Marja Quaqua – Instructor

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YAGP Small Ensemble Top 12- Jungle choreography by Sofia Justo, Dancers Marja, Eve and Sullivan

Placement of the back muscles

Marja as guest artist for Alonzo King Immersion Project for Fine Arts Center. Photo by:Jeremy Fleming

Marja’ was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, where her passion for dancing began at the age of 3. She through the years has achieved recognition at the prestigious ballet competition, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), ranking in the Top 12 and Top 3 in the semi-finals for both ballet and contemporary categories in 2015. This success led her to compete in subsequent years, culminating in a Top 12 placement in 2023 among 38 countries in the trio category. Marja’ has performed in various ballets including The Nutcracker, Arabian Nights, Snow White, Fairy Doll, and Don Quixote.

She has attended Summer Intensives at notable institutions such as the International City School of Ballet, Sheer Elite International, and Orlando Ballet School, learning from renowned teachers. Marja’ has also appeared as a guest artist along the east coast with Ballet in The City. She has been featured in publications like Brown Girls Do Ballet and has contributed to the book Anti Racism In Ballet. In 2023, Marja’ began her apprenticeship with Carolina Ballet Theatre, where she continues to teach and dance professionally.

Marja has served as a ballet repetiteur for the Alonzo King Immersion Project at the Fine Arts Center, where she taught choreography from Alonzo King’s Chants to the Pre-Professional dancers. She has also presented this choreography herself with Carolina Ballet Theatre (CBT) Tribute Show for Greenville School’s A.R.M.E.S. and Fine Arts Center. Additionally, Marja has contributed to the A.R.M.E.S. program as a ballet instructor, working with multiple age groups.

Marja remains actively involved in her community by teaching various disciplines at DanceArts Greenville and DAYCo ballet, including Progressing Ballet Technique, Contemporary, Pointe, and choreography. She also teaches in other local studios.

In DanceArts Greenville’s Adult division, Marja teaches Contemporary and Musical Theatre Dance.