Tijana Ilich Introduction Freelance writer, musician, and dancer with over 20 years of experience in musical performancePlays flamenco guitar, keyboards, and percussion instruments with Latin bands and dances with local ethnic dance ensemblesHolds a master's degree in folklore/mythology from UCLA Experience Tijana Ilich is a former writer for ThoughtCo who contributed articles on Latin music and dance for four years. She has traveled around the world recording music, dance, and local customs in their natural settings. While every country and culture has something exciting to offer, Latin music is her primary passion. As a native of Los Angeles, she grew up surrounded by Mexican boleros and ranchera music. Ilich studied salsa and plena dance styles in Puerto Rico and participated in a cultural exchange trip to Cuba, where she interviewed and recorded local musicians and composers. She has been a member of local ethnic dance ensembles and has played flamenco guitar, keyboards, and percussion with several bands. Education Master's degree in folklore/mythology with a specialization in ethnic music and dance from the University of California Los Angeles LiveAbout and Dotdash Meredith LiveAbout, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a reference site focused on entertainment, activities, and hobbies. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines. Read more from Tijana Ilich Calle 13 History, Styles and Influence of Puerto Rican Music Biography of Reggaeton's Wisin & Yandel The Music of Colombia Biography of Reggaeton's Daddy Yankee Gloria Estefan: Biography of a Latin Superstar Son Cubano the Music at the Heart of Cuba The Backstory of Bachata Boy Band Aventura The History and Spread of Merengue The Story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, the Queen of Tejano Most Influential Women In Latin Music Maná: The Band The Music of Argentina Yesterday and Today 10 Powerhouse Women Sing Bossa Nova Classics Corrido and the History of Mexican Life in Song Top 10 Bachata Songs The Music of Cuba A Comprehensive List of 10 Classic Latin Boleros An Overview of Brazilian Music The Origins of Samba Biography of Jenni Rivera, Banda's Diva A Tango Dancer's Playlist Biography of Juan Luis Guerra Mexican Popular Music - Tejano, Norteno, Banda