Irina Akulenko is a New York City-based performer, teacher and choreographer, with a burning passion for arts of all genres. Since 2001, Irina explored both Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal style belly dance, Odissi and Flamenco. She now enjoys fusing these art forms as well as everything in between. Irina completed successful tours around the world, teaching and performing in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Korea, Taiwan, Colombia, Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, France, Iceland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. She released three successful instructional DVDs with World Dance New York ("Tribal Fusion Workout", "Diamond Cut" and "Sculpted Blossom") and two instructional series of videos with the popular website “Howcast.com”. Additionally, her performances were featured in the “Fantasy Bellydance: Cult of Myth” DVD, “Fantasy Bellydance: Tarot” DVD and she could also be seen on Bellyqueen’s “Bellydance NYC: The Ultimate Fusion Experience” DVD. Irina is one of the principal dancers, instructors and choreographers with Bellyqueen Dance Theater. She is the choreographer and performer for the project "Bella Gaia" and an alumni member of Alchemy Dance Theater. While at home, she also directs her student troupe "Kiaroscuro Dance", focusing mainly on Classical Indian fusion and Tribal style dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How Irina got introduced to belly dance

- Why she didn’t settle with practicing only traditional belly dance style

- Tips on how to combine your explorations in different dance genres

- What is tribal fusion and how it evolved within the last few decades

- Irina’s interest in political science and women’s studies

Show Notes to this episode:

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Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast