Maria's Danceworks Inc.

For residents across Maine, particularly in the vibrant Greater Portland area, Maria's Danceworks Inc. stands as a cornerstone of quality dance education and artistic development. Since its establishment in 2009 by Maria A. Tzianabos, a highly experienced and passionate dance educator with a B.F.A. from The Boston Conservatory and an M.F.A. from Goddard College, Maria's Danceworks has been dedicated to cultivating a love for dance within a supportive and child-centered environment. Their mission is deeply rooted in instilling a strong sense of community, where the student-teacher relationship is as vital as the subject matter itself. This philosophy allows children and adults alike to explore, express, create, and be challenged in a safe and productive setting.

Maria Tzianabos brings over two decades of experience as a lecturer in Dance at the University of Southern Maine, alongside performing for noted choreographers from prestigious companies like the American Ballet Theatre and the José Limón Company. Her approach to teaching integrates rigor and discipline within a strength-based model, focusing on building self-esteem from the inside out. Maria's Danceworks prides itself on nurturing well-rounded dancers who gain not just technical skills but also crucial life lessons such as confidence, creativity, discipline, and teamwork. For anyone in Maine seeking a welcoming space to discover their passion for dance, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious training, Maria's Danceworks Inc. offers an enriching and empowering experience.

Maria's Danceworks Inc. is conveniently located at 500 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA. This address places the dance studio within a well-established and easily accessible area of Portland, Maine's largest city and cultural hub. Forest Avenue is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward access for families residing not only within Portland but also from surrounding communities in Greater Portland, such as Westbrook, South Portland, Falmouth, and Cumberland.

The facility boasts a professional-grade space spanning 3,000 square feet, featuring three dedicated dance studios. This ample space allows for multiple classes to run simultaneously, accommodating a diverse schedule. For parents, a comfortable waiting room with large windows provides a convenient area to observe their children during classes, fostering a sense of transparency and involvement. Parking availability is typical for a city location on a main avenue, usually offering street parking or nearby lots. The ease of access and dedicated, well-equipped studios make Maria's Danceworks Inc. a highly practical and appealing choice for dance education for locals across southern Maine.

Maria's Danceworks Inc. offers a comprehensive range of dance classes and programs designed to cater to a wide variety of ages, skill levels, and interests. Their pedagogical approach emphasizes a low teacher-to-child ratio to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

• Youth Dance Classes: A wide array of classes for children, including:

  • Beginner Ballet: Introduces basic movement qualities, emphasizing fundamental ballet positions and steps, dynamic play (fast-slow, big-small), and the magic of classical ballet for young learners.

  • Ballet II & III: Progressively builds on fundamental ballet techniques, focusing on balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, proper body alignment, barre work, and center exercises. Ballet III culminates in a performance event.

  • Tap: Teaches rhythmic precision and intricate footwork.

  • Jazz: Focuses on dynamic movements, turns, and leaps.

  • Acro: Combines dance technique with acrobatic elements, building strength and flexibility.

  • Hip Hop: Explores contemporary urban dance styles, emphasizing rhythm and personal expression.

  • Lyrical/Contemporary: Blends elements of ballet and jazz with emotional expression and fluidity.

  • Pointe: Specialized training for advanced ballet students to dance on the tips of their toes.

  • Musical Theater: Integrates dance, acting, and singing, focusing on scenes from Broadway shows, movies, and plays, often in collaboration with students.

• Adult Dance Sessions: Classes specifically designed for adults, offering a chance to learn dance for fitness, enjoyment, or skill refinement, regardless of prior experience.

• Competitive Dance (MSDX Company): The Maria's School of Dance X Company (MSDX) is the studio's competitive team, challenging dancers to train at their highest potential with cutting-edge in-house choreography. Teams compete in multiple competitions throughout the spring, with opportunities for optional competitions and dance conventions.

• Performance Events: Classes often culminate in performance events, such as a spring recital or other showcases, providing students with valuable stage experience and a chance to display their learned skills.

• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: All classes feature age-appropriate choreography and costumes, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.

Maria's Danceworks Inc. distinguishes itself in the Maine dance community through several key features and highlights that underscore its quality and unique approach:

• Highly Qualified and Experienced Director: Founded by Maria A. Tzianabos, who holds B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees and has extensive experience performing with renowned companies and teaching at the university level (University of Southern Maine since 1997). Her deep understanding of dance anatomy, kinesiology, and imagery enriches her teaching methodology.

• "Inside Out" Teaching Philosophy: Maria's pedagogical approach emphasizes building strength, well-being, and self-esteem from within. This holistic method focuses on a student's strengths, offering constructive criticism while building self-esteem and fostering personal exploration, rather than just external form.

• Nurturing and Safe Environment: The mission prioritizes a strong sense of community and a low teacher-to-child ratio, creating a safe and productive space where children can explore, express, and challenge themselves without intimidation.

• Professional-Grade Facilities: The 3,000 square foot space with three studios and a comfortable parent waiting room with viewing windows provides an optimal and transparent learning environment.

• Award-Winning Competitive Teams: The MSDX Company has achieved numerous top score awards, first-place awards, and special recognition for choreography, technique, and entertainment at high-level competitions, showcasing the caliber of training offered.

• Diverse and Comprehensive Curriculum: Offering a wide range of dance styles from classical ballet to hip hop, lyrical, acro, and musical theater, allows students to become well-rounded dancers and explore various interests.

• Focus on Life Skills: Beyond dance steps, the studio is committed to instilling important life skills such as confidence, creativity, discipline, and teamwork, contributing to the holistic development of its students.

• Intergenerational Reach: The studio teaches "third generation students whose parents and grandparents have trained through our studio," indicating a long-standing positive reputation and a legacy of dance within local families.

For inquiries about classes, registration, or any other information regarding Maria's Danceworks Inc., please use the following contact details:

Address: 500 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA

Phone: (207) 228-6462

For the most up-to-date class schedules, tuition information, and registration details, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone.

For locals in Maine, especially those residing in the Greater Portland area, Maria's Danceworks Inc. presents an exceptional opportunity to engage with the art of dance. Its convenient location on Forest Avenue in Portland ensures easy access for families throughout the region, making it a practical choice for regular attendance. What truly sets this studio apart is its deeply ingrained philosophy of fostering not just dance technique, but also confidence, self-esteem, and a strong sense of community. This holistic approach, guided by the highly experienced and passionate Maria A. Tzianabos, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that benefits them far beyond the dance floor.

Whether you're looking for a fun and engaging activity for a young child, a challenging program for an aspiring competitive dancer, or an enriching class for an adult, Maria's Danceworks offers a diverse curriculum to meet various needs and interests. The professional-grade facilities, combined with the proven success of their competitive teams and the multi-generational loyalty of their students, underscore the quality and positive impact of this local business. By choosing Maria's Danceworks Inc., Maine residents are investing in a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes, skills are honed, and a lifelong love for dance is ignited, making it a truly valuable asset to the local community.

Maria's Danceworks Inc.

500 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA