Our Staff:

Maria Merriam- Studio Owner and Director
Early childhood Creative Movement Program, Ballet, and Ballroom

Miss Maria began her early training at four years of age under re-known local instructor, Alice Stadelman who is also her mother.   At age 14 she commenced teaching her first classes, working and training under both her own mother and other instructors in her area.  Blended into her young experience, Maria also trained extensively in voice and dabbled in theater whenever she could.  While earning her Associate in Arts degree with emphasis in business and music, she taught outreach ballet classes.   A move to New York City gave Miss Maria the opportunity to continue her ballet training and experience the dance world on a grander scale.    While in NYC, Maria met her husband Robert E. Merriam.  They are raising five children in Bandon, two of which are grown now.

Maria’s teaching style is warm, calm, and affirming.  She uses stories and imagery along with a sing-song- way of introducing musicality into the ballet technique.   Maria is pragmatic in her approach to ballet, integrating the research and philosophies of dance physiotherapist Deborah Vogel and Lisa Howell.   Maria is certified to implement the Perfect Pointe System.

Ballroom has become a second passion to Maria.  She teaches DVIDA syllabus in the smooth dances.  She volunteer teaches for BOBDA, USA Club dances and annually at Bandon High School. 

Trish Shropshire
Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Ballet

Miss Trish has been a MarLo staff member for seven years.  Before moving to Bandon from Riverton, Wyoming, she owned and operated Trish’s School of Dance for 24 years and was adjunct faculty at Central Wyoming College.   As a free lance choreographer, Trish has choreographed numerous musicals for community, theater, both in Wyoming and now in Bandon.   She has also worked with a number of pageant contestants, with several placing 1st and runner up.    

Trish earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary education from Montana State University and holds teaching certification from Dance Masters of America.  

“I believe that every child is a winner.  The world of dance can be complex and frustrating.  Even so, there is no such thing as ‘can’t’.   I strive to be patient, give positive encouragement, and teach with love.  I expect every student to do their personal best.  I treat every student with honesty, respect, and love.  It is an honor and a pleasure to work with every student, no matter their age.”

Angie Jones
Instructs Hip Hop

Miss Angie will be teaching her 6th season at MarLo.  Her background highlights include Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts and dance captain of a 45-member competitive dance team.   Angie dances all genres of dance with hip hop being her expertise.  She has work shopped such contemporary dance stars as NappyTabs, Jabbawockeez, Rhapsody James, and Kevin Mahr. 

Angie is the creator and volunteer choreographer for MarLo’s newest performance troupe, Hip Hop Crew.   The crew gives students an opportunity to expand their studies, performance opportunities and education outside of Coos County.

Miss Angie brings youthful energy to MarLo coupled with strong work ethic both as a teacher and as a gifted performer.

Evelyn Helms
Instructs Pre-Ballet

Evelyn has 12 years of ballet training at MarLo Dance Studio.  She has also trained in tap, jazz, hip hop and ballroom, including 4 years on the MarLo Ballroom Troupe.   She has performed in five Nutcrackers to include the parts of Clara at the tender age of 9.   In 2010 special parts included the doll and demi-soloist in the Waltz of the Flowers.   Evelyn has worked at MarLo as student aide, administrative assistant, and summer instructor.  She will be at SOCC this fall preparing for Elementary Education Certification.

As a teacher, Evelyn is naturally nurturing while having a gift for order and method.

Nita Adams
Instructs Pre-Tap

Nita has 11 years of tap training at MarLo Dance Studio, currently dancing in MarLo’s Upper Level tap class.  She has also trained in ballet and jazz.   Nita tag teaches with Miss Maria, introducing pre-tap to the Creative Movement 3. 

Nita is a fun and creative teacher, sharing her love of tap to MarLo’s youngest tapping children.

Robin Evans
YogaFlow and Pilates

Pilates and YogaFlow instructor, Robin Evans took her first ballet class at age five and has continued ever since to pursue a lifetime of dance and fitness. She attended U.S.I.U. Center for the Performing Arts in San Diego, California.  After moving to Portland, Oregon, she instructed ballet and jazz and owned a Jazzercise Franchise for ten years. Robin holds certifications in yoga and Pilates from YogaFit. She’s dedicated to empowering participants to make healthier decisions; toning their bodies and minds through Pilates and yoga.