24/05/2026
Phoenix Dance Company has some INCREDIBLE news to share! 🚀✨
(First of all, can we just take a moment to appreciate that this is, in fact, the same person in every photo🤩)
Before we reveal our big announcement, we want to take a moment to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to our absolutely fantastic team of Phoenix Instructors! You guys are the heartbeat of this studio❤️
A special, extra shoutout goes to Zoey, our head female instructor. While I’ve been navigating an ongoing injury, Zoey has stepped up with incredible strength, leadership, and passion to keep us moving forward without missing a beat. We are so lucky to have you!🤍
And now... our Phoenix family is growing! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome another extraordinary lady and powerhouse dancer to the team. Please give a massive welcome to Ilene van der Merwe (Erlank)! 👑💃🏼
🏆A Legacy of Excellence: Meet Ilene✨️
To say we are honored is an understatement. Ilene’s dance heritage reads like royalty. Her exceptional technique and artistry were shaped by the absolute best global legends in the industry, including:
Michael Wentink: Undefeated World Latin American Champion and the only South African to win the World, U.S., and major European Open titles.
Paul Smuts-Steyn: A legendary South African coach and world-class international adjudicator, recognized as a true cornerstone of the competitive ballroom community who has produced and mentored countless top-tier champions.
Salome Sechele: Undefeated SA Champion, international adjudicator, and beloved star of Strictly Come Dancing.
Robin Sewell: Elite international competitor and former Amateur Latin Open Champion.
Michèle & Herman Lak: Top-tier Dutch Professional Champions who brought elite European expertise to her training.
From Young Prodigy to Seven-Time National Champion🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Ilene was born to move. She began her journey at just six years old, training in ballet, folk, and tap. Her elite athleticism was obvious early on. By age 10, she was awarded her Junior Protea Colours in acro gymnastics, representing the absolute gold standard of national athletic achievement.
When she later discovered her passion for Ballroom and Latin, she didn't just compete, she dominated. Look at this incredible track record:
🏆 5 Consecutive National Ballroom Championship Titles: Dominating the amateur adult field year after year.
✨ The Ultimate Comeback: After taking a break for a few years, she returned to the floor with her original dance partner and captured 2 consecutive National Professional Ballroom Championship titles, marking a fairy-tale end to her competitive career.
🌍 The World Stage: She took her talents global, representing the country at the prestigious World Championships at Euro Disney in Paris, France.
Bringing Champion-Level Coaching to Phoenix🔥🔥🔥
Ilene is bringing that world-class, champion-making energy straight to the Phoenix floor. Whether you are stepping onto the floor for the first time or looking to fine-tune your competitive edge, you are learning from a true master of the craft.
Welcome to the Phoenix family, Ilene 🤍
