MARIA GA'TSAL 

I'm a Mexican-Spanish teaching artist. I have a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in acting from the New York Film Academy, which I completed in 2016. My education in dance has been a combination of autodidactism and the guidance of teachers who have taught and exposed me to different dance styles, such as contemporary, modern dance, jazz, lyrical, and styles from the urban dance scene. I made my debut as a professional dancer with the piece Uncanny Valley, choreographed by German artist Lin Verleger.  I have participated in dance festivals and competitions and was member of Compound Company, a dance company based in Aachen, Germany, from there other artistic opportunities appeared and my path took me to Helsinki, Finland, where I am currently based.

I continue to hone my skills and remain active as an actor and performer while venturing as well into conceptual art and street art performances. 

I teach contemporary dance and improvisation to youth and adults, and I work as a substitute teacher for other dance styles. In addition to this, I lead acting and dance classes for children and youth in collaboration with Helsinki City and work as a freelancer for adult students interested in acting, dance, and movement. Lastly, I am a swimmer and a certified swimming teacher, as well as an old-time Taekwondo practitioner. I am interested in photography and languages.