Iliyana was born in Bulgaria, where she started to dance in age of 9. She became Bulgarian National Champion in latin “A -category” and was placed 3rd in Bulgarian National 10 Dance Championships.
She also represented Bulgaria in IDSF 10 Dance World Championships.
Since 1999 Iliyana is competing successfully in the US. With her former partner Tony Dovolani ( Known from the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars”), Iliyana made final and was placed 5th at the prestigious US Open Championships in professional American Rhythm category. Iliyana with Tony Dovolani also became New Jersey American Rhythm State Champion.
Her success as a teacher was repeatedly confirmed in many pro-am competitions.

Here few of her results as a pro/am teacher:

2004 Caribbean Dancesport Championships – Standard Category with Paul Krentzlin – 2nd place

2004 Manhattan Dancesport Championship Standard with Paul Krentzlin – 4th place

2004 Arthur Murray Dancerama in Las Vegas with Ian McAuley – 2nd in junior Scholarship

Teacher Awards

2005 Caribbean Dancesport Championships – 4th place Best Teacher Award

2006 Top 20 Arthur Murray Teacher of the Year Award

Dance couture

Recently Ilyiana also made her name as a succesful designer of ballroom gowns and dresses. You can see her work at our dancecouture.net website.