Raised in Shanghai and shaped by a multicultural background, she moves with a global blend of artistry. Irena graduated from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a BFA in Dance, where she broadened her movement by exploring various concert and social dance styles. At USC Kaufman, she performed works by choreographers including Jiří Kylián, Leïla Ka, Jillian Meyers, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Houston Thomas, Justin Peck, and Christopher Wheeldon.
As a choreographic storyteller, Irena takes inspiration from the fleeting moments of daily life. She views choreography through the lens of fashion and production design. In addition to presenting choreography at USC, Irena co-led a project for the Trinity Laban x USC Kaufman CoLab, a week-long collaboration between music and dance.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance Springboard Danse
Flock Works
Jacob Jonas The Company Summer Intensive
Los Angeles, CA (2022–2026)
Pittsburgh, PA (2025)
New York, NY (2025)
Los Angeles, CA (2024)
Pittsburgh, PA (2025)
New York, NY (2025)
Los Angeles, CA (2024)
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Whereabouts Unknown (excerpt)C'est toi qu'on adore
Within The Golden Hour (excerpt)
Glorious Gains
Primary Objectives
In Creases (excerpt)
A Journey of Love
Jiří Kylián, staged by Fiona Lummis
Leïla Ka
Christopher Wheeldon, staged by Garen Scribner
Darrell Grand Moultrie
Jillian Meyers
Justin Peck, staged by Michael Breeden
Tessandra Chavez
Leïla Ka
Christopher Wheeldon, staged by Garen Scribner
Darrell Grand Moultrie
Jillian Meyers
Justin Peck, staged by Michael Breeden
Tessandra Chavez
CHOREOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE
[IN-BETWEEN] (2024)Shrinking Spaces (2024)
professionals (generic) (2023)
In collaboration with Tyler Chang and Rhaine Marquardt
Original music composition by Gibson Mahnke