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ABOUT

ME

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Passionate About Inspiring Others

Dance has always been more than movement for me—it is a language of connection, cultural preservation, and shared storytelling. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing and teaching across Europe, Asia, and North America, sharing the power of Balkan folk traditions alongside contemporary, modern, ballet, and jazz forms.

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From my early years touring internationally with renowned dance companies in Turkey to establishing multiple community dance groups in Bulgaria, and later founding Balkanik Dance Group in Phoenix, I’ve been guided by one purpose: to inspire others through the transformative power of dance.

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As an educator and choreographer, I am committed to creating spaces where dancers of all ages and backgrounds feel supported, challenged, and empowered. My teaching approach blends rigorous technique with creative exploration, somatic awareness, and cultural storytelling—encouraging students not only to dance, but to understand why they dance.

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My passion for preserving and celebrating heritage extends beyond the studio. As the CEO of the Balkan Community Culture and Heritage Organization, I work to uplift and strengthen our multicultural community through meaningful artistic initiatives. I am also the organizer and artistic director behind two major cultural events in Phoenix—the Bulgarian Folklore Festival “Tupan Bie” and the Eastern European Folk

Festival. Through these festivals, I bring together dancers, musicians, artists, and families to honor tradition, share knowledge, and inspire future generations.

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In my work with children, I strive to nurture confidence, curiosity, and discipline. With adults, I help them reconnect with movement, community, and cultural identity. Whether in a classroom, rehearsal space, or on stage, my goal is to help every dancer discover their voice through movement.

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Today, my artistic practice continues to bridge tradition and innovation. I develop original choreographic works, lead educational programs, present lectures, and foster cultural understanding through creative exchange. As an artist-scholar, educator, choreographer, and cultural arts advocate, I remain dedicated to sharing the beauty of dance and inspiring others to find meaning, joy, and belonging through movement.

Work History

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  • Co-Founder & CEO, Balkan Community Culture and Heritage Organization – Phoenix, AZ

  • Founder | Artistic Director | Choreographer, Balkanik Dance Group – Phoenix, AZ

  • Dance Educator | Choreographer, North Valley Arts Academy (NVAA), Paradise Valley Unified School District – Phoenix, AZ

  • Dance Teacher | Choreographer, NRG Ballroom – Tempe, AZ

  • Dance Teacher | Choreographer | Office Assistant, SCDS (Scottsdale Community Dance School) – Scottsdale, AZ​​

  • Founder | Artistic Director | Choreographer, TDS DanceArt LTD Company – Bulgaria

  • Dance Educator | Choreographer, Voice Academy – Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Dance Educator | Choreographer, Drujba Private High School – Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Professional Dancer | Choreographer, Love Seasons – Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Dance Educator | Choreographer, Primary School “Otec Paisiy” – Petarch, Bulgaria

  • Dance Educator | Choreographer, Kindergarten “Violina” – Petarch, Bulgaria

  • Dance Educator | Choreographer, Community Center “New Life” – Petarch, Bulgaria​​

  • Professional Dancer, New Capo San Martino – Lugano, Switzerland

  • Professional Dancer, Kolours of Turkey Dance Company – Antalya, Turkey

  • Professional Dancer, Academy for Dance, Music and Speech / Dance Theater – Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Professional Dancer, Santa Park Ltd – Rovaniemi, Finland

  • Professional Dancer, Sultans of the Dance – Istanbul, Turkey

  • Professional Dancer, Sultans of Anatolia – Istanbul, Turkey

  • Professional Dancer, Magic You Ney – Istanbul, Turkey

  • Professional Dancer, Hurrem Sultan Dance Company – Istanbul, Turkey

Education

  • MFA in Dance, Arizona State University – School of Music, Dance and Theater

  • MA in Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership, Arizona State University – Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

  • MFA in Dance, Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv, Bulgaria

  • Master’s Degree in Business Economics, Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” – Plovdiv, Bulgaria

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Trade, and Marketing, MTM College – Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Company Manager, Private Professional College Delta – Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Professional Dance Training, National School of Dance Art – Sofia, Bulgaria

Professional Certifications

  • Project Management Certificate, University of Arizona

  • Subject Matter Expert Standard Teaching Certificate, Arizona Department of Education
    (Valid February 29, 2024 – May 21, 2036)

Contact

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