VENTURE COMMERCE CENTER MAP
OUTSIDE FRONT OF THE BUILDING
MEET OUR FOUNDER: Anjanette Maraya-Ramey (Miss AJ)
Anjanette Maraya-Ramey, MA, CNP - Founder, CEO + Artistic Director:
Anjanette Maraya-Ramey is a visionary leader, performing arts educator, and advocate for arts access and inclusion. With a career spanning over two decades, she has dedicated her life to nurturing creativity and empowering individuals through the transformative power of the arts.
A native of South Bay San Diego, Anjanette earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from CALARTS and her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from the University of San Diego. She has performed and choreographed for numerous prestigious productions and companies, combining her expertise in classical dance, contemporary dance, and musical theater. In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Anjanette is a certified nonprofit professional, seasoned special events manager and producer, and community organizer - leveraging her skills to build sustainable arts organizations that prioritize community impact. She has served as a consultant, educator, and mentor for aspiring artists, and her work includes contributions to institutions such as The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, ARTS: A Reason to Survive, La Jolla Playhouse, East West Players, Center for Jewish Culture, and The Old Globe, among others.
As Company Manager for La Jolla Playhouse, Anjanette worked on shows that went on to Broadway, including Memphis, Bonnie & Clyde, and Peter & The Starcatcher. She has also worked as a choreographer and movement consultant to La Jolla Playhouse working alongside Tony-Award winning directors, Christopher Ashley and Rachel Chavkin.
A blood cancer survivor, Anjanette endured three years of intense chemotherapy treatment before opening Maraya Performing Arts in 2020. Her personal journey of resilience and healing deeply informs her leadership - fueling her mission to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for others to thrive.
As the founder of Maraya Performing Arts, Anjanette brings her passion for storytelling and movement to life, fostering a supportive environment where students of all ages can explore their talents and pursue their dreams. Her leadership continues to shape a vibrant arts community in South Bay San Diego and beyond.
Origin Story of Maraya Performing Arts:
Maraya Performing Arts was born from Anjanette Maraya-Ramey’s desire to create a space where artistic expression, community connection, and personal growth could flourish. Inspired by her multicultural heritage and lifelong love of the performing arts, Anjanette envisioned a welcoming space where students of all backgrounds could develop their skills, build confidence, and find joy in the creative process.
The studio opened its doors in Chula Vista, California, in 2020, just days before mandatory shutdown orders were placed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a boutique performing arts center offering a variety of classes in dance, theatre, and vocal performance, Maraya Performing Arts was designed to be more than just a training ground for performers - t was meant to be a hub for creative expression, community engagement, and artistic excellence.
Anjanette’s commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression is reflected in the studio’s diverse programming, which ranges from Broadway-style performance classes, professional productions, and adult dance classes. Maraya Performing Arts also prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that students of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to participate and thrive.
Over the years, the studio has become a beloved institution in the local arts community, known for its high-quality instruction, supportive environment, and dedication to inspiring the next generation of confident, committed, and creative performers and human beings. Under Anjanette’s leadership, Maraya Performing Arts continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for students to shine both on stage and in life.
Maraya Performing Arts has a visionary with Anjanette at the helm.
Come join us and be part of the transformation.
CHECK OUT PRESS/MEDIA ON MARAYA'S ORIGIN STORY:
Pictured Above: Xavier Hicks and Anjanette Maraya-Ramey.
Photo: Beto Soto
CHECK OUT SAMPLES OF ANJANETTE'S DIRECTION + CHOREOGRAPHY HERE:
- SITE SPECIFIC YOUTH THEATRE: Disney's Descendants
MEET OUR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ARTISTS:
Xavier Hicks, (Advanced Dance, Open Level Adult Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre)
Xavier Hicks (he/him) is a dancer with an extensive career in San Diego as a Principal Dancer.
An alumni of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), Xavier went on to train at the Ailey School of Dance. Upon returning back home to San Diego, Xavier became a Principal Dancer with California Ballet. Some of his notable affiliations and partnerships include working with San Diego Ballet, Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater, Betzi Roe, and Eddie Tuscan, as well as dancing with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company.
Xavier is a local, renowned dance teacher who has taught hundred of students throughout San Diego County.
SEE MORE ABOUT XAVIER HERE:
https://www.allarts.org/programs/kpbs-arts/top-san-diego-ballet-dancer-and-open-air-fest-vskl04/
Corina Maggi, (Ballet, Tap, Acro Dance & Musical Theatre Performance)
A native of San Diego, Corina began her training in jazz and tap with Helen Milhone and Bobbi Adams-Giltner. At the age of twelve she began her training in ballet at the Chula Vista School for the Creative and Performing Arts, and San Diego School of Ballet. While training under Robin Sheretz Morgan (San Diego Ballet), Jillana (NYCB), Steven Wistrich (City Ballet of San Diego), Javier Velasco (San Diego Ballet), and Jaquelyn Hepner (NYCB), she was accepted into the Boston Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet Summer Programs. She later was awarded a scholarship to Interlochen Arts Academy’s Dance Department and a full scholarship to Dance Aspen. After accepting trainee positions with Milwaukee and Mid-Illinois Ballet Companies, Corina was offered a Company Dancer contract for San Diego Ballet’s very first season. Her career as a founding member spanned eleven years. She was a soloist in many of San Diego Ballet’s signature ballets, and The Nutcracker. She has also choreographed and assisted at San Diego Junior Theatre, Christian Community Theatre, and MADCAPS in Point Loma. Her interest in learning more about body movement, injury prevention, and management of Scoliosis lead her to obtain a Pilates Certification from Kore Pilates, and is a a PMA™ Certified Pilates Instructor.
Melanie Jimenez, Vocal Teacher
Bio Forthcoming
Camelina Cedillo, Acting & Vocal Teacher
Arjay Avellano, Executive Assistant to Miss AJ
Camelina (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist born and raised in San Diego. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University. Currently, she serves as a Teaching Artist, having contributed her talents to La Jolla Playhouse, Trinity Theatre, Playwrights Project, and Imagine Brave Spaces. Also a proud member of Camino23, an all latine collective composed of theatre artists in San Diego. She is also undergoing training to become a certified intimacy coordinator for stage and screen with IDC. Outside of the theatre, she danced with several ballet folklorico groups over the years and currently performs in an alt. rock/pop band Strawberry Cassette on the alto saxophone. Notable performing credits include IYKYK with Blindspot Collective at La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival, The Magic Hummingbird at Opera de Tijuana, and Hamlet with Prague Shakespeare Company.
Arjay Avellano, Executive Assistant to Miss AJ
Arjay Avellano, Executive Assistant to Miss AJ
Arjay Avellano, Executive Assistant to Miss AJ
PHOTO Coming Soon
Arjay (he/him) has nine years of business experience, having worked in various industries, including financial services, automotive, and credit repair. His experience includes five years as a Technical Support Representative and as an Appointment Setter for nine years. Throughout his career, he espouses the values of building trust and delivering excellent customer service.
Arjay holds an associate's degree in International Studies from the University of the East in the Philippines.
Arjay is excited to bring his experience and dedication to a role where he can continue making a positive impact.