Ms. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from California State University, Long Beach. Her extensive dance training background consists of ballet, jazz, and modern, with an emphasis on contemporary-modern technique. While at CSULB, she had the chance to train under Rebecca Wright (ABT), Victoria Koenig (Los Angeles Chamber Ballet/Inland Pacific Ballet), Jeff Slayton (Merce Cunningham Dance Company), Gloria Newman (Newman Dance Company), Holly Schiffer (Jose Limon Dance Company), and Susan McLain-Smith (Martha Graham Company). Ms. Phillips has performed in numerous venues within the Southern California region, including the Crystal Cathedral and the Entertainment Division of Disneyland. She has also performed with Ormao Dance Company in Colorado Springs and is currently in her seventh year of teaching at Ballet Society of Colorado Springs. Maria fully enjoys sharing her passion of dance with her students.