Ilana Werner May 2025

Ilana Werner May 2025
Our ex-scholarship holder Ilana Werner (1997-1999)

Celebrating an incredible career in ballet!
Ilana Werner, born in Zurich, is a Swiss-American dancer, both parents were ballet dancers. Ilana starts training in Zurich with her mother Madeleine Stierli, and later she is formed by Marika Besobrasova at the Academie de Dance Princesse Grace in Monaco (MC) and at the Heinz-Bosl Stiftung in Munich (DE). Her education is generously enabled by the Migros Kulturprozent and the Pierino Ambrosoli Foundation.
After graduation, she joins the Bavarian State Ballet in season 2003/2004 as a Corps de ballet dancer. She is promoted to soloist in February 2009 and to First Soloist in July 2012. Her repertoire includes among others Mats Ek’s Apartment, Forsythe’s Limb’s Theorem, one of the Shadow Variations in La Bayadère, Kylián's Bella Figura, a solo in van Manens Five Tangos and Balanchines Serenade. Ilana spents many years of her career with the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich, followed by two years at Ballet du Capitole in Toulouse and the Hungarian National Ballet in Budapest. Since 2017, she’s focuses on guest teaching across Europe and Asia, organizing summer courses.
She`s also an actress, produces and is part of many transdisciplinary art projects. Ilana creates innovative performances such as "Living Sculptures" https://www.zhdk.ch/veranstaltung/41076 for the Kunsthaus Zurich.
In 2021 she receives her Master of Arts,Teaching and Coaching Dance Professionals at the Zurich University of Arts (ZHdK).
Today, Ilana is also a loving mother and wife. She beautifully balances her passion for ballet with her family inspiring not only her child but many others to pursue their dreams. Ilana looks back proudly on her achievements and eagerly anticipates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Her dedication and commitment to the art of dance are truly admirable, making her a shining example for anyone looking to live out their passion.
 
Ilana Werner is our advisor for dance in an honorary capacity.

©Margot Judit Dajka