Dance Instructor / PRIDE Company Director

Yara is a prominent teacher and choreographer, whose passion is sharing her love of dance with everyone around her. She is known for her energetic classes and dynamic teaching style, as well as her high expectations for all her students. Yara is the Director of PRIDE dance companies here at 24/7, and this will be her 21st season as a 24/7 instructor. For 24 years, she has taught all ages, levels, and genres that the dance world has to offer. Yara received a BA in Dance and Art from Muhlenberg College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2005, earning honors in art and membership to the Phi Beta Kappa society. Post college, she earned her MA in Digital Arts from the Maryland College Institute of Art, and trained extensively towards her MA in Teaching at Mount St. Mary’s University, and continues her dance training as a lifelong student. Yara has studied under many notable dancers and teachers, has been the recipient of several choreography awards and distinctions, and her students have been recognized for their technique and performance qualities, some going on to enter the professional world of the arts. Her love for the arts extends to her photography business (www.photographybyyara.com), and she enjoys photographing dancers and children the most! Yara is a mother of three and thrives with the support and love of her husband, Chris. She believes dance is one of life’s greatest treasures, and that it should be fun and accessible for all.