Ballet Embody's newest artist, Maya Richard grew up in Columbia, Maryland and has been dancing since the age of 4. She started training at Arabesque Dance Studio at the age of 6. There she began her ballet training under the instruction of Maureen Wheeler. During her time at Arabesque she performed in various classical ballets such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, and Sleeping Beauty. She also has performed works choreographed by Hans Nelson and Ilona Kessell. She also has trained and performed with Charm City Ballet under Peter Commander and Rebecca Friedman. She has attended several summer intensives including Richmond Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Alonzo King LINES. She recently graduated from Towson University in May 2022 with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography and a BS in Psychology. While at Towson she performed works by Runqiao Du, Erin Du, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Susan Mann, Alison Seidenstricker, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and Caroline Rocher-Barnes.
Learn more about Maya!
Astrological Sign
Cancer
Favorite Food
Sushi
Favorite Color
Purple
Favorite Book
The Great Gatsby
Favorite Movie
Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back
Inspirational Quote
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." -Maya Angelou
Favorite Music/Artist/Band/Musical Genre
Adele
Favorite Place to Be
Amusement park
If you were a dinosaur, which dinosaur would you be?
Velociraptor
What genre of dance is your favorite? Why?
Contemporary ballet because it allows me to combine my classical ballet and modern training.
What is your favorite full length ballet/variation/performance? Why?
My favorite is Swan Lake because of the incredible music.
Why do you dance?
It brings me joy
If you wear pointe shoes, what kind do you wear? If not pointe shoes, what kind of flat shoes do you prefer?
Russian pointe
What other jobs/activities/talents/passions do you pursue?
I love working with kids and currently volunteer at a local hospital.
What's a fun fact about you that tends to surprise people?
I'm left handed.
What are you looking forward to this season with Ballet Embody?
Looking forward to meeting new people and getting to perform.
photos provided by Maya Richard