Welcome to Maraya Performing Arts!
ANJANETTE MARAYA-RAMEY, CEO + ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Founder Story
Anjanette Maraya-Ramey (Miss AJ) founded Maraya Performing Arts with a simple but powerful belief: the arts have the power to transform lives.
A professional dancer, choreographer, and educator, Anjanette holds a BFA in Dance and Choreography from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Her artistic work blends storytelling, movement, and theatrical expression, and she has been commissioned to create original works for organizations including La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, East West Players, San Diego Dance Theater, and Grossmont College.
Earlier in her career, Anjanette served as Company Manager for the Tony Award–winning La Jolla Playhouse, where she worked on productions that later transferred to Broadway including Bonnie & Clyde, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Memphis. This experience shaped her commitment to preparing young artists for the professional theatre industry.
Anjanette also brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and arts funding. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego (USD) and has consulted with numerous arts and nonprofit organizations on grant writing, fundraising strategy, and organizational development. She has taught grant writing and nonprofit management through RISE San Diego and CalArts, and previously served as Senior Funding Manager for the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, where she oversaw public arts funding programs and supported artists and arts organizations throughout the region.
Maraya Performing Arts was also shaped by Anjanette’s personal journey of resilience. As a leukemia survivor, she understands firsthand the life-saving importance of blood donation. She now serves as a community ambassador for the San Diego Blood Bank and created Bayanihan: For Life, For Blood, a signature original dance-theatre work that encourages civic engagement and inspires diverse communities to donate blood in order to strengthen and diversify San Diego’s blood supply.
In the midst of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anjanette took a leap of faith and opened Maraya Performing Arts in 2020 - determined to create a space where young artists could find confidence, community, and creative voice.
Today, Maraya Performing Arts reflects that vision: a place where young artists are encouraged to dream boldly, work with discipline, and build resilience through the transformative power of the arts.
TEACHING ARTISTS
Xavier Hicks: Dance Maestro
Corina Maggi: Ballet & Tap & 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 & Musical Theatre
Corina Maggi: Ballet & Tap & Musical Theatre
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: Voice Coach
Bio Forthcoming
Camelina Cedillo: Acting & Voice Coach
Camelina Cedillo: Acting & Voice Coach
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.
Lourdes Arteaga: Acting Coach
Camelina Cedillo: Acting & Voice Coach
Arjay Avellano: Executive Assistant
Bio Forthcoming
Arjay Avellano: Executive Assistant
Camelina Cedillo: Acting & Voice Coach
Arjay Avellano: Executive Assistant
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.