Irina started her dance training in Russia at the age of 5, and never looked back. In the early 90s Irina began competing in Russia and Europe winning many championships, and in 1996 she became youth Russian Champion.

In 1998 Irina moved to New York and broke straight into US Latin Dance finals. She was the US National Amateur finalist for 6 years. After turning Professional, She quickly became the World Cup Rising Star Professional Champion and was the third place in the world's largest ballroom dance competition - Blackpool Dance Festival. Shortly after that, she partnered with the World Champion Louis Van Amstel and joined the cast of DANCING WITH THE STARS national tours.(See more about the Blackpool Dance Festival.)

Irina continues to travel worldwide, competing in Pro/Am with her students, judging at dance competitions, performing showcases, coaching and lecturing.