Maria has been taking dance lessons from her aunt, Julie Tedesco Keller, from the early age of two. She began competing on Julie’s competition team as a fifth grader and fell in love. Maria has actively participated in musical theatre, from Jesus Christ Superstar in third grade with Caroline Stine’s Cliffview Players, until her senior year with the production of Footloose at Highlands High School, under the direction of Jason Burgess. With Julie’s suggestion and encouragement, Maria tried out for and made the Highlands High School Varsity Dance Team at the end of her 7th grade year. For the next five years on the HHS Varsity Dance team, Maria was exposed to the strong coaching of Erin Janson. They participated in KY State, had regional and state wins as well as achieving 1st place and Overall 1st place titles at Jamfest Dance Super Nationals.

Maria has been exposed to a wide variety of coaching through clinics, workshops, theatrical and dance team choreographers. Maria has performed in many genres of dance including, but not limited to, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, improvisational and pom. She is also knowledgeable in the coaching of leaps, turns, and hip hop tricks. She is excited to continue her dance career on the Xavier University Dance Team. She looks forward to using her skills to teach alongside her Aunt Julie and best friend and cousin, Bella Keller of Belladance.