PureDWTS Tribute: Julia Ivleva
Remember this gorgeous waltz that Jonathan & Anna danced in tribute to their cancer-stricken friend, Julia, back in season 14?
Sadly, Anna reported on her Twitter today that Julia passed away this morning, after a long & courageous battle with lung cancer. She remembered her friend poignantly:
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/atrebunskaya/status/320241630164705282″]
Julia’s passing touched me rather personally, as I had the pleasure of watching Julia and her husband, Igor, dance at one of the first ballroom competitions I attended, almost ten years ago. I was struck by how powerful they were on the floor, and their showdances were always the most creative and engaging. I feel blessed to have been present to witness the debut of one of the greatest showdances in ballroom history – when Igor & Julia proved that you can dance ballroom to any music…even Nirvana!
And a few years later, they again proved that rock & ballroom can mix perfectly, when they did this beautiful, vulnerable foxtrot to quite possibly my favorite song of all-time:
We here at Pure send our heartfelt condolences out to Julia’s friends and family during this sad time. Rest in peace, Julia.
I was saddened to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace
Oh that is just so sad. R.I.P.!
Lovely tribute, Courtney. Such a sad day. 🙁 Julia was indeed an inspiration to so many. Godspeed, Julia.
Thanks for this beautiful tribute. My sympathy to her friends and family.
lovely tribute, Julia was a beautiful dancer and may she rest in peace .
What a sad day for Julia’s family and friends. While they feel the sting of her loss, I hope they find some comfort in the knowledge that Julia has been set free from her pain.
Thanking for sharing this poignant message. Once we get past this reality show stuff, this is what dancing is about: self-expression; sharing; truth and beauty; a celebration of life.
Thank you for this lovely tribute. It’s especially poignant and ironic for me because today I am eleven years cancer free. My heart goes out to Julia’s family and friends.
Congratulations on 11 years, Kathy.
Very sad to hear about this today.
All my condolences to those who knew Julia Ivleva, and particularly to our favourite fiery redhead, Anna Trebunskaya. In a strange way, I’m glad that she isn’t doing the show this season, as it will allow her time and space to mourn the passing of her friend in peace. Say goodbye as you see fit, Anna, and hopefully come back to us next season with renewed strength and purpose.
Thank you, Princess Heidi.
Very sad, indeed.
R.I.P. Julia
Condolences to Igor, Julia’s family and their friends. Very sad day. She was a beautiful dancer and they were such a gorgeous couple! She is no longer suffering; that is good, but she will be missed by all those in the world of dance and her fans. Rest in peace, Yulia.
I was looking for an update on her 2 weeks ago! Sad to hear she just passed, RIP
Beautiful tribute! Sorry to hear of her passing.. May she rest in peace!!
Very sad news! My heart goes out to Julia’s friends and family!
I’m happy for you KathyO!.
Sad to hear of this! I fell in love with this couple after I saw them do the showdance above on America’s Ballroom Challenge; they were awesome! Igor also came to some of the bigger Atlanta competitions with his students and the year I was able to bring my mom to her first ballroom dancing competition we got to watch them compete with the pros at the nighttime show. Awesome to watch…
I only knew her for a few years, but I will remember her forever. I will miss my sweet friend, whose smile was a bright as her heart. Julia was one of a kind.