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FOR YOUTH + ADULTS BUILDING CONFIDENT, COMMITTED, CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS

meet our teaching artists

Xavier Hicks, Lead Dance Teaching Artist, (Advanced Dance, Open Level Adult Ballet)

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/

Lorelie Abujen Kim, Dance Fitness (Certified GROOV3 and Ujam Fitness Instructor)

Lorelie (she/her) was born in Botolan, Philippines but moved to San Diego, CA at the age of 2 and that's where she grew up until she moved to Murrieta, CA in 2007. She is now living back in San Diego and teaching in Chula Vista, CA.
She has loved music and dance for as long as she can remember and it was as a freshman in high school that she had to choose between a regular P.E. class or a dance class. She chose that dance class and she was so glad she did. That high school beginning dance class led to becoming a cheerleader which led to performing at Disneyland with her high school dance choreography class.
Fast forward to today and she loves teaching group dance fitness classes and seeing people discover the joys of just letting go and allowing the music and rhythm take over their bodies!

Corina Maggi, (Ballet & Musical Theatre Performance)

Corina Fabbroni-Maggi

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.

Jerrica Stone (Vocal Coach & Production Manager)

Jerrica (she/her) is an accomplished music director and conductor who plays piano, strings, and reeds with various ensembles around San Diego. She has also been a member of the City Ballet Orchestra, San Diego Concert Band, City Orchestra, and more. Her previous MD credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (NYA Award Winner), Lion King Jr. (NYA Award Nomination), Xanadu, Beauty and the Beast, Company, Vanities, Hedwig and more. Jerrica holds an MBA, and a bachelor's degree in music from SDSU, and has extensive experience as a Music Director in both youth and professional theatre. Fresh from her artistic journey on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning show, The Outsiders, she is eager to inspire and guide our students in their artistic journeys.

Laura Hernandez Roman (Student Success Advisor, Administrative Assistant)

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Laura (sher/her) is a recent graduate of Southwestern Colleges with dual associates degrees in Business Administration and Dance. She graduated with honors in both fields.

She has performed as a dancer in ABG Dance Company in Tijuana, and as a dancer/character performer for Sea World, Sesame Street, and Disneyland.

She has worked in administrative roles for a variety of dance studios and fitness gyms.

Arjay Avellano (Executive Sales Assistant)

Laura Hernandez Roman (Student Success Advisor, Administrative Assistant)

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.

Anjanette Maraya-Ramey (FOUNDER, CEO + ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)

Anjanette Maraya-Ramey, MA, CNP

Anjanette Maraya-Ramey is a visionary leader, performing arts educator, and advocate for arts access and inclusivity. 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 Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from 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, 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 working for 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, to name a few.

As Company Manager for La Jolla Playhouse, Anjanette worked on shows that landed on Broadway, including: Memphis, Bonnie & Clyde, Peter & The Starcatcher.

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 an inclusive studio 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, theater, and vocal performance, Maraya Performing Arts was designed to be more than just a training ground for performers—it was meant to be a safe space 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, to innovative dance fitness 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. Under Anjanette’s leadership, Maraya Performing Arts continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for students to shine both on stage and in life.