Ingrid Valdna

Ingrid Valdna, originally from Estonia, brings an elegant, stylish and professional approach to dancing and instruction that is both impressive to watch as well as to learn from.

Ingrid started ballroom dancing at the tender age of 12 and hasn't stopped since. She has competed in international ballroom dance and would love to get you started on your first dance lesson.

Q: Where did you grow up?

Ingrid: I grew up in Estonia, in a small town by the sea called Haapsalu.

Q: How long have you been dancing?

Ingrid: On and off for about 15 years

Q:What attracted you to dancing?

Ingrid: Glamorous dresses and elegant girls. The way everyone behaved on the dance floor and how one could glide across the floor so effortlessly. Growing up in a cold climate, there wasn't much chance to dress up and never in such a beautiful dress like a ballroom gown - unless dancing ballroom.

Q: What is your favorite dance and why?

Ingrid: There isn't one. Because dances are either Standard(slow) or Latin(fast) then there must be at least one of each. From Standard I like Waltz because it was the first dance I learned and in all birthdays and weddings and all events everyone always danced Waltz. From Latin I like Rumba the most. It is the slowest of all Latin dances and is considered the dance of love.

Q: What has been the high point of your dancing career?

Ingrid: When I was 14, I had the most fun dancing and most successful competitions.

Q: What are your favorite activities outside of dancing?

Ingrid: Hiking, scuba, rollerblading, calligraphy.

Q: What was your most embarassing dancing moment?

Ingrid: In a competition my partner forgot the routine, so he just walked off the floor.

Q: What are the three most important lessons you've learned in your life?

Ingrid:
    1) Showing your emotions will only get you in trouble.
    2) Always be polite.
    3) Cherish every moment with your loved ones.
 
Q: What have you done that no one would guess you'd done, to look at you?

Ingrid: I have Bunji jumped and competed in sharpshooting. I remember when I went Bunji jumping - they give you 10 seconds to jump yourself, then they push you.

Q: What were some things you and your friends did for fun as a child?

Ingrid: Building treehouses in the forest, horseback riding, camping, spending days at the beach, taking long bicycle trips.

Q: What activities did you enjoy in school?

Ingrid: I was best at getting other kids in trouble. I also liked organizing school events.

Q: What was your first occupation? Your starting salary?

Ingrid: My first job was herding cattle at night time when I was 8 years old for 7 rubls and 50 kopejek per hour.

Q: When did you first learn to drive? What kind of vehicle? How fast did you go?

Ingrid: I learned to drive with my dad in an old Moskvich - we didn't go very fast and I was probably 9 years old.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do now?

Ingrid: I enjoy dancing, spending time with my family, and going on vacations.