Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Parker.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my dance journey when I was 4 years old at MetDance Studio. I grew up around the arts and my mom made sure to keep my sister and I in magnet schools. I participated in dance and music in elementary school. I attended Myerland Middle School for the performing and visual arts, which made it easy to segway into attending Kinder High School for the performing and visual arts. After graduation I attended the University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Dance (grad Fall 2022). After moving back home I was unsure of where to start my dance career at. Overtime I became a dance assistant to a prominent Houston instructor/choreographer and began teaching at numerous studios around the city. I have currently gotten back into creating works again. My social medias are a major asset into how fast my presence in the Houston community has grown. Each month I’m finding new ways to express my art and educate the Houston youth on various styles of dance, while also continuing my own performance opportunities!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I moved back to Houston I struggled to find a way to break into the dance community but I didn’t know where to start. With some helpful advice from other teachers and my own personal research I found my way. Even though it’s only been a year I am still astonished at how many people recognize me and my work. My trial year also taught me how to speak up for myself and learn my wants and needs as a dance instructor in public spaces. I have also learned how to make my teaching process better for my students. I feel as though I have a connection with every student I teach because we are very close in age. I like to tap into how they think from my own personal experiences growing up in dance and how to make dance fun for all ages.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The question I get asked most is what do I do for a living. Each time I say a dancer and instructor people are blown away because it’s not very common. I categorize myself as an up and coming performer and choreographer. I have always found teaching to be a passion of mine. I enjoy having students that are eager to learn more about dance and work hard to achieve their personal goals. I am most proud of my social medias and my teaching style. I am a firm believer in a teacher that is always learning and growing. I don’t believe that a single person can “know everything”. I am always researching new styles and methods to better my students. I don’t ever want to be in a position where I think I know everything. My social medias have been a process. Each month I feel the need to elevate and change up my content. When I first started my dance page I had 20 followers and many where my college friends. Now that I am on the path to 1000 followers I have students, parents, and other dance educators that support me. It motivates me each day to push myself and find new ways to educate the world of dance and/or dance novices.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe a good attitude, open mindset, and personal knowledge are the keys to success. Being open to putting yourself out there and trying new things is what will help you grow. I like that I have gotten confident in my teaching abilities to walk into a new space with new dancers, assess the room and come up with material on the spot. I love that I can eventuate a dancer (in class) when they’re struggling and break down difficult topics in a way that makes the most sense to them.
Pricing:
- Choreography: (solo/duo/trio) $300
- Choreography: (group 4+) $500
- Guest teaching: $60/hr
- Workshop/Intensive: $120/hr
- Choreography cleaning: $50-60/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mayaaparker4.wixsite.com/mapdance
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayaanndance?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088399903351&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mayaanndance4877?si=nEI1umDulRE3wpCY
