Meet Irina Cherepanova: The Ballroom Star Inspiring the Next Generation
At Chrisanne Clover, we are delighted to have professional Ballroom dancer Irina Cherepanova as part of our sponsored dancer family. Alongside her long-time dance partner Stanislav Zellanin, Irina has enjoyed remarkable success on the international competitive dance circuit, earning recognition as one of Ballroom's most accomplished performers.
As we prepare fittings for her latest Chrisanne Clover Ballroom gowns, we caught up with Irina to learn more about her journey, career highlights, and what continues to inspire her after two decades on the dance floor.
A Dance Journey That Started at Eight
Irina's introduction to dance came at the age of eight, while Stanislav began dancing even earlier, at six years old.
While Stanislav's early years were spent enjoying dance as a fun activity, Irina approached it with a different mindset.
"From the age of eight, I was already very serious about dancing," she laughs.
What began as a childhood activity quickly evolved into a lifelong passion and professional career.
A Partnership Built Over 20 Years
One of the most remarkable aspects of Irina and Stanislav's career is the longevity of their partnership. The pair first began dancing together when they were just 12 years old and have now spent around 20 years competing, performing, and growing together as dancers.
In a sport where partnerships can often change, their enduring collaboration is an achievement in itself and one they are particularly proud of.
An Unexpected Beginning
Interestingly, Irina never actively sought out ballroom dancing.
Her journey began thanks to a family friend whose son attended dance classes and needed a partner.
"They asked me to go dancing and be his partner. After two months he stopped dancing, but I carried on!"
What started as a favour quickly became a defining part of her life.
Reaching the Top of the Ballroom World
When asked about her greatest achievements, Irina reflects not only on titles and results but also on the commitment that has kept her and Stanislav dancing together for so many years.
Competitively, however, the pair have achieved extraordinary success. Among their proudest accomplishments are becoming:
- Vice World Champions
- International Championship Vice Champions in 2022
Another career highlight came at the prestigious World Super Stars event in Tokyo, where they performed four unique show dances.
For Irina, the experience carried special significance.
"As children, we used to watch the World Super Stars on DVD. Now we're performing there ourselves. It's truly amazing."
She also credits her competition gowns with helping her express herself artistically on the dance floor, allowing each performance to tell its own story.
A Love for Competition
Unlike some dancers who prefer certain events or venues, Irina and Stanislav simply love to compete.
Whether performing at a major international championship or a smaller competition, their enthusiasm remains the same.
"As long as we're on the dance floor, we're happy."
It is this passion for performance that continues to drive their success year after year.
The Honour of Wearing Chrisanne Clover
Being sponsored by Chrisanne Clover holds special meaning for Irina.
Growing up, she admired many of the world's leading Ballroom dancers and remembers being captivated by their elegant competition dresses.
One of her inspirations was former champion Joanne Bolton, who frequently wore Chrisanne designs.
"To now be dressed by Chrisanne Clover is such an honour and a privilege."
In a wonderful full-circle moment, the talented dressmaker Emma, who is currently creating Irina's gowns, also crafted dresses for Joanne Bolton during her competitive career.
Favourite Colours and Dancewear
Known for creating striking competition costumes, Chrisanne Clover offers a colour palette that Irina particularly loves.
Her current favourites include:
- Spearmint
- Cobalt
- White
She especially appreciates the vibrancy and richness of the colours, believing they make a powerful impact under ballroom lighting.
When it comes to practice wear, Irina's top choice is the Emma Trousers.
Their comfortable fit and cuffed design make them ideal for rehearsals and show dance training, allowing freedom of movement without getting in the way of intricate footwork.
Life Beyond Dancing
Although dance remains the central focus of her life, Irina has a broad appreciation for culture, theatre, and history.
If she had not become a professional dancer, she imagines she might have pursued a career connected to:
- Theatre
- Performing arts
- History
In her free time, she enjoys visiting museums, attending performances, and exploring new cultural experiences.
Finding Inspiration Through Travel
When it comes to relaxation, travelling is one of Irina and Stanislav's favourite activities.
They enjoy discovering new cities and immersing themselves in local culture. A recent trip to Paris included visits to some of the world's most famous cultural landmarks, including:
- Musée d'Orsay
- The Louvre
- Palais Garnier
Among the highlights was attending an opera performance at the historic Palais Garnier, an experience Irina describes as particularly memorable.
Advice for Young Dancers
After years of dedication, competition, and international success, Irina's advice to aspiring dancers is simple but powerful:
"Believe in yourself and never give up. Keep going and enjoy the process."
It's a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career and one that continues to inspire dancers around the world.
Looking Ahead
With major international achievements already behind her and exciting new projects ahead, Irina Cherepanova continues to be a shining example of dedication, artistry, and perseverance in the world of Ballroom dance.
We are proud to welcome her to the Chrisanne Clover family and look forward to seeing her latest creations come to life on dance floors across the globe.
Watch Irina Cherepanova and Stanislav Zellanin perform and experience their incredible artistry in action.
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