Meet Inga Demetryan | Dancer, Choreographer & Dance Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Inga Demetryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Inga, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I didn’t choose it, it chose me. The moment I connected to the art of dance the world around me stopped. I was consumed with the passion and joy each step brought. Dance allowed me to be myself and express my inner being with the language of movement. Dance is like a meditation that connects the body, mind and soul with the energy of sound. It’s as though you hear the music and energy flows from your body expressing pure feelings of life. As you glide across the floor there is nothing except you, it’s the pure moment of being in the now. The feeling is incredible and there is nothing better that I’ve ever experienced. Dance is pure joy, it is love. As I grew older and I perfected this unique art I learned that there is nothing more profound and beautiful than to allow the expression of life through movement. I am honored that dance chose me and I am able to give back through my expression of heartfelt emotion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My dance journey started back in Armenia when I was only five years old. Ballet made me feel alive and brought me a unique perspective I could’ve never imagined. I was able to travel the world and experience many different people and cultures. I was a soloist dancer with the Armenian National Theatre of Opera & Ballet and also with The Israel Ballet Company in Israel for many years. The incredible knowledge I garnered for 20 years training with the best teachers in Europe prepared me for my next adventure in life. Subsequently I moved to the United States at 26 years old. Not only did my physical location in the world change but so did my desire to pursue ballet. I found a new love in Theatre Arts and Professional American Rhythm Dance Divisions. To my surprise within six months I had left Ballet behind and became a Bronze Medalist in the World and United States in Professional American Rhythm Division. My career accelerated at a pace that shocked everyone including me. Within two years I earned more than twenty five First place standings in different dance competitions throughout the United States. Ballroom became my new love, it was as natural as walking for me. During this time I also opened a dance studio and continued to compete in every competition I could fit into my busy schedule. This was the most rewarding, fun and dynamic time of my life, even though it was extremely challenging from a professional, personal and inner perspective. As my carrier progressed I learned that my true calling was teaching. My focus turned to my studio. Here I was able to share everything I knew with others while helping them to become better dancers. Ironically just like Dance, each step through life allowed me to see what really matters. It’s not the competition, the winning or the achievement – it’s the journey itself. My sole attention is now on my new Dance Studio where I teach all ages and levels. I have truly found my passion in life and I believe that everyone can dance. The joy of Dance, is the joy of Life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am blessed to be living in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The South Bay has some of the most iconic beaches and picturesque spots in California. I would recommend starting with a day at the beach taking in the sights and sounds of Southern California. We would eat at many of the restaurants on pier Avenue in Hermosa beach. As the week progresses we have endless possibilities from Hollywood to Downtown Los Angeles. We could then take in a performance at one of the most magnificent theaters in the world, LA has it all. Ironically we can get to the beach in the morning and snow ski in the afternoon. There are many hiking trails with scenic views from Malibu to Big Bear. LA truly contains everything for every desire, culture and taste imaginable. Dream it up and we can do it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most instrumental person along my journey has been my mother. Without her support, encouragement and incredible wisdom I could’ve never made it through this dynamic path alone. Her understanding, patience and a big heart helped keep me on track to attain my dream of becoming the best dancer I could be. To this day she is still my best friend and mentor. In addition to her I would be remiss if I did not express sincere gratitude for every single person I met along the way. I learned something beautiful and new from each of them. Good or bad, happy or sad, each experience made me a better person, a better dancer and an overall better human being. A big thank you to everyone within this amazing dance family of life.

Website: www.demetradance.com

Instagram: @demetra_dancestudio

Facebook: Demetra Dance Studio

Yelp: Demetra Dance Studio

Youtube: Inga Demetryan