Having dreamed of becoming a dancer since childhood, Ileana left Italy to learn Odissi, the classical form of dancing. She thinks that dancing is a form of expression for her.

Ileana Citaristi is an Odissi and Chhau Dancer and Choreographer. She was born in Italy and spent her childhood there itself before shifting to India in 1979 to pursue her dancing career.

Recalling her childhood memories, Ileana says that her parents sent her to classical Belly Dance classes. However, as she grew up, her parents stopped her from practicing dance because of her studies. She always had a dream to become a dancer, she says.

When asked about how she got into classical dancing, Ileana says that she happened to see a Kathakali performance while doing Theater in Italy. There she realized that dancing is a systematic form of expression through your body and thereafter decided to come to India to learn this art.

Talking about her achievements, Ileana says that achievements are a process that is always in progress. She says that she has had many achievements during her journey, some of which are her first performance, the first choreography of her artistic work, and more.

Ileana says that dancing is Saadhana and Bhakti for her. Dance is the form of expression through which she expresses herself, she says.

Sharing about her role models, Ileana says that her gurus are her role models. Both her gurus have helped her pursue her dancing career.

In her free time, she loves to read and research. She is also fond of plants and gardening.

Speaking about her mistakes, Ileana says that she was totally involved in what she was doing and therefore it didn’t leave any room for regret.

To the youngsters, Ileana advises them to be open to different opportunities until they find their calling. Once you find your calling, you should totally immerse yourself in it, she says.