Meet Our Dance School Faculty and Staff
Our Faculty
Our instructors are experienced professionals with a deep love for dance and a commitment to nurturing the talents of every student. They bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse backgrounds in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and more. With a focus on technique, creativity, and expression, our faculty members are here to guide you on your dance journey.
Our Staff
Behind the scenes, our administrative staff ensures that everything runs smoothly. They are here to assist with scheduling, enrollment, and any questions you may have. Their dedication to providing exceptional service ensures a positive experience for our students and their families.
Ms. Liza received her formal dance training in the Philippines and was director of two dance schools for 27 years prior to migrating to the United States with her family in 2002. She is a Certified Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance as well as a Practical teaching Supervisor. She attends annual teacher training courses and continuing professional development courses, dance festivals and competitions in the United States. She has also been to Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines for teacher seminars, competitions ad festivals. Ms. Liza prepares and enters students to the annual RAD ballet examinations and coaches a select number of students who compete in the Youth America Grand Prix, World Ballet Competition and American Ballet Competition as well as locally-held competitions, where a good number of her students have won and garnered awards and scholarships. She was also recognized as the Outstanding Choreographer at the Youth America Grand Prix, Greenville Regional Competition in 2006. Under her stewardship, Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre, won the Impeccable Customer Experience (ICE) Award citing Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre (Coastal Dance Centre's performing company) as the Best Non-Profit organization presented by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce in 2008.
Ms. Liza believes in the value of good quality education in all the arts. In her years of dance teaching experience she is producing students who are making careers as dance professionals and enthusiastic dance supporters. Teaching dance and fostering the love of dance to others continues to be the highlight of her teaching career.
- CDC Founder, Artistic – Executive Director
- CYBT Artistic-Executive Director
- Ballet
- RAD and Open (Non-syllabus) Ballet
- Recreational Program
- Adult Program
- Elite, Junior, & Junior Apprentice
Conservatory Program
Ms. Karen was born in the Philippines and migrated to the United States with her family in 2002. Her mother, Liza, who owned and was director of two dance schools in the Philippines, was her primary ballet teacher. Prior to her move to the United States, she has had the opportunity to perform with the Philippine Ballet Theatre productions of “Swan Lake,” “Don Quixote”, and “Serenade” and “Who Cares” with guest artist / restager, Robert Barnett.
She has done all the Royal Academy of Dance Grades and Vocational examinations garnering "Distinction" and "Honours" marks as well as a Distinction mark for her Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Syllabus Examination. She has competed in the New York City Finals of the Youth America Grand Prix International Student Ballet and Contemporary Competitions from 2003 - 2005. She attended summer intensives at the Washington Ballet School in Washington D.C., at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, at the Carolina Ballet Theatre in Greenville, SC, and at the Art of Classical Ballet in Pompano Beach, Florida
In 2005, Ms. Karen began her year-round training with Magaly Suarez and Ibis Montoto at The Art of Classical Ballet and has performed with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami's productions of “Paquita,” “Majissimo,” “Giselle,” “Swan Lake,” ”La Vivandiere”, “La Bayadere,” ”The Nutcracker,” “Le Corsaire,” and “Carmen.” She has also performed at the International Ballet Festival of Miami in 2007 and 2008 and the Gala de las Estrellas de la Danza Mundial in the Dominican Republic in 2009.
Since joining the Coastal Dance Centre teaching staff, Ms. Karen participates in annual teacher training courses and other professional development courses, dance festivals and competitions in the United States. In tandem with her mother, she coaches and enters students to the annual RAD ballet examinations and to ballet competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix, World Ballet Competition and local competitions, where a good number of Coastal Dance Centre students have won and garnered awards and scholarships. Ms. Karen is also co-artistic director and ballet mistress for CDC's performing company, Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre. She is certified as a Progressing Ballet Technique instructor.
- CDC Co-Artistic Director
- CYBT Co-Artistic Director and Ballet Mistress
- Ballet
- RAD and Open (Non-syllabus) Ballet
- Elite, Junior, & Junior Apprentice Conservatory Program
Ms. Danielle is an aerial artist, choreographer and was a professional dancer for over 25 years. At an early age, Danielle was always inspired by the art of dance and movement and so began to study performing arts at schools such as Steven Peck, Mackinnon Dance Academy, and EDGE Performing Arts Center. Her training in ballet, tap, modern, and classic jazz led to performing in local dance companies and teaching dance to children as well as adults from beginning to advanced levels, including choreography for junior competing dance companies like Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts center junior jazz company and guest judging for Dance competitions like Thunderstruck. Assistant teaching at EDGE performing arts center in Los Angeles and attending auditions led to agent representation and a fulfilling career working as a Dancer on stage for shows like Mystique De La Mer at Seaworld San Diego, Boom Operators at Universal Studios Hollywood, Best of Burlesque in Reno NV, in video, and on television with artists like Jennifer Lopez, Stevie Wonder, Nikki Cox, and Samantha Brown in places around the world Such as Tokyo, Japan and Bella Center, Denmark and world touring Circus Productions like Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey and Circus Vargas. In addition to her dance and choreography skills, Danielle has trained in Circus Arts as an aerialist for the 15 years specializing in chiffon/silk, Aerial hoop/Lyra, and freestyle rope. After moving to Myrtle Beach, SC, she played the lead role of Captain Red Scarlet as an actor/dancer/aerialist in one of the Grand Strand's premiere attraction's, the Pirate's Voyage dinner show. Danielle enjoys teaching dance and choreographing for cirque style shows/ theater productions and designing circus acts. Danielle also became certified in the Acrobatic Arts syllabus for Acrobatic Dance.
- Ballet for Preschool Program
- Jazz for Preschool, Recreational Programs
- Acro Dance for Preschool
- Tap for Preschool Program
- Studio Fine Arts Club
From Myrtle Beach, SC, Anson began dancing at age 5. In 2008, he enrolled at Coastal Dance Centre where he studied with Liza Mata. At age 14, he was accepted to South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, a residential arts school in Greenville, SC, where he began training under Stanislav Issaev. In the spring of 2017, he received his BFA from The Juilliard School in New York City, where he had the opportunity to work with distinguished faculty and perform works by Richard Alston, Merce Cunningham, José Limón, Paul Taylor, Matthew Neenan, Zvi Gotheiner, Loni Landon and Takehiro Ueyama. While at Juilliard, Anson performed at The Guggenheim Museum as part of Works and Process, and received additional training at Springboard Danse Montréal and Merce Cunningham Trust workshops. Since joining Charlotte Ballet in 2017, he has performed works by Johan Inger, Javier De Frutos, Robyn Mineko Williams, Myles Thatcher, Bryan Arias and Filipe Portugal.
- Ballet
- RAD and Open (Non-syllabus) Ballet
- Junior Conservatory Program, Elite Conservatory Program
- Adult Ballet
Ms. Holly has over 20 years of experience as a dance teacher and choreographer. She teaches Jazz, Acrobatic Dance, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater and Tap. She also teaches Adult Tap and Adult Jazz classes. She is certified by test to teach through Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America.
Ms. Holly has extensive knowledge of dance competitions and has been an adjudicator for several dance competitions. She choreographs solos, duo-trios, group routines for recreational and competitive levels. She has traveled twice to Germany where her students have competed in “The World Show Dance Competition” and received the Gold Medal in the Children’s Solo Division.
Her students have gone on to win numerous regional and national titles; perform on cruise ships and in shows, and some are currently NFL Cheerleader’s with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
- Acro for Conservatory Program
- Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary for
Conservatory Program - Competition Teams for Jazz and Lyrical
Ms. Michele was herself, a dance school owner, director and instructor in Union and Port Reading, New Jersey for thirty two years. She was an instructor for children, teen and adults in ballet, tap, jazz, acro-gymnastics, pointe, lyrical, movement for tots and aerobic fitness. She eventually sold her dance studio business in June 2014 and relocated to the Myrtle Beach area.
Ms. Michele was also a Physical Education Instructor at the Saint Mary Elementary School, South Amboy, New Jersey from 2000 – 2007 and later at the Sacred Heart Elementary School, South Amboy, New Jersey from 2007 – 2014.
Ms. Michele is also a member and certified teacher of the Dance Masters of America, Acrobatic Arts, Dance Educators of America, the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists and the Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey, Professional Dance Teachers Association. Ms. Michele was also director and choreographer of the New York Giants Half-Time Show sponsored by the American Lung Association of New Jersey; Tap Captain for Macy’s Tap-O-Mania; U.S. Dance Director for the ‘94 Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia; Talent Judge; Board Director for the Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey.
- Acro for Conservatory Program and Recreational Program
- Tap for Conservatory Program and Recreational Program
- Competition Teams for Acro and Tap
- Adult Tap
Ro Romero is an award-winning choreographer and professional dancer from Wapakoneta, Ohio. He has been teaching Hip Hop for over 20 years across the country and spent part of his high school career on national tours dancing backup with Disney pop acts like Jesse McCartney, Aaron Carter, and Raven Symoné. From 2012-2015 he was a professional dancer for the Myrtle Beach tribute show “Legends in Concert”. He is well-known for pioneering Hip Hop Cardio classes in almost every gym in Myrtle Beach. Ro frequently travels teaching master classes and choreographing competition pieces with his dance partner/wife Rainee. When Ro isn’t dancing, you’ll find him either DJ'ing an event, or chasing after his 4 kid’s 12, 5, 3 and 1. Ro is grateful to be able to do what he loves.
- Hip-hop
Ashley Talluto is an artist, professional performer and dance educator who has spent the past 15 years in New York City. Ashley’s career has spanned classical ballet, contemporary dance, theater, and more. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts she is a graduate of the Boston Ballet School and a BFA recipient from The Boston Conservatory. Ashley has traveled the world performing with various dance companies and Broadway Touring productions. Her performance career has spanned several dance companies including Alma NYC, Nsquared Dance, as well as annual guesting with the Fokine Ballet Company. Some theatre performance highlights include as the dance captain of The West Side Story National Tour, Flashdance the Musical, and Christopher Wheeldon’s An American in Paris International Tour. In New York she has been seen off Broadway in iLuminate as featured on “America’s Got Talent” and on stage at Radio City Music Hall in The New York Spring Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes.
Beyond Broadway, Ashley has graced television screens, notably as a backup dancer for JLO on the Tonight Show. She is also a part of the Aqualillies, an artistic swimming performance group, and is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association.
Ashley is a passionate educator who is honored to have been faculty at Long Island City School of Ballet and Ballet Academy East for over a decade. She has also taught on various dance conventions and masterclasses throughout the country. Ashley prides herself on empowering her young students and hoping to see each one gain confidence in their ability to express themselves through dance.
- Musical Theater Dance
- Jazz
Teacher for Pre-School Dance, Progressing Ballet Technique, Kids Recreational Ballet, Tweens Recreational Ballet, Adult Ballet
Teacher for RAD Ballet and Open (Non-Syllabus) Ballet classes; Associate, Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD).
Ms. Kiely first started her ballet training with Ms. Liza Mata at the age of six and has since been with Coastal Dance Centre and CoastaL Youth Ballet Theater. She has done her Royal Academy of Dance Grades and Vocational examinations garnering high “Distinction" marks and has also competed as a soloist and ensemble competitor in the Youth America Grand Prix competitions. With Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre, she has starred in ensemble, solo and lead roles through-out the years: from being Clara to, Dew Drop and eventually, the Sugar Plum Fairy roles in "The Nutcracker;" as a corp de ballet dancer, as a fairy and as Aurora in Sleeping Beauty;" as an ensemble dancer, as a stepsister, and the lead role in "Cinderella;" as well as the role of "Swanhilda" in Coppelia. Ms. Kiely was eventually asked by Ms. Liza to join Coastal Dance Centre's teaching staff and she now is passing on her knowledge and experiences she has gained from her training and performing opportunities to the next generations of aspiring dancers. Favorite Color: purple. Knowlegeable about Louis the XIV. Can count to 50.
Teacher for RAD Ballet and Open (Non-Syllabus) Ballet classes; Associate, Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD).
Teacher for Pre-School Dance, Open (Non-Syllabus) Ballet classes, Pilates
Ms. Miranda received the majority of her ballet training at The School of Nashville Ballet under the direction of Andrew Parker and Nicole Koeing. She also trained with Matthew Christensen and Jennifer Mcnamara at Centennial Youth Ballet. After graduating high school in 2017 Ms. Miranda was accepted into and danced with the Studio Company of Ballet 5:8 in Chicago, IL.
She spent her summers training at School of Nashville Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and Ballet 5:8.
Over the years she has performed in the corps de ballet and lead roles in The Nutcracker, Raymonda, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and Swan Lake.
Ms. Miranda is also receiving her Pilates certification through Balanced Body.
Teacher Pre-School Dance, Open (Non-Syllabus) Ballet classes, Pilates
Pianist for the RAD Ballet and Open Ballet classes
Guest Master Teachers
Summer 2024 Guest Master Teachers
Miriam Messa-Pelly, Irene Rodriguez, Marianna Rozanova, Reyneris Reyes
Summer 2023 Guest Master Teachers
Miriam Messa-Pelly, Irene Rodriguez, Marianna Rozanova
Summer 2022 Guest Master Teachers
Miriam Messa-Pelly, Runquiao Du
Summer 2021 Guest Master Teachers
Miriam Messa-Pelly, Lisa Johnson Willingham (Ailey Extension Program Director), Maria Konrad, Margo Sappington
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2015-2019, 2021
Dance Faculty, SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
Born in Havana Cuba, Ms. Miriam Mesa-Pelly graduated as a dancer and teacher from the National School of Arts and from the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a Golden Diploma in Performing Arts, in Ballet
Ms. Mesa-Pelly was a 1st soloist with the famous National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) under the direction of Fernando and Alicia Alonso with whom she danced for 24 years. With the Cuba National Ballet, she performed throughout Europe, Latin America, United States and Canada, and danced in such venues as the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Champs Elisee, in Paris, the Teatro Colon in Argentina, La Scala in Milan Italy, at the Teatro de Bellas Artes in Mexico and, at the Kennedy Center and Metropolitan Opera House in the United States.
Ms. Mesa-Pelly also held Principal roles in works by such prominent Cuban choreographer as Gustavo Herrera and served as Artistic Director for productions of the Opera of Cuba, Teatro Lirico of Havana and the Cuban National Ballet which toured Italy and Spain from 1991 to 1992.
Ms. Mesa-Pelly taught Ballet, Pointe and Repertoire at the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance (ENDCC) and was a professor for the Bachelor of Didactics in the specialty of Classical Dance in Mexico. From 2010 to 2013, Ms Mesa-Pelly was also a teacher at the Prover and Fomento Artistico Cordobes in Veracruz, Mexico and at the National Ballet School in Havana Cuba where she also coached talented dancers for National and International Competitions throughout the world.
Ms. Mesa-Pelly sat on juries for the graduating class of the Instituto Superior de Arte and for the University of Havana. She served as an advisor for the selection and employment of dance teachers for the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance and act as an advisor for many Dance Academy throughout Mexico.
Miriam Mesa-Pelly is the author of the book "Classical Dance Technique" published in 2004 by the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) in Mexico D.F.
Currently, Ms. Mesa-Pelly teaches Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, and is an Audition Preparation and Senior Showcase Mentor, and the Youth America Grand Prix Competition Coordinator at the SC Governors School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, South Carolina.
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2015-2019, 2021, 2022,2023,2024
Dance Faculty, SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
Runqiao Du, Founder and Artistic Director of "Runqiao Du Ballet Coaching", a ballet educational program that provides quality live virtual ballet lessons for worldwide access. The company also conducts teacher training workshops, seminars, as well as In Person Summer and Winter ballet intensives. As an active member of the international ballet community, Mr. Du teaches master classes, holds lectures at schools and multiple ballet companies. He is also a jury member for Youth America Grand Prix, CANAAN International Ballet Competition, and DANCE OPEN AMERICA.
Mr. Du was born in Shanghai, China. At the age of 11, he was selected and awarded scholarship to study at the famed Shanghai School of Dance. Upon graduating with honors, Mr. Du moved to the United States to begin his performing career with The Washington Ballet. During his nearly 20-year tenure with TWB, he performed various leading roles in classical and neoclassical ballets including Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Albrecht in Giselle, Prince Charming in Cinderella, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Prince in Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, and the Cavalier in The Nutcracker.
He also had the opportunity to dance leading roles choreographed by some of the most influential choreographers including works by Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Nacho Duato, Mark Morris, Edwaard Liang, Septime Webre, Twyla Tharp, William Forsythe, Trey McIntyre, Lila York, and Jiri Kylian.
In 2000, while maintaining his principal position with The Washington Ballet, he accepted an invitation from the legendary ballerina, Suzanne Farrell, to join her brand-new company, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, as a principal dancer. Under her coaching, Mr. Du danced some of the most important works created by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Maurice Bejart.
In 2008, after his illustrious performing career, Mr. Du accepted a lecturer position from the Dance Department of Towson University where he teaches Ballet Technique to the top level BFA Majors. He also teaches Ballet Repertory, Men’s Ballet Technique, Partnering, and is the Artistic Director of the Towson Dance Company for the fall semester. In the Dance Department, Mr. Du has played a major role in cultivating an environment for male dancers. He has written a new comprehensive curriculum to train male ballet students in college. He has also developed a new course called Method of Teaching Ballet Technique as a part of the K-12 teaching curriculum.
Mr. Du joined the American Dance Institute faculty in 2009 and was the Artistic Director of the ADI School from 2010 to the spring of 2015. He also formed Ballet ADI, the resident company of American Dance Institute from 2010 to 2015. The company produced two highly acclaimed productions each year during its tenure. In 2010, he completed an entire production of The Nutcracker for the ADI School students. The school performed The Nutcracker annually at the ADI Theater as well as benefit performances at The Children’s Inn at NIH and Walter Reed Army and Naval Hospital in Bethesda MD. In 2016, as Co-Director, Mr. Du created and successfully launched ADI’s Future Artists Initiative to promote and support diversity in dance.
In 2018, Mr. Du was invited to join the renowned Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC as a master teacher to teach a Career Seminar Course, Ballet Technique, and a Choreographic Composition Class to the school’s Pre-Professional level and Senior level students. He became Artistic Director of Kirov Academy 2019-2021, under his direction, Kirov Academy was awarded Outstanding School at YAGP in 2020 and 2021. Mr. Du was awarded Outstanding Choreographer in 2020.
In the summer of 2018, Mr. Du was invited to participate as a master teacher in the Master Class Summer Intensive that was part of the 6th Shanghai International Ballet Competition. He taught the Senior level Men’s class and choreographed a new work for the class to be performed at the culmination of the Intensive.
Mr. Du has been a guest artist, master teacher, répétiteur, and adjudicator nationally and internationally. He has choreographed over 30 classical and neoclassical works for various companies, schools, and universities, including his own version of the full-length ballet, Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker. His choreographic work has also been presented in festivals and competitions, including Youth America Grand Prix, Velocity DC Dance Festival, New Jersey Youth Ballet Competition, and the Millennium Stage at The John F. Kennedy for the Performing Arts Center.
Mr. Du is happily married to his long-time on-stage partner, Erin Mahoney Du. They are blessed with two beautiful daughters.
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2022
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2018, 2019, 2021
Maria Konrad graduated from the Alexander W. Dreyfoos High School of Performing Arts, and then earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in performing arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her performance experience includes the Barrymore Awards, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Merriam Theater, and Project Dance. In the Philadelphia area, her choreography was featured in West Side Story, Hello Dolly, Annie Get Your Gun, Project Dance, The Philadelphia Fringe Festival, and at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. As a faculty member at Koresh Dance Company, Ms. Konrad helped create an early-dance-education curriculum.
After returning to Florida, Ms. Konrad founded REACH—A Dance Theater Collective, South Florida’s first modern-jazz workshop. In addition to teaching at HARID, she is on the faculties of Florida School for Dance Education and A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Maria is a resident choreographer of the Next Generation Ballet of the Patel Conservatory. She was a member of the jury of the 2019 Youth America Grand Prix competition.
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2018, 2019; 2021
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2015-2019, 2021
Dance Faculty, SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
Born in Havana Cuba, Ms. Miriam Mesa-Pelly graduated as a dancer and teacher from the National School of Arts and from the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a Golden Diploma in Performing Arts, in Ballet
Ms. Mesa-Pelly was a 1st soloist with the famous National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) under the direction of Fernando and Alicia Alonso with whom she danced for 24 years. With the Cuba National Ballet, she performed throughout Europe, Latin America, United States and Canada, and danced in such venues as the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Champs Elisee, in Paris, the Teatro Colon in Argentina, La Scala in Milan Italy, at the Teatro de Bellas Artes in Mexico and, at the Kennedy Center and Metropolitan Opera House in the United States.
Ms. Mesa-Pelly also held Principal roles in works by such prominent Cuban choreographer as Gustavo Herrera and served as Artistic Director for productions of the Opera of Cuba, Teatro Lirico of Havana and the Cuban National Ballet which toured Italy and Spain from 1991 to 1992.
Ms. Mesa-Pelly taught Ballet, Pointe and Repertoire at the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance (ENDCC) and was a professor for the Bachelor of Didactics in the specialty of Classical Dance in Mexico. From 2010 to 2013, Ms Mesa-Pelly was also a teacher at the Prover and Fomento Artistico Cordobes in Veracruz, Mexico and at the National Ballet School in Havana Cuba where she also coached talented dancers for National and International Competitions throughout the world.
Ms. Mesa-Pelly sat on juries for the graduating class of the Instituto Superior de Arte and for the University of Havana. She served as an advisor for the selection and employment of dance teachers for the National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance and act as an advisor for many Dance Academy throughout Mexico.
Miriam Mesa-Pelly is the author of the book "Classical Dance Technique" published in 2004 by the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) in Mexico D.F.
Currently, Ms. Mesa-Pelly teaches Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, and is an Audition Preparation and Senior Showcase Mentor, and the Youth America Grand Prix Competition Coordinator at the SC Governors School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, South Carolina.
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2021
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2018, 2019, 2021
Maria Konrad graduated from the Alexander W. Dreyfoos High School of Performing Arts, and then earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in performing arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her performance experience includes the Barrymore Awards, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Merriam Theater, and Project Dance. In the Philadelphia area, her choreography was featured in West Side Story, Hello Dolly, Annie Get Your Gun, Project Dance, The Philadelphia Fringe Festival, and at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. As a faculty member at Koresh Dance Company, Ms. Konrad helped create an early-dance-education curriculum.
After returning to Florida, Ms. Konrad founded REACH—A Dance Theater Collective, South Florida’s first modern-jazz workshop. In addition to teaching at HARID, she is on the faculties of Florida School for Dance Education and A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Maria is a resident choreographer of the Next Generation Ballet of the Patel Conservatory. She was a member of the jury of the 2019 Youth America Grand Prix competition.
Summer Intensive Guest Teacher 2021
Ailey Extension Program Director
List of Guest Master Teachers through the Years: Hernan Justo, Kee Human, Alexey Kulpin, Ivonne Lemus, Viktor Plotnikov, Magaly Suarez, Ibis Montoto, Nadia Pavlenko