OUR MVSA FAMILY
MARIA VERDEJA
FOUNDER
Since she began dancing at the age of 5, Maria Verdeja has had a passion not only for dancing but for sharing her talents and love of the arts with others. Maria was born in Miami, FL. Throughout her youth, she trained at prestigious dance schools and received numerous scholarships. Among those schools she attended are: American Ballet Theater, Boston School of Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Washington Ballet and Houston Ballet.
At the age of 16, she participated in the National Ballet Competition (“NARBA” now USA IBC) where she was awarded a full scholarship for her outstanding choreography and the opportunity to dance with one of the country’s leading choreographers Lynn Taylor Corbet. In 1983, Maria competed at the international dance competition in Prix de Lausanne, in Switzerland representing the United States as a finalist among over 2,000 dancers. Maria obtained a Bachelors in Education with a Major in Dance from the University of Miami. Upon graduation, she was chosen by Edward Villela to be one of the 19 founding members of Miami City Ballet. During that time, she performed in various roles including Balanchine’s famous “Waltz Fantasies,” “Concerto Baroque,” and “Allegro Brillante.”
For the past 30 years, Maria has been the Artistic Director of Maria Verdeja School of the Arts, where she has seen over 10,000 students come through her doors. She now operates three different studio locations throughout South Florida, with an outstanding staff of professional dance teachers and directors.
Today the School of the Arts continues to dedicate itself to excellence in education for children, as well as focusing on training the MVSA team dancers who are winners at National competitive circuit.
DIRECTORS
CAROLINA WOOD-CASTELLANOS
Director of MVSA Competitive Teams & Training
Carolina Wood Castellanos began her ballet training at the age of seven with The Classical Ballet School of Miami. At the age of 12 she joined The South Miami Magnet Program for Dance as well as The Miami Dance Theater under the direction of Judith Newman and Marianna Alvarez. She attended numerous Summer Dance programs through-out the country including The Houston Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet. In her years as a dancer, Carolina performed leading roles such as Odette in Swan Lake, The Sugarplum Fairy inThe Nutcracker, Giselle in Giselle and Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. Carolina attended New World School of the Arts for College. She joined Maria Verdeja School of the Arts in 1990 as a dancer in the company and teacher. Carolina has been asked to guest teach and choreograph through-out South Florida.
NATALIE ROSE ALVAREZ
Key Biscayne Studio Director
Natalie Rose Alvarez was born and raised in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. She trained at local dance studios in Miami and received her primary training under Mrs. Aida Villoch. Natalie recently performed with Ballet De Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, where she showcased her talent in soloist and principal roles including Mercedes in Don Quixote, Tinker Bell in Séptime Weber's "Peter Pan," and "Reina Del Jardín" in Thiago Soares's version of "Le Corsair". In 2013, Natalie won the Young Arts award for classical ballet and has performed with various dance companies such as the Cuban classical ballet of Miami, Alma Dance Theater of Chicago, and South Florida Ballet Theater. Additionally, she has been part of numerous galas in Spain, Mexico, and the USA. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in Management and a Master's degree in Marketing from St Thomas University.
SUKI LOPEZ
School of the Arts Artistic Director + MAP triple threat program
Suki Lopez is an actress, singer and dancer best known for her role of Nina on Sesame Street (HBO + PBS). Lopez started her dance training in 1992 at MVSA and attended intensive programs at The Rock School, Joffrey and A.B.T. throughout her dance training. In 2009 she moved to New York City and attended CAP21’s esteemed conservatory program. Suki landed her first professional job as a lead in Disney Cruise Line’s Wishes. Career highlights include; The National tour of West Side Story, (Consuela /understudy Anita), Singing In The Rain at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (ensemble), staged reading The Beast In My Pants (Pam), Guest star role on Bravo’s Odd Mom Out, plus commercial work for Chrysler, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performances with Sesame Street. Lopez holds a bachelors in Science from The New School.
DIANA FIGUEROA
Miami Studio Ballet Director + Team Prima Coach
Diana Figueroa, born in Miami, Florida, began her dance journey at The Thomas Armour Youth Ballet at the age of 13, under the guidance of Rosario Suarez and Mariana Alvarez. She furthered her training at the New World School of the Arts and successfully graduated from The Harid Conservatory. To enhance her skills, Diana participated in summer intensives at North Carolina Dance Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Burklyn Ballet, all funded through full scholarships.
Diana's commitment to her craft led her to participate in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) multiple times, including competing in the NYC finals. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Point Park University, specializing in ballet. Throughout her professional career, Diana has had the privilege of performing leading roles in choreographed pieces by esteemed artists such as Emery Lecrone, David Morse, George Balanchine, Septime Weber, Gerald Arpino, Ariel Rose, Jerry Opendacker, and Ronen Koresh.
In her journey as a professional dancer, Diana has graced the stages of several esteemed companies, including Merztanz Contemporary Ballet, Atlantic City Ballet, and Roxey Contemporary Ballet. Presently, she is a valued member of the esteemed Dimension Dance Theatre of Miami.
MANAGEMENT
KARINA ALBERTO
Executive Director &
MVSA Competitive Teams Manager
BROOKE ARRINDELL
Miami Studio
Executive Office Manager
RACHEL HERNANDEZ
Key Biscayne Studio
Executive Office Manager
TEAM COACHES
MIA ALONSO
ISIS SMITH
DIANA FIGUEROA
ELENI GIALAS
MELISSA MARTINEZ
JESSICA REILEY
TEACHERS + STAFF
