Instructor
Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Maria began dancing at the age of four and quickly found her passion for performance and competition.
She trained extensively in ballet, contemporary, jazz, jazz funk, hip hop, and tap. Her leadership and dedication to dance were evident early on, serving as captain of her high school dance team for three years, performing at pep rallies and basketball games.
She continued her dance journey at Widener University, where she received a dance scholarship and held the role of Dance Team captain for three years. There, she performed at football and basketball games, as well as campus events. She was also a choreographer for the Widener Dance Company, creating original works in modern, contemporary, and hip hop, and presenting showcases at the end of each semester.
After college, she became a Biology teacher at a charter middle/high school, where she also coached the school’s Dance Team for four years. Under her direction, the team competed at major competitions such as ADA and Contest of Champions. She later transitioned into the role of dance teacher, instructing students in grades 6–12 across a variety of styles and skill levels.
Currently, she is a member of the Florida Panthers Dance Team, proudly representing the NHL’s Florida Panthers and performing on ice at home games. Her diverse background in performance, choreography, and teaching allows her to bring both passion and professionalism to every class she leads.