Olivia Sabulao Ilano-Davis was born in Manila, Philippines and grew up in western Massachusetts. She holds a BFA in Theater and Dance from Smith College.

She studied and danced at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, The Clarke Center for the Performing Arts, and Henry Street Settlement.

She began teaching as an adjunct instructor at the University of Massachusetts presenting a course entitled Third World Dance Theater Workshop, a response to affirmative action. Her signature warm-ups attracted athletes – football players in the spring, baseball players in the fall.

She is the former Director of Dance Programs City Youth at Dance Connecticut and Hartford Ballet.