Maria Freethy - Workshop Instructor
Maria Freethy is a well known dancer, instructor and choreographer in the Durham and Greater Toronto Area. She has trained in a variety of dance styles making her a sought after performer as well as instructor. These styles include, ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, acrobatics, modern, pointe and adage.
She began dancing at the age of four and joined competition at the age of 7years old. While competing Maria became a highly respected dancer winning numerous awards such as American Dance Awards Dancer of the Year (GTA Regional’s) 2004, 2005 and had advanced to American Dance Awards Top Ten North American Dancer of the Year 2004, 2005. She has also received awards at numerous competitions for highest mark overall soloist in junior, intermediate and senior categories. Choreography and special judges awards had also been awarded to Maria and she has accomplished a highest mark overall of the entire competition (Shinedance 2006).
Maria studied with Vlad’s Dance Company under the direction of Vlad Novitski, Linda Garneau, Amanda Coatham, Sasha Chifman and more, Bowmanville High School- Performing Arts Program and then broadened her experiences by taking various classes and workshops throughout North America. Maria also had the opportunity to train in Hollywood and Florida before her career took off over seas!
Maria has traveled across the Caribbean while performing in production shows for Royal Caribbean Productions during 2006 - 2008. Her performances had included a variety of styles, Marquee (a Broadway style production), Once Upon a Time (a fairytale production), Piano Man (a 50's/60's/70's/80's revue), Pure Country (a country production,) and Now You See It (a magic show starring Drue Thomas).
As a performer Maria has been involved in several aspects of the entertainment industry. Performing as an actress (Beth Peters) in “Mill Valley High School Reunion”- a mystery theatre. Acting as a journalist at a high school reunion and solving the murder. Maria has also appeared in movies for CBS- televised movie, "Blood on her Hands," (1995) as well as a YTV episode in "Alpha 2 Omega", (1998). She has also had the opportunities to perform as a backup dancer for company parties.
At the age of 12 Maria started her training as an instructor by assisting classes. She has since been called upon to instruct classes for Bowmanville High Schools Performing Arts Program and choreographed pieces from 2003 - 2006. While participating in the dance program at Bowmanville High School, Maria had achieved the highest mark in this program for three consecutive years. She was also chosen to perform in the Kawartha Pine ridge Arts showcase 2006; winning a scholarship at this very showcase for her own choreography.
Maria guest teaches and choreographs for the Brockville Thrill Dancers competitive team. As a guest instructor and choreographer Maria has earned choreography and highest overall mark awards for solos as well as groups in competitions throughout Ontario and Quebec. Maria was hired on by Royal Caribbean to instruct Salsa, Swing and Hip Hop for all ages and all levels of dancers.
Maria's initiative is to share her knowledge and passion for dance with others in order to create a positive learning experience.
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