Hi, I’m Maria-Elena

I’m from North Carolina, and have danced for over 29 years. I studied dance at Charlotte School of Ballet and have trained and performed with the Charlotte City Ballet, Terranova Dance Theatre, and for other various organizations. I am certified in American Ballet Theatre’s teaching curriculum (pre-primary-level 3), and have worked in arts administration spaces for over 10 years. My education includes a B.A in Dance and Masters in Entrepreneurship, but my real passion is helping people to live a balanced and full life in the arts.

I believe that servant leadership is the most profound way to impact the community. My holistic approach reflects a deep care for the whole person, beyond what they do in the arts. The visual and performing arts are oftentimes primarily focused on the external - whether it be focused on technique, aesthetics, and more, yet there is not as much emphasis on the internal. How are those in the arts being developed internally in these spaces? I practice a holistic approach to the arts that focuses on caring for and developing clients. 

I am a professional certified coach from a Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) approved Board Certified Coach (BCC) training provider, and am a Certified Master Christian Life Coach (CMCLC) from the Board of Christian Life Coaching.