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Is a creative force! She integrates film, dance, art, and music.
Is passionate about children and youth and their creative development.
M
aya is unique because she is a highly trained individual with a deep personal commitment to even the
youngest of her dancers. She remains involved with them as they develop into pre-teens and young adults,
graduating to higher and higher levels of creative expression. When you watch her teach, you see a
complete focus, with children as young as four. She sees each child’s capabilities, and understands
how to inspire each individual to do his or her best. Best of all, Maya dreams big for her students,
and lovingly challenges them. She is exactly the kind of teacher a parent wants – someone who will
encourage a child’s self-esteem through real personal growth, not merely platitudes. In her words:
“We work on bringing up strong individuals.
You don’t just do a dance class at Montclair Academy of Dance.
You create art and explore the world and yourself through dance, theater, drumming and video”.
M
aya has been teaching through her academy in Montclair for ten years, and at local schools. She
describes her older students who have been with her for years as collaborators dedicated to the
search for truth through drumming, rapping, and dance. Maya’s talents are fortified by lifelong
international studies in the arts and psychology, including the equivalent of a BA in Dance and
Choreography from the London School of Contemporary Dance, studies and awards with Merce Cunningham
in NYC, a BA from the New School in psychology and screenplay, and most recently, an MA in Media
with a concentration in documentary film. Maya has several collaborative creative projects with
her dancers and musicians, including documentary projects featuring her drummers and rappers and
the story of interracial children in Montclair. She is also working on a project about Loss,
comparing Bosnia and the US.
With over 30 years working in dance, choreography and the arts, and a dedication to lifelong
studies she stays at the cutting edge of art, education in creativity, children and youth.
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