In a world where many feel trapped by conventional careers, Dilyara Ablyazova’s story stands out as an inspiring reminder of the power of following one’s passion. Once a marketing professional, Dilyara discovered during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic that dance was far more than a hobby — it was her true calling. Today, she is a celebrated dance instructor sharing movement, joy, and human connection with people from all walks of life.
A Pandemic Pivot — Rediscovering Dance
The global pandemic brought life to a halt, leaving many unsure of their futures. For Dilyara Ablyazova, however, it became a period of reflection and discovery. While the world slowed down, she noticed herself continuing to dance and teach even when no one asked her to.
“Before, dance was just something I did for joy after work,” she recalls. “But during that time, I realized how natural it felt to share, to guide others through movement, and to stay connected through dance.”
It was in that quiet yet chaotic period that Dilyara recognized a crucial truth — dance was more than passion; it was her path. This realization set her on a new journey, one that would transform both her life and the lives of those she teaches.
From Corporate Strategies to Dance Studios
Before committing to dance, Dilyara built a career in marketing. This experience gave her valuable skills — understanding people, communicating effectively, and connecting emotionally — that later became powerful tools in her teaching. These abilities allowed her to create meaningful connections with her students, guiding them not just through steps but through emotions and confidence.
As Dilyara transitioned into dance professionally, she noticed how deeply movement could impact people’s lives. Dance became a medium for self-expression, helping students open up, gain confidence, and find joy even in challenging times. Her background in marketing, combined with her natural creativity and empathy, made this transition feel authentic and purposeful.
The Ric Banks Dance Academy — A Space for Transformation
Dilyara founded the Ric Banks Dance Academy in Dubai — a space where students can learn Bachata, Kizomba, and Salsa while exploring their emotions and creativity. For her, teaching is more than instructing steps; it’s about building confidence, nurturing self-expression, and fostering a sense of community.
One of her proudest achievements is witnessing the transformation of her students. “Every time I see that spark in someone’s eyes, I feel that this is my greatest success,” she says. For Dilyara, the true measure of accomplishment is not her own milestones but the positive impact dance has on others’ lives.
Merging Dance with Psychology
Dilyara’s vision extends beyond the dance floor. She is exploring the intersection of dance and psychology, studying how movement reflects emotions and inner experiences. Her approach emphasizes that dance isn’t about perfection — it’s about authenticity, awareness, and emotional expression.
By combining dance with psychological insights, Dilyara hopes to help people better understand themselves, release inner blocks, and cultivate confidence and joy. This holistic approach positions dance not just as an art form but as a tool for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.
The Power of Human Connection
Through her work, Dilyara has learned that people are the heart of every experience. She believes that every individual carries a unique story and emotion — and through dance, these stories can be shared and celebrated.
Her teaching emphasizes empathy, trust, and connection, reminding students that despite differences in background, culture, or personality, everyone shares a common desire to be seen, understood, and valued. Dance, for Dilyara, becomes a universal language of human connection, bridging gaps and inspiring understanding.
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a stable marketing career to a full-time dance profession was not without challenges. Initially, Dilyara doubted whether her passion could sustain her financially and emotionally. Overcoming this required courage, faith, and consistency — teaching even small classes, creating opportunities, and trusting that dedication would yield results.
Today, her success and the transformative impact she has on her students demonstrate that following one’s calling is always worth the risk.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Dilyara hopes to leave a legacy that celebrates dance as an inclusive, empowering practice. “Dance is truly for everyone — not just for the talented, flexible, or confident, but for every human being with a heart that beats to rhythm,” she explains. Her dream is a world where no one says, “Dancing is not for me,” and where movement becomes a natural expression of joy, freedom, and emotional release.
She wants to be remembered as someone who helped others reconnect with themselves through movement, allowing people to feel alive, seen, and free. Her classes are more than lessons — they are a journey of courage, laughter, and human connection.
Words to Her Younger Self
Reflecting on her journey, Dilyara shares advice for her younger self — “Have no regrets and no doubts; everything you’re doing is right, even if the path feels uncertain. Trust yourself, follow your passion, and believe that every experience is guiding you where you need to be.”
She emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing uncertainty, reminding us that growth often lies just beyond discomfort. If she had to live her life again, she says, she would choose the same path — the ups, downs, and all — because it shaped who she is today.
And remember — God is with you and for you in every step and every expression of who you are.
Conclusion
Dilyara Ablyazova’s journey from marketing professional to dance instructor is a testament to the power of courage, passion, and human connection. Her story reminds us that it is never too late to pursue what truly matters, to embrace change, and to create a life that inspires others. Through her teaching, she continues to transform lives, proving that dance is more than movement — it is a path to self-discovery, confidence, and joy.
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