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Specializing in WCS.

and I'm a traveling Dance Instructor WSDC All-Star Dance Enthusiast Competition Judge Dance Coach Event Organizer Influencer Dancer

HI, I’m Mara from Maryland

more about me

Overcome your limiting beliefs.

Dance is not just about movement - it’s about self-expression, connection, and finding your confidence. Let’s dance toward your dreams!

Each person’s journey in dance is unique, and so is my approach to teaching. I tailor every lesson to meet your individual goals, ensuring you feel confident, empowered, and inspired. Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, training for competition, or looking for a fun way to connect with others through dance, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to learn, push your limits, and embrace the joy of dance, explore the pages below to learn more and find the perfect fit for you.

Find your dance.

My Services
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Testimonials

  • Private Lesson | Mark O’dea

    The thing I appreciate the most about Mara's teaching is her ability to explain the invisible skills of West Coast Swing in a comprehensible way. I struggled for a long time to understand proper connection, framing, and weight transfers. I've gone through several different teachers to improve these areas, consumed hundreds of tutorial videos, reviewed every workshop video I ever took, went through hours and hours of practice, and still, I felt like I didn't quite grasp them. But then, I took one lesson with Mara and it was like they all finally clicked into place! Imagine that. Three major skills in West Coast Swing finally clicking into place in the span of an hour. I've had more than one dance lesson where I felt like I truly evolved, but this one really takes the cake.

  • Workshop hire & Private Lesson | Amanda comi

    Mara is kind and professional to work with, she asks excellent questions and anticipates needs for running or hosting a class. She also gives clear feedback and maintains high standards for her students. Most importantly a lot of what makes west coast swing “cool” is not the easy to explain but she demonstrates it clearly.

  • Group & Private Lesson | Kaylie Bergeson

    I started my West Coast Swing journey with Mara back in 2019, and I couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic, welcoming teacher! For beginner dancers, Mara is patient and friendly, and holds the room’s attention with a fun and engaging environment. For more advanced dancers, I also recommend Mara for her attention to detail in technique and style. Mara’s classes have significantly improved my confidence in my dance, and I would absolutely recommend her services to dancers of all levels!

  • Private lesson | Lana Borin

    Mara is a very dedicated instructor. She pays attention to details and spends sufficient amount of time answering questions and responding to requests from the student. Mara's focus is on the dance fundamentals which is important for students who compete or just dance socially. I very much appreciated working with her. She is kind, social, has very positive attitude, all of it makes lessons with her very pleasant.

  • Group workshop | Mara Wolfe

    It is so wonderful working with you! You are so encouraging during lessons and you make it easy to understand the moves you are teaching. Your classes are fun, engaging and leave me wanting to learn more! I would recommend your services to anyone who needs a West Coast Swing instructor. Your beginner series are concise and really engaging to those who haven’t danced before. Your intermediate series expands on the previous series in fun and creative ways that can be used in a social setting.

  • Private Lesson | Mark The social dancer

    Great instruction, knowledgeable of course, but excellent at customizing instruction that’s best for me.

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 FAQs

  • West coast swing (WCS) is a modern form of swing dancing and is best defined as a smooth and slotted partner dance. It is danced to a wide range of genres (including blues, pop, hip hop, funk, contemporary, jazz, etc.) and blends structure and musical improvisation, allowing both partners to express themselves uniquely on the dance floor. WCS is danced across the globe and is rapidly gaining popularity. Join the fun and book a lesson today!

  • Not at all! I teach dancers at all levels, from beginners to advanced. Everyone is welcome, and we will work at a pace that feels right for you.

  • Nope! You don’t need a partner to participate! In group classes, we rotate partners often so everyone has a chance to dance. For private lessons, I’m happy to partner with you, but bringing someone along is encouraged as it helps me observe more of your dancing.

  • The best way to begin is to schedule your first lesson! It is NEVER too early for private lessons. The sooner, the better to avoid the common pitfalls many beginners face. In fact, you may see rapid growth when taking private lessons earlier on in your dance journey. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions before making your decision. Check out my Services page for my offerings and rates. You may also directly book with me via my contact form here.

  • I’m based in Laurel, Maryland, US. I often teach private lessons out of my home studio or at select local dance venues before the beginner class (Bethesda & Silver Spring, MD). Other locations can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and may incur a travel fee.

    I’m also available for private lessons during dance conventions/events on a first-come first-served basis. Send me a message to get on my schedule!

  • Absolutely! If you’re not local, I offer virtual lessons via Zoom to ensure that no matter where you are, you can still work with me on your dancing goals. Check out my Services page for more information.

  • Yes! I offer both private lessons for personalized one-on-one instruction and group classes for a fun, social experience. Check out my services page for more information.

  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, along with shoes that you can pivot in (dance shoes or something with a smooth sole are ideal). If finding the right shoes is tough, bring a pair of socks (and maybe check out my Fuego Dance Shoe discount!). Ultimately, just come ready to learn and have fun!

  • The time it takes to progress depends on your goals, dedication, and how often you practice. With consistent lessons and practice, you’ll start seeing improvement right away—and remember, every step forward counts!

  • I work closely with competitive dancers to build their skills, technique, and confidence. If you’re preparing for a competition, we’ll focus on performance, technique, musicality, and stage presence to ensure you’re competition-ready. Fashion advice is also available free of charge! :P