as well as the Agape International Spiritual Center and as a guest instructor at the Music Center, LA (Active Arts).

As a passionate advocate for social partner dance and a Tango community activist, Ilona is always seeking new ways to share her passion with the greater audience. She often offers free introductory classes in various communities throughout Los Angeles, appears on various radio talk shows and works hard on getting her message out into to world. Ilona is also an organizer of a new beautiful monthly Milonga @ LAX  and The Tango Experience at Hacienda Hotel (LAX)