Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mara Frey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mara, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From an early age, I always dreamed of a career in dance, but it wasn’t until my late 20s that I truly began to embrace that passion. After taking a break from dancing following high school, I found myself on the sidelines of the vibrant dance community. It was a chance suggestion from a friend of a friend that reignited my journey—I choreographed a musical one summer at the age of 26, and that was the spark that ignited my creative pursuit.
Despite not growing up as a musical theater kid, I embraced the challenge and adapted to the role with enthusiasm. Over the years, I choreographed nearly ten shows, but eventually, I felt a calling to transition from the theater world to a dance studio, where I could make an even greater impact.
Now, as I step into my role as a dance teacher, I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. This is where I’ve always wanted to be—sharing my love for dance, and living out my passion every day. It’s a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and find your true calling.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have been dancing on and off since I was six years old, always feeling at home with movement and choreography. As a little girl, I would create performances in my yard for my neighbors, gathering my friends to teach them dances to Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. I loved every moment of those shows!
From a young age, I aspired to make dance my career. However, as I grew older, fears and responsibilities crept in, pushing dance to the sidelines and turning it into a mere hobby. Eventually, I stopped dancing altogether for nearly a decade.
It wasn’t until I gave birth to my son that the urge to return to dance reignited within me. I realized I needed a space to express my creativity and do something solely for myself. I danced with Motion Pacific for about two years, and it took a lot of courage before I applied for an open teaching position.
In the beginning, I struggled with imposter syndrome, a feeling that many of us experience. Even now, I sometimes wonder if this is all a dream. But here I am, teaching Jazz Fusion to an incredible group of adults who share my passion for dance. My inner child beams with pride; she always knew I could accomplish hard things.
This journey reminds me that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Embrace your dreams and have the courage to follow them, for you never know where they might lead you!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being able to express myself and bring my ideas to life—not only in my own body but also in my students—is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their interpretation of my creations fills my soul. It’s moments like when a student finally masters a tricky move that truly inspire me. For me, it’s all about sharing my joy of dance with others.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
As a person who has given birth, I had no idea how lost I would feel as an individual. I spent the first two years of postpartum in a sort of trance, only focused on raising my child and being a good partner. However, none of that was solely for me, and I realized I wasn’t doing anything for myself, which really affected me.
One day, I decided to take a dance class, and that was a turning point for me—I had found myself again. I took a class from a teacher who was incredibly kind and created a supportive environment, which meant so much to me. This experience motivated me to take more classes and eventually led me to become an instructor at that same studio.
Emerging from that postpartum struggle into this beautiful new path in life has helped me not only become a better mother and partner but also a better person to myself. I am now kinder and more compassionate toward myself, and I attribute that to the space I hold to be creative. I want everyone who attends my class to leave feeling a little fuller and a little happier than when they arrived.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mara_frey
