MARIA GA'TSAL

I'm a Mexican-Spanish teaching artist currently living in Helsinki, Finland. I have a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in acting from the New York Film Academy in 2016, which, combined with my experiences in acting and dance, has equipped me with an understanding of stagecraft and the subtleties of performing both on stage and in front of the camera. My dance journey has been shaped by the guidance of various dance artists who have exposed me to styles such as contemporary, modern dance, jazz, lyrical, and styles from the Urban Dance scene. I am also in many ways a self-taught dancer and had the extraordinary opportunity to make my debut as a professional dancer with Uncanny Valley, choreographed by Lin Verleger. I have been able to participate in dance festivals and competitions since then and was part of a small Urban Dance & Contemporary Dance company named Compound Company based in Aachen, Germany.

Recently, I have become interested in conceptual art and street art performances. I hope to pursue and nurture these interests further through open calls, diverse opportunities, collaborations, and mentorships from other artists whose expertise would offer me immersive insight, inspiration, and education.

I teach contemporary dance and improvisation to children and adults, and I also work as a substitute teacher for different dance styles. In addition to this, I lead acting, dance, and movement classes for children and youth in collaboration with Helsinki City, I work as a freelancer for adult students, and in collaboration with other independent theaters.

I am a swimmer and certified swimming teacher, an old-time Taekwondo practitioner, and an enthusiast of photography.