Mariana Zschoerper
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Mariana is a notorious talent in the world of ballet. She embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of 3. Her exceptional aptitude for the art form was evident early on when she secured the highest admittance score among 8,000 aspiring young dancers applying for The Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil.
Her formative years at The Bolshoi Theater School from 2000 to 2007 laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Mariana graced stages in Brazil, Italy, Germany, France, and Russia, performing soloist roles that showcased her unparalleled skill and dedication. An internship with The Bolshoi Ballet in Russia provided her with invaluable experience, complemented by private coaching from luminaries Vladimir Vassiliev and Ekaterina Maximova. During her internship, Mariana took center stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker, leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.
Upon graduating as the Valedictorian of her class, Mariana joined the professional Bolshoi Ballet company in Brazil before making her mark with the Company Ballet in Sao Paulo. Her accolades include being a Finalist at the Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition NYC Senior Division in 2015-2016, and a noteworthy victory at the Bravo Ballet Competition in 2010.
In 2011, Mariana's journey took her to the Baltimore Ballet, where she assumed the role of Principal Dancer. Her pursuit of excellence continued at The Boston Conservatory, where she earned her B.F.A. with distinction in 2017.
As a highly accomplished and dedicated Dance Professional, Mariana has seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles. In her tenure as Artistic Director at San Jose Dance Theater from 2022 to 2023, she spearheaded the artistic direction, choreography, and production of ballet performances, achieving exceptional artistic quality and audience engagement. Her strategic plans elevated the organization's artistic reputation and success while mentoring dance company members to foster their artistic growth.
Prior to her directorial role, Mariana served as Ballet Mistress at San Jose Dance Theater from 2019 to 2022. In this capacity, she provided expert guidance and coaching to ballet dancers, contributing to the overall artistic vision of the company.
Her teaching experiences span prestigious institutions such as San Jose Dance Theatre, Bolshoi School Brazil (where she holds a Certificate of Vaganova Method for teaching), Kirov Academy in Washington D.C., and others. Mariana's commitment to nurturing talent extends to her guest ballet teacher role at South Shore Ballet Theater, where she delivers masterful instruction to students of varying ages and skill levels.
Mariana's artistic prowess extends beyond the stage, encompassing classical repertoire, grand pas de deux performances, single variations, and modern choreography. Her diverse experiences include performances in prominent cities across the globe, from San Jose and Charleston to London and the iconic Bolshoi Theatre in Russia.
Beyond the world of dance, Mariana has engaged in courses for TV dramatization and pursued communication journalism at the college level. Her multifaceted education is complemented by two years as a Head Resident Assistant at The Boston Conservatory.
In summary, Mariana is not merely a dancer; she is a visionary leader, a mentor, and a testament to the transformative power of dedication and passion in the world of ballet.