The Gyrrl
Relana, a Chicago native has been dancing all of her life. She has a formal dance background in West African dance, Latin (Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Bomba, Plena, Cumbia, Cha Cha and Bachata) dance, jazz, modern, hip hop, belly dancing and ballet. After studying dance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and receiving certification in Professional Female Modeling from John Casablancas Modeling School, Relana has over 10 years of experience as a choreographer and instructor. She has studied under some of the most prestigious dancers in the U.S. : Carolina Garcia, Urban Bush Women, New York; Uche Ominiyi, Muntu Dance Theater, Chicago; Erica Jarvis, Creative Soul, Chicago; and Vanessa Truvillion, Joel Hall Dance Center, Chicago; as well as the prestigious, world reknown KT Coates (UK). Relana’s dance style reflects her personality—outgoing, patient, fun-loving and informative.
Relana is currently finishing an MBA in Marketing from Walden University, and will be starting on her PhD. in Human Sexuality in the coming months. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as well as an Associate of Applied Arts and Science in Graphic Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology (downtown Chicago campus). She is also certified in rape crisis and domestic violence advocacy and group fitness/aerobics under W.I.T.S. Other affiliations include: the Mocha Sisters Organization, Savvy Socialites, NAFE (National Association of Female Executives) and Just Between Girlfriends.
