Early Days
Ina Ivanova Jeliazkova was born on the 5th of August 1987 in the small Bulgarian town of Vratsa. She began dancing at the age of eleven, after exploring various other activities including rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, skiing and even singing.
Professional Caree
Together with her dance partner Troels Bager, Ina is recognised as a five-time World Latin Champion and a three-time US National Professional Latin Champion. They have also won the three most prestigious Latin dance competitions multiple times: the British Open Professional Latin (2021), the WDO World Professional Latin (2023), the UK Open (2022, 2023 and 2024), and the International Championships (2021, 2022 and 2023).
Ina emphasises that true success comes from loving the entire journey — valuing the process over the outcome, honouring a deep inner calling and finding joy and fulfilment through dance.
She became a champion by realising that, as a performer, she needed to live the dance fully — expressing her heart and soul with clarity, purpose and emotional truth.
Admired Performer
As a dancer, Ina has always understood the importance of connecting with the audience. She believes that spectators can feel a dancer’s energy, drive and devotion — an unspoken yet powerful resonance.
Her spiritual studies played a significant role in supporting her growth, helping her respond fluidly to each day’s unique challenges in both training and competition, without being weighed down by expectations or negative thoughts.
Ultimately, Ina’s philosophy centres on authenticity, inner alignment and wholehearted dedication. She believes that true success — in dance as well as in life — arises from commitment to the journey, continuous self-reflection and allowing space for evolution and emotional growth.
Unique Educator
Recently retired from competition, Ina now runs Ina’s Dance Academy, offering online lessons, courses, masterclasses and camps. She also teaches internationally.
Active on social media, she has over 100,000 followers on Instagram.
Ina began teaching at the age of 17. Over the years, she has coached more than 1,000 Latin dance students and discovered that teaching is both an art and a science.
Other Passions
In her free time, Ina enjoys working creatively with her hands — anything involving arts and crafts. She loves transforming leftover materials into something new, a true testament to her inventive spirit.
Another passion of hers is listening to stand-up comedians. Their wit, timing and the enormous preparation behind seemingly spontaneous performances inspire her deeply.
Her current hobby is playing the drums, which she enjoys immensely.
Personal Note
I have been observing Ina’s growth since she was 14 years old, when she courageously moved to Denmark to dance with Troels. Her career became a dream realised through her persistence, faith and sincere love for dance.
Our online meetings over the past year have given me the chance to connect with Ina on many levels — from deep intellectual conversations to vulnerable emotional exchanges.
If I were ever blessed with a daughter, I would wish for her to be like Ina: hardworking, curious, intelligent, honest, transparent, courageous and extraordinarily loving. I truly feel blessed that our paths have crossed.
To hear our interview, you are warmly invited to listen to the podcast on Spotify: Barbara’s Dance Room.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4efxHVKiQucxKc8xE4t2yQ?si=2_0QdyW5SvqPXhrzhhbo9g&pi=zYI5wQW6QS2i-&t=1
