Maria Brand
Ballet

Maria’s journey in dance began when she was just 3 years old and has grown into an immense passion of hers. She spent her childhood taking dance classes at Vella School of Dancing, Dance Extensions, and Sandra Kay Mesler Dance Studio. After years of classes, competitions, and performances, Maria decided to further her dance education at Slippery Rock University where she majored in both dance and early childhood education. While at SRU, she took part in over 30 dance concerts and performances and was selected for SRU’s Afro-Colombian Dance Ensemble. Upon earning the Lucy Isaaco Sack summer study scholarship in 2017, Maria traveled internationally to Cartagena, Colombia to study dance under Luis Fernando Trouchon and his company at the Academia y Compañia de Danzas Cartagena de Indias. Before graduating in 2018, Maria was presented with the “Outstanding Dance Teacher” award by SRU’s Department of Dance faculty. In 2019, she relocated to northern Virginia to begin her teaching career and taught 3rd grade for two years. She has since moved back home to Washington where she continues teaching 3rd grade and enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, their son, Nolan, and their adopted fur babies. Discovering harmony in individuality while focusing on technique and creativity through movement drives Maria’s passion for dance and instruction. She couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Washington Dance Center team!