Mariana Fanelli-Van Gorden

Mariana Fanelli is a passionate and accomplished dance professional with over 20+ years of experience spanning recreational classes, competitive training, and professional performance. Known for her dynamic stage presence and artistic versatility, Mariana has performed at high-level conventions and competitions as a Prodigy Dancer for nationally recognized companies such as Tremaine Dance and iHollywood in Los Angeles. Her dance journey continued through high school as a dedicated member of her Poms team, eventually leading her to perform at the collegiate level for Colorado Mesa University. While at CMU, she was proud to be a part of the Performing Arts program, further enriching her technical and performance foundation. Among her many accolades, two standout achievements include serving as an instructor for Universal Dance Association (UDA) and performing professionally as a Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch dancer. As a highly respected instructor and choreographer, Mariana has guided numerous teams to regional and national victories, instilling in her dancers a strong technical base and an unwavering commitment to growth. Her teaching experience spans a wide range of styles and age groups, giving her a deep understanding of how to connect with dancers and elevate their individual potential. Mariana is driven by a mission to help dancers unlock their full capabilities through proper technique, posture, and core strength—while creating an environment that is both fun and professional. Her students know her not only as a coach but also as a mentor who believes in them, challenges them, and celebrates their wins big and small. Her ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of dancers to perform with confidence, passion, and integrity—on stage and beyond.