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At Dance Academy of Virginia (DAV), we are incredibly lucky to have a team of dedicated and talented instructors who pour their hearts into their work. One of those special individuals is Maryanne Mitchem, a Northern Virginia native whose love for dance has shaped her life for over 30 years.
A Lifelong Love for Dance
Maryanne’s journey began at just three years old when she first stepped into a dance studio. Over the years, she trained extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, and contemporary dance, eventually earning her degree in Dance Performance with a Contemporary Concentration.
Her deep understanding of dance, combined with her passion for teaching, has made her an integral part of DAV’s continued growth. Since joining Dance Academy of Virginia in 2021, she has played a key role in expanding the academy—helping to open DAV’s Del Ray location and contributing to exciting milestones like our Nutcracker performances at Capital One Hall and a featured billboard in NYC!
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From Law to Leaps: A Full-Time Commitment to Dance
In addition to her impressive dance background, Maryanne spent eight years working as a family law and criminal defense paralegal. While balancing her legal career, she still found time to teach a full dance schedule—proving just how strong her passion for dance truly is.
When the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to shift her focus completely to dance, she embraced it wholeheartedly. Now, she is fully devoted to sharing her love of movement, mentorship, and artistry with the next generation of dancers.
Inspired by Community and Connection
Maryanne finds daily inspiration in DAV’s mission and the leadership of Katherine, DAV’s founder.
“Katherine is building something truly special. Her leadership and focus on growing both dancers and humans makes DAV an incredible place to be. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to help build this community.” – Maryanne
As a mom to her daughter, Nora, Maryanne understands how important it is to create a space where both dancers and their families feel at home. She credits the dancers, parents, and fellow instructors for making DAV such a joyful place, saying:
“I’m never not smiling when I’m at work.”
What Excites Maryanne Most About DAV?
Ask Maryanne what she loves most about being part of Dance Academy of Virginia, and she’ll tell you:
Expanding the Del Ray location and welcoming new dancers into the DAV family.
Watching DAV dancers shine onstage at competitions and performances.
Being part of a team that values growth, creativity, and community.
Her advice for dancers—and for life in general?
“It’s going to be ok. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s in those uncomfortable and uncertain moments that we grow. Trust the process—you’ll look back one day and be proud of how far you’ve come.”
Say Hello to Maryanne!
If you see Maryanne around DAV, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself! She loves connecting with dancers and their families and is always happy to share her wisdom, encouragement, and love for dance.
We are so grateful to have Maryanne as part of our DAV family, and we can’t wait to see all that she continues to accomplish with us!
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