meet our teaching artists
Xavier Hicks, Lead Dance Teaching Artist
Stephen Evangelista, Vocal + Music Director
Stephen Evangelista, Vocal + Music Director
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 become a Principal Dancer with California Ballet. Some of his notable affiliations and partnerships include working with Jean Isaacs (San Diego Dance Theater), Betzi Roe, and Eddie Tuscan, as well as dancing with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company.
SEE MORE ABOUT XAVIER HERE:
https://www.allarts.org/programs/kpbs-arts/top-san-diego-ballet-dancer-and-open-air-fest-vskl04/
Stephen Evangelista, Vocal + Music Director
Stephen Evangelista, Vocal + Music Director
Stephen Evangelista, Vocal + Music Director
Stephen (he/him) started working in the theater at San Diego State University – where he is studying vocal pedagogy.
Steven has worked as a piano accompanist for the Vocal Program at Bonita Vista High School, and is crew member and works audio visuals for various various community theater productions and churches throughout San Diego County.
Stephen performs annually in December Nights choir ensemble and tree lighting ceremony.
FOUNDER+ CEO + Artistic Director, Anjanette Maraya-Ramey
Maraya's Founder, Anjanette Maraya-Ramey has worked for tirelessly for decades contributing to San Diego's arts and nonprofit communities. Her vast experience includes serving as Company Manager for La Jolla Playhouse, Theatre Operations Manager for the Garfield Theatre, Grants & Donor Relations Manager for ARTS: A Reason to Survive; corporate event producer for Pacific Events and ShowTec Inc. and Senior Manager of Arts and Culture Funding Programs for the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Anjanette holds a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography from CalArts and a Master's degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. Her unique experience in arts and business makes her well versed in navigating the whole entertainment industry!
In 2018, Anjanette got knocked out of her career by a brain hemorrhage and subsequent cancer diagnosis. She learned she had a rare form of leukemia. She spent 45 days in the hospital and completed 3 years of intensive chemotherapy treatments and ultimately survived.
After fighting for her life numerous times, she knew it was time to be bold. It was time to be brave. It was time to take a leap of faith and realize her ultimate dream where she can put all her skills to work!
She took a new lease on life and literally a new lease on a studio space in Chula Vista in 2020 at the height of a global pandemic, and just a few days after mandatory shutdown orders were put in place.
Anjanette persevered, and Maraya Performing Arts finally opened its doors and celebrated its GRAND (re) OPENING on February 20, 2021.
Despite overcoming numerous battles, Anjanette has proven to be a fighter and survivor. Her resilience and perseverance are lessons that inspires students, staff, and community members alike to always do their best and never stop striving to live out your wildest dreams.
Anjanette is an experienced performer, choreographer, director, fundraiser, and nonprofit leader.
Anjanette holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from CalArts and a Master's degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from University of San Diego.
Her artistic work has been presented by: La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Diversionary Theater, East West Players, San Diego Dance Theater, Pacific Arts Movement, The Slants Foundation, the City of San Diego Parks Foundation and various nonprofit and corporate events.
Anjanette was able to take her vast knowledge and experience of the performing arts, corporate event production, and nonprofit communities to build an organization from the ground up to make the arts and arts education a transformational force in the lives of many individuals and communities.
Maraya Performing Arts has a visionary with Anjanette at the helm... and she's definitely building something BIG!
Come join us and be part of the transformation.
CHECK OUT SAMPLES OF ANJANETTE'S DIRECTION + CHOREOGRAPHY HERE:
- SITE SPECIFIC YOUTH THEATRE: Disney's Descendents
Photo: Xavier Hicks and Anjanette Maraya-Ramey. Photograph by: Beto Soto