Yurena Polanen

Yurena Polanen is performing artist, dancer, actor and athlete born in The Netherlands to Surinamese and Dutch Caribbean parents. Growing up in Barbados, she focused much of her time on practicing sports and played tennis and karate. Nevertheless, Yurena always had a love for performing and she took part in various pantomimes, first as a dancer of the ensemble and later as a principal actor.

At 16 years of age Yurena moved back to the Netherlands, where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy. Still having a keen interest in sports, she began playing rugby and later became a part of the National Development Team on their road to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Yurena moved to Australia shortly after and originally planned to continue playing Rugby. However, it did not take long before her inner passion for the performing arts took over and she decided it was time to once again follow her heart and focus on the creative industry.

Initially focusing on the styles closest to her roots, such as Afro, Dancehall and Latin, Yurena was intrinsically drawn to Samba and Brazilian dance, feeling a natural connection to the essence and Afrocentric roots of Brazilian culture. The Brazilian arts are now a great passion and focus for Yurena alongside her work in fitness and boxing personal training.

With natural talent and a strong commitment to continued growth as a dancer and performing artist, Yurena brings her positive energy, athleticism and passion to the Escola instructor team.