Belly Dancer Iana Komarnytska at the Beach Holding a Veil — Articles, podcasts and online classes to help you navigate your dance life.

WELCOME TO THE IANA DANCE BLOG

I’m Iana Komarnytska, a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer, as well as a travel and beauty blogger.

Originally from Ukraine, I have been on the road since 2019, vagabonding across the globe, after living in Canada for over 8 years. I’m a passionate content creator, helping belly dancers navigate their dance life, and inspiring the world to dance more. :)

I am a graduate from the professional dance program at York University (Canada), host of the Belly Dance Life podcast, creator of the Iana Dance Club, author of numerous articles, and winner of Star Bellydancer Canada 2014 among other international competitions. Along with belly dance, I teach Persian Classical and Turkish Romani dancing, and is the first choreographer to start using Triple Isis wings since 2012.

Join me on dance and travel adventures!

New Articles in the Blog:

Featured

December 26, 2024

Dance Training

Your Belly Dance Technique Scan

December 26, 2024

Dance Training

To celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Iana Dance Club, I am hosting a FREE Zoom workshop to help you get ready for a kick-ass 2025 dance year!

December 26, 2024

Dance Training

Featured

Dance Training

Your Belly Dance Technique Scan

Dance Training

To celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Iana Dance Club, I am hosting a FREE Zoom workshop to help you get ready for a kick-ass 2025 dance year!

Dance Training

Gift Costume Reveal for our Online Hafla

Dance Training

A few days ago I went to Yasso’s costume shop to find a new costume… But it wasn’t a costume for me. It was for our Hafla participants!

Dance Training

Tips on Memorizing New Choreographies Faster

Dance Training

Here are a couple of tips that I use in my own practice in order to fully remember a new choreo:

Dance Training

Feel Calm On Stage

Dance Training

when it comes to such a sensitive topic as conquering performance anxiety, there is definitely no such thing as ONE-ANSWER for all. Each person, each dancer will need their own tools.

Dance Training

Which Costume Did I Choose?

Dance Training

A few days ago I went to Yasso’s costume shop to find a new costume… But it wasn’t a costume for me. It was for our Hafla participants!

Dance Training

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Latest Episode on the Belly Dance Life Podcast:

Featured

Ep 378. Serkan Tutar: When Judgment Says More About the Viewer Than the Dancer

Serkan Tutar is an internationally award-winning Turkish belly dancer, teacher, choreographer, and festival organizer known for his dynamic stage presence and multicultural approach to Oriental dance. Originally from Turkey and now based in Belgium, Serkan discovered his passion for belly dance as a child during his time in Saudi Arabia and was deeply inspired by Middle Eastern music and culture. Winner of Male Bellydancer of the World 2008 and Brandon Oasis 2006, he has taught and performed in over 30 countries worldwide. Specializing in Turkish and Modern Egyptian style, Turkish Romani, Baladi, Saidi, veil work, and his signature “crazy drum solos,” Serkan is also the organizer of the internationally recognized Rakkas Istanbul International Oriental Dance Festival. Known for his warmth, humor, and supportive teaching style, he continues to inspire dancers around the world through workshops, performances, and mentorship.

In this episode you will learn about:

Why jealousy can quietly damage dancers more than competition ever could, and what’s the difference between jealousy and envy from the dance career perspective
The ongoing challenges of being a male belly dancer
Why body type, age, gender, or appearance should never define who gets to dance
The reality of online criticism, keyboard warriors, and how dancers can protect themselves emotionally
Why many “international festivals” are not really festivals—and how this is changing the dance industry

LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES

LEARN BELLY DANCE ONLINE WITH IANA

Images of the Iana Dance Club, an online belly dance learning platform.

The Iana Dance Club was created to help you navigate your dance life. Whether you are a dance enthusiast or dream about a professional career, you will find a training program to help you achieve your goals and nurture your dance soul.

LEARN MORE