Jilyan was born and raised in Massachusetts before moving west to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from Arizona State University. She has had the opportunity to teach in studios, middle schools, high schools, and day & overnight camps in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Arizona and Washington. Predominately trained in modern and jazz, Miss Jilyan has also studied ballet, tap, and acrobatics. She holds two levels of teacher certification through Acrobatic Arts, a certification through International Dance Teaching Standards, and has completed the Summer Dance Institute for Teachers at the Creative Dance Center, expanding her knowledge of Brain Compatible Dance Education. Miss Jilyan has also completed Karida Griffith’s ‘Roots, Rhythm, Race and Dance’ training as well as Griffith’s ‘Tap Teacher Training Workshop’. 

Miss Jilyan takes a personal approach to teaching dance. Her focus is on combining proper technique while exploring self-expression, confidence, and personal growth. She is dedicated to educating dancers about all areas of dance including its rich history, kinesiological principles and choreographic methods. More than anything, Miss Jilyan is focused on having fun in the classroom and creating a love for dance and movement.