Maria Cherniske

AFFIRMATION: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

Teaches: ConfiDance

Maria was born and raised in Connecticut, where she took her first class at age 3. In addition to being a performer, Maria has taught dance to students of all ages for the past twenty-one years and is a coach for competitive-level gymnastics.

Maria was a competitive gymnast trained by 2004 Olympic coach Alan Hatch and 2004 two-time Olympic silver medalist Annia Hatch. Following college, Maria continued her dance education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. She trained under Rhapsody James and has worked with many well know choreographers; Dana Foglia, Luam Keflezgy, Kelly Peters, Derek Mitchell and Tanisha Scott, Lisette Bustamante, James Jackson Jr.

Maria has performed at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall and has appeared in music videos, commercials, and work for Nike & Adidas.  

Maria travels internationally to teach Acro and dance. In 2012 she was selected as a mentor for the program Creating Opportunities developed by world-renowned choreographers Lisette Bustamante and Chonique Sneed. In 2021 Maria became a member of the staff at Acrobatic Arts as a course conductor and adjudicator.

Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology and Masters in Reading Education from Sacred Heart University. She also holds a Connecticut Teaching Certificate and is certified through Fitness, Gymnastics, and Acro federations. Her certifications include AFAA Group Fitness Certified. bodyART Certified Instructor, Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certified Acrobatic Arts AAC 1 and AAC2 USA Gymnastics Safety Certified - Artistic Gymnastics Coach. Maria believes that dance is a universal language and enjoys getting to know others and helping people get to know her through dance.

Lauren Parker

AFFIRMATION: " I attract all that is good and all that I desire is attracted to me. "

Teaches: ConfiDance, Moms and Minis

Lauren grew up dancing as a big Texas cheerleader and dancer serving as both Cheer Captain and Senior Lieutenant of the Cougar Stars Drill Team. Lauren loved dancing under the Texan Friday night lights with packed arenas in America's most iconic HS stadiums, NRG, and The Alamo Dome. Lauren has performed for a Rockets halftime, McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade, and as an opening for hit pop artist Jay Sean. 

Lauren graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2023 where she got her B.S. in HOD (Human & Organizational Development) and Environmental Sociology. Throughout all four years at Vandy, she continued her passion for dance, assuming the roles of both Vice President and President of her dance team. A committed leader and leadership minor, Lauren loves teaching leadership skills within all dance/cheer/acro classes she teaches.