JODI MACIAS
Studio Owner, Teacher + Choreographer
Jodi Macias began her dance training in Baltimore, MD at the Cynthia Krug Wagner Dance Studio and with Paula Lynn. She competed for Dance Masters of America and trained extensively in tap, jazz, ballet, and musical theater. At age eight, she was cast in her first of many professional theater productions and would go on to perform in over fifteen, having been cast twice in the title role of Annie and landing a major theme park commercial all before the age of 14.
Jodi began her career as a professional choreographer at age 15 when she was hired by a well-renowned Maryland dinner theater to choreograph a series of musicals. Jodi attended the University of Maryland College Park on the Creative and Performing Arts full-tuition scholarship (CAPA) and was recognized as a Maryland Distinguished Scholar scholarship in theatre.
Jodi was voted by her peers to host their senior theater banquet and given the superlative “Most likely to succeed without even trying”. During college, she worked on the Spirit of Baltimore Cruise Ship as a performer and its dance captain for three seasons, where she was also asked to choreograph audition pieces and assist hiring new performers.
At the age of 24, Jodi was married and moved to Virginia Beach where her husband Vic, a US Naval Academy Graduate, was stationed. Jodi began working at the Virginia Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) teaching musical theater. Her class schedule then grew to 21 classes a week in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater.
Upon returning to Maryland, Jodi taught at the Chesapeake Center for the Arts, Baltimore County Parks and Recreation, and The Susan Ina Dance Studio. Jodi introduced musical theatre instruction at all three institutions, where it became one of the most popular classes. She also taught ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and lyrical. Jodi was hired to teach at the annual workshop for Dance Masters of America and has also judged for DMA at their annual scholarship, regional title, and performing arts competitions in Baltimore, Wye Mills, and Williamsburg. Her students have won regional titles, national championships, and she has won numerous choreography awards. Jodi is the proud mom of two boys, Mason and Brooks.