We were lucky to catch up with Maria Juarez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In just one week, I made the decision to move from Mexico to California—a leap of faith and probably one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It made me wonder: what would have happened if I’d stayed? What if I had never tried?

I’ve always been an ambitious person, constantly seeking growth and challenges. At 20, I was working on incredible projects, dedicating my time into sharing all the knowledge I’d gained with others through dance. Being a dance teacher is the most fulfilling job; I get to meet so many people, connect with them on such a deep level and empower them to chase their dreams. My goal has always been to be the mentor I needed when I was younger.

It was my first year working full-time since returning from Massachusetts, where I completed a 9-month professional dance program. I was juggling work at three different studios, creating meaningful dance projects, producing content for brands, studying marketing, and earning certifications to grow my skill set. My hands were full, and everything I learned, I poured back into my dancers. But every time I checked in with myself, I felt a strong desire for more.

I wanted to learn, grow, and be challenged. I often found myself comparing my path to others I saw on social media—people with easier access to opportunities in the industry, working with incredible choreographers. It was easy to feel discouraged, but instead of waiting for opportunities, I decided to create them. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door,” became my mindset. I kept myself busy, traveling to the U.S. for classes, and my hunger to achieve and create grew stronger.

Then, in August 2024, my life took a significant turn. I wasn’t happy with where I was and felt I needed a change. That summer, I spent time at a studio in California and fell in love with its energy. I learned about their professional program and immediately felt drawn to it. But there was a catch—I had already planned out my work and classes in Mexico for the entire year.

So, I faced a pivotal question: should I take the risk or stay in my comfort zone and settle for what I already had?

I decided to trust God, talked to the studio owners to rearrange my classes, applied for the program, and got accepted. Within a week, I packed my bags and began this new journey. I felt excited, scared, and, above all, grateful for an opportunity that I knew would transform my life for the better.

Now, I’m so grateful to be training at Mather Dance Company as part of their professional program, led by Shannon Mather and her incredible faculty. Every day, I get to learn from some of the most inspiring and talented individuals in the industry, and it’s truly a dream come true.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been dancing for 18 years. What started as a hobby I enjoyed quickly became a deep passion. Over the years, the more time I spent dancing, the more determined I became to improve. Dance shaped me into the person I am today—it’s my way of communicating and expressing all the things I struggle to put into words. It taught me responsibility, organization, and dedication, offering countless life lessons that have helped me grow as a person.

At 15, I decided to take my training seriously. I began traveling outside my country to attend dance intensives and expand my knowledge. After graduating high school, I moved to Massachusetts to train with some of the industry’s leading choreographers. This program opened my eyes to the vast possibilities within this art form and sparked my passion for choreographing and teaching. One of my proudest moments was having my idea selected for a student film, an experience that marked a turning point in my career by providing me with invaluable knowledge and clarity about my path.

Returning home and stepping into the role of a teacher taught me some of the most important lessons of all. It’s incredible how much a single class can impact a student’s life—whether through something you say or do, in both positive and negative ways. My purpose as a teacher is to be the mentor my students need, guiding them through both their dance and life journeys. Seeing the impact I can have on their growth is the most fulfilling feeling in the world.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

It’s not exactly a resource, but a lesson I wish I had learned earlier in my creative journey is to embrace the fact that we all have different timings and paths in life. Your journey won’t look the same as the person next to you, and that’s okay. Instead of comparing, take the time to explore what makes you unique and fully lean into it. Embrace the qualities that set you apart and let them shine in everything you do.

I used to get so frustrated over the things I couldn’t control, and that frustration only kept me from fully living in and enjoying the process. It’s something I still struggle with, but now I’m more aware of it. When those feelings creep in, I remind myself to reconnect with my purpose. That grounding helps me refocus and appreciate the journey for what it is.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Is the ability to create something that resonates deeply with others. There’s something very powerful about knowing that your work can inspire, heal, or bring joy to someone, even if you’ve never met them. It’s a way of speaking directly to people’s emotions and experiences.

What makes it even more special is how personal it feels. Something that starts as an idea or emotion within me can become a source of connection or meaning for someone else. It’s crazy to think that what I create can help someone feel seen, understood, or even uplifted during difficult times.

Being a dancer/choreographer is about creating moments that matter—whether it’s sparking a sense of wonder, a new perspective, or simply offering a sense of peace. That ability to touch people’s lives and connect with them on such a human level is what keeps me inspired every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaajuareez/
• Other: https://boldjourney.com/meet-maria-juarez/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZDH4eHdKgR_Cwch53Onafj_4Ap2Qgx0uxxLLKax55mKRlxjjf0Ei98HPg_aem_CeKoxk75s_oQO7wnvO0FAQ