We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elena Nicorici. Check out our conversation below.
Elena, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
It’s a good question. Around this time, 2 years ago, I was having a phone conversation with my Dad – just catching up and letting him know about the creative things I was doing at the time. At the end, he said something what every child wants to hear from their parents: “I want you to know that I am very proud of you.” This candid expression took me by surprise. Being brought up in a post-Soviet period, where such tender moments were rare, made it all the more special – something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I felt loved and I felt like I was given new wings to fly, even if some other part of me felt like I didn’t deserve it.
Today, this memory has more weight in light of my Dad’s recent passing. During this grieving journey, I thought I might unravel, but instead I’ve felt an overwhelming comfort – not only from the people around me, but something beyond this world. I feel God’s love surrounding me and holding me steady in ways I didn’t expect. And with that in mind, I find the strength to keep going and to live in such a way that my Dad continues to be proud. That is my hope.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I didn’t expect Argentine tango to take over my life the way it did. But I am glad it happened.
In late 2022, I was only a beginner and now I find myself performing on stage and it still feels surreal to me.
For the past two years I have been part of Tangoearth, a tango team based in Los Angeles – an extraordinary group of people from all walks of life coming together to share their passion for Argentine tango. Belonging to this team has been a rewarding and transformative experience. We have performed at local festivals and milongas, and now – under the masterful direction of our tango instructors, Carlos Barrionuevo&Mayte Valdes, and alongside them on stage – we’re about to open a one-hour tango cabaret show, Red Velvet Reverie.
It’s a bold and beautiful production that brings together so many energies – drama, playfulness, passion and vulnerability. The story of this show is special because it will show – through dance – all facets of love: tender and pure, lustful and passionate, joyful and heartbreaking, fierce and forgiving.
Red Velvet Reverie captures these unique moments weaving together the light and the darkness, the complexities of human beings and offering the audience a chance to witness the many faces of love through movement, emotion and art.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Interesting question. I believe that what breaks bonds between people is often fear – fear of being misunderstood, fear of being not enough or too much. Fear of being hurt again. We build up walls around our hearts, avoid the hard conversations, or overlook our feelings in order to keep the peace. I’ve done that myself more times than I can count, only to find out that silence hurt more than honesty could.
The Bible tells us “Do not be afraid” – not once but plenty of times. A reminder that we are not alone and that we are deeply loved. Yet, we still fear. We fear being vulnerable, or seen. But I believe that when we let our hearts overflow with God’s love, we make space for true connection again.
What brings people back together and restores the bond is communication. Not perfect communication, but honest, open-hearted communication, where you have the courage to say “this is how I feel” and also have the grace to listen when someone else says the same.
I’m still learning how to speak in way that is both kind and clear. There have been bumps along the way, but I embrace the process, hoping to create more room for love and understanding, rather than fear.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be your own best friend – you are stronger than you think.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Only in part. I am often very quiet and serious when surrounded by big crowds. I tend to watch and observe, rather than speak. I am deeply introverted and I prefer a small circle of friends that I can trust. When that trust is there, I open up and you get to meet the silly, playful part of me. But if that trust is broken, that door closes – sometimes forever.
So while my public self is more reserved, my full self – with all its warmth and depth – is shared only by those closest to me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Honestly, what would remain is one unchanging truth – that I am the daughter of my Father in Heaven.
That truth keeps me steady, even when I fail. I get up and I keep going.
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