Irina Akulenko is a New York City-based performer, teacher and choreographer with a burning passion for arts of all genres. Although she discovered Middle Eastern dance purely by chance, her interest in expression started at an early age and was channeled into ballet training, in addition to piano and voice lessons as well as drawing. However, belly dance became her main addiction which she sustained by seeking instruction with numerous local teachers as well as visiting master performers. Since 2001, Irina explored both Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal style belly dance and now enjoys fusing these styles as well as everything in between.

Today Irina performs as a soloist on various New York stages and has recently released her first instructional DVD "Tribal Fusion Workout" with World Dance New York and an instructional series of videos with the popular website “Howcast”. Additionally, her performances were featured on “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 and instructors with Bellyqueen Dance Theater, is a performer for Project "Bella Gaia" and is an alumni member of Alchemy Dance Theater. She loves collaborating with other artists and has completed projects with Jillina (Bellydance Evolution projects in NYC and DC), Dalia Carella, BALAM Dance Theater and many others. Irina is dedicated to continuing her dance education, always looking for new ways to be inspired. Furthermore, she holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science, and has a strong interest in women's issues and visual arts.