Cecily Ilana

My name is Cecily. I'm a performance artist and educator specializing in dance-driven, narrative work that blends theatre, movement, and character. My background includes professional training in acting, musical theatre, vocal performance, piano, photography, videography, acrobatics, and gymnastics, alongside over 10 years of teaching experience in the Sarasota, Florida area. My work is character-led, experimental, and rooted in storytelling—exploring the complexity of human emotion through movement-based performance that invites multiple interpretations. Inspired by both historical and contemporary artists, as well as my own personal faith and life experience, I aim to create work that feels personal, expressive, and open-ended. ​​ ​ A HERITAGE OF PERFORMANCE. I come from a lineage of performance and storytelling—my grandfather was a concert pianist, and my father is a film director and game developer. Raised in an environment shaped by music, narrative, and visual creation, I began performing on stage at a young age and received formal training in dance and performance arts from the age of five. ​ Over the years, I have developed my own independent creative practice, producing original dance films and multimedia works, as well as collaborating with clients to bring live performance art into events and experiential settings. My work often explores the intersection of movement, film, and installation—creating immersive, real-world experiences that stand out in contrast to an increasingly digital and performative culture. At the core of my creative practice is a desire to build work that is tangible, human, and emotionally present. If you are looking to collaborate on a performance, commission choreography, or bring a creative vision to life, I would love to connect. ​ JOINING THE CIRCUS-I MEAN, FAMILY BUSINESS. Teaching and education are also deeply rooted in my family lineage. Alongside my grandfather and father’s creative work, my mother—and many others in my family—are experienced academic and artistic educators. This environment shaped my understanding that creativity and learning are deeply intertwined. ​ I began teaching at a young age and have spent over 10 years developing my approach in both group and private settings. Throughout this time, I have continued to learn from my students as much as I have taught them, refining a practice centered on growth, discipline, and expression. My classes are designed to train the whole artist—combining technical development with confidence building, personal growth, and artistic exploration. I find deep joy in seeing students experience the same spark of inspiration I felt as a young performer discovering the world of creation. ​ ​ If you are interested in training, private lessons, or choreography coaching, I would love to connect and explore how I can come alongside you in your own artistic journey.