Mariya has been a part of the DOB family since 1995 when she started dancing at the age of 3 at the Sauk Centre studio. She moved to an instructor role at age 13, teaching and choreographing through high school and college, and eventually taking over the role of Owner and Creative Director in 2015. Mariya graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2015 with a major in Communication and minor in Global Business and is also an alumnus of the CSB Dance Team. She resides in Sauk Centre with her husband Wes and her two sweet kiddos – Ivy and Banks.
Mariya is the studio’s hardworking and fearless leader, and is responsible for many of the creative concepts, show themes and artwork you see at DOB. You’ll find her teaching all ages and ability levels at the studio, as well as choreographing routines for recitals, competitions, and other classes. She loves teaching all styles of dance, but she especially enjoys tap and musical theatre, as well as coming up with the production numbers. Nothing makes her happier than seeing the joy and confidence that dance brings to young people. DOB has been a source of so much love, support and inspiration in her life, and she is eternally grateful for the DOB family.
“I’ve always been so proud of what DOB values at its core… hard work, determination, loyalty, teamwork, accountability, creativity, building confidence and so much more. I have watched countless dancers come through these doors anxious to let go of mom’s hand and set foot in the studio and leaving as seniors with the confidence and grace they need to take on the world… always knowing that DOB will be a place they can call home.”