Los Angeles, a city synonymous with dreams and dazzling performances, is also home to a vibrant dance scene. At its heart is Maria Del Bagno, a native Californian who chose to cultivate her remarkable career as a performer, choreographer, and educator right in LA, rather than chasing the New York spotlight. This dedication led her to found danceCREATE, a company that embodies her lifelong passion and innovative approach to dance education. Del Bagno’s journey, while deeply rooted in a love for music, theater, and dance, wasn’t always a straight path, but her unwavering commitment to these art forms has shaped a unique and enriching space for artists in Los Angeles seeking exceptional dance classes.
Maria Del Bagno – A captivating portrait showcasing her passion for dance.
My introduction to Maria Del Bagno and danceCREATE began with an email from Leah Zeiger, danceCREATE’s Business Operations & Program Development Manager. Leah reached out to LA Dance Chronicle to include Del Bagno’s online classes in our growing resource list. Intrigued by the promotional material and the danceCREATE website, I knew I needed to learn more about the woman behind this inspiring organization and what made her dance classes so special. A conversation with Del Bagno revealed a deeply personal and compelling story.
Visiting the danceCREATE website and absorbing Del Bagno’s vision, it became clear that the company’s core values are the true essence of her work. Their statement resonates deeply: “We are building a creative and artistically diverse community. We are all about inclusivity – all kinds of artists and people are welcome. We are collaborative and make original art together. We honor legacy, we inspire innovation, we constantly create because…We are danceCREATE!” This emphasis on collaboration and crafting “original art together” is the magnetic force that draws dancers and actors from diverse styles and genres to immerse themselves in Del Bagno’s dance classes and projects in Los Angeles.
Del Bagno’s roots are firmly planted in Granada Hills, a welcoming community in the San Fernando Valley. Her father, a music enthusiast from Italy, and her mother, with Irish and German heritage and Hollywood aspirations, met through their shared love of dance. “My mom and dad met at a church dance,” Del Bagno recounted, “and they were incredible swing dancers. Dancing was a big part of our lives.” Weekends at the Del Bagno household were filled with music, pasta, and swing dancing neighbors. Growing up surrounded by big band music and constant movement, Del Bagno thought this joyful, dance-filled environment was the norm. “The first thing my mom did in the morning was turn on music, so I woke up to music,” she recalls, highlighting the pervasive influence of music and movement in her early life, setting the stage for her future in dance classes.
Like many destined for a life in dance, young Del Bagno was always in motion. Family gatherings simply meant placing Maria near the music, and she would be content. Social dancing was a family affair, with parents, brothers, and cousins all participating. Her father believed that nothing surpassed the exhilaration of dancing to live big band music. This early immersion in joyful movement and rhythm laid the foundation for her deep connection to dance and her eventual career offering enriching dance classes.
Maria Del Bagno – A dynamic dance pose capturing her energy and passion.
At the age of five, the film Born Free and its iconic theme song deeply resonated with Del Bagno. “I think for me,” she explained, “that song was about love. It was that love had no barriers.” Her mother bought the record, and for an entire month, young Maria expressed herself through freeform dance to Born Free. This became a cherished ritual, with monthly record purchases fueling her spontaneous dance explorations at home as her mother went about her day. This early experience with music-inspired movement was a precursor to the expressive and creatively driven dance classes she would later develop.
Seeing a ballet performance at school sparked a new ambition: to become a ballerina. Her parents enrolled her in ballet classes, and initially, she thrived. However, as the classes became more structured, Del Bagno began to feel restricted. Studying at the Rozann-Zimmerman Ballet Center, known for its Balanchine-based technique, she found herself drawn to improvisational movement by the piano rather than the strict discipline of the class. Even at a young age, around 7 or 8, Del Bagno yearned for the freedom of expression that was not always encouraged in rigorous ballet training. She recognized the importance of technique but felt stifled in her desire for personal expression, a conflict that would eventually shape her philosophy on dance classes.
Recognizing her daughter’s need for a more nurturing environment, Del Bagno’s mother moved her, then 12, to Patrice McCoy’s ballet classes at Moro Landis Studios in Studio City. Moro Landis was a hub for dancers and actors alike, attracting talents like Helen Hunt and Jeff Goldblum. McCoy skillfully retrained Del Bagno, enabling her to dance en pointe and rekindling her love for ballet. This transition to Moro Landis broadened her horizons and exposed her to a more diverse artistic community, influencing her future vision for inclusive dance classes.
Maria Del Bagno – A graceful ballet pose reflecting her refined technique and artistry.
At Moro Landis, Del Bagno joined Trish McCoy’s company and began to explore classes beyond ballet, sneaking into sessions taught by renowned instructors like Bobby Danas, Joe Tremaine, and Fred Walton. “I thought, wow, there’s life after ballet!” she exclaimed. Jaime Rogers, in particular, mentored her in turning and jumping techniques, offering guidance during her solo practice sessions in the studio. Moro Landis also ignited Del Bagno’s passion for entertainment. She was captivated by watching rehearsals for shows like The Brady Bunch and various variety programs, absorbing the energy and creativity of the Los Angeles entertainment scene, elements that would later infuse her dance classes.
In high school, recognizing her physical fitness and seeking an alternative to traditional P.E., Del Bagno proposed teaching dance classes to her peers. The school approved, allowing her to create the curriculum while a teacher oversaw grading. This early teaching experience foreshadowed her career as a dance educator and innovator of dance classes. Later, attending The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she seamlessly integrated her dance training with her singing and acting talents in musical theater. While Broadway was a distant dream, Los Angeles offered a unique creative freedom that resonated with her.
The early 1980s were a golden age for dance in Los Angeles. Del Bagno received a full scholarship with Joe Tremaine, but she found herself increasingly drawn to acting. The AIDS epidemic cast a dark shadow over the dance and entertainment world, profoundly impacting the community. Dance in Los Angeles suffered a significant setback, taking decades to recover. This challenging period underscored the fragility of the arts community and the importance of nurturing and supporting artists, a philosophy central to Del Bagno’s dance classes and danceCREATE.
After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Del Bagno felt adrift. It was at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, studying with Milton Katselas, that she found the structure, leadership, and artistic voice she craved as an actor. Resisting typecasting, she consciously downplayed her dance background, even altering her walk to conceal her dancer’s posture. Like many dancers, she felt pressured by the notion of a career deadline, believing that if success hadn’t arrived by 21, it was too late. “I also felt that time was chasing me,” she admitted. This pressure and the desire to redefine success on her own terms likely contributed to her later focus on creating a supportive and encouraging environment in her dance classes.
Maria Del Bagno – A thoughtful portrait emphasizing her artistic depth and experience.
Del Bagno also wrestled with the dancer’s pursuit of technical perfection. “I found myself always chasing some kind of technical perfection,” she confessed, “And I wasn’t happy!” She began to discover the missing freedom and expression through acting, particularly drawn to the music incorporated into scene work. Music’s pull remained strong, hinting at a path back to dance, but on her own terms, a path that would inform the expressive nature of her future dance classes.
It was Katselas who recognized Del Bagno’s dancer’s soul. He told her, “Once you’re a dancer, you’re always a dancer, and not to dance is not to be all of who you are. Whether you do it professionally or not, you have to go back to dancing.” This pivotal statement liberated Del Bagno. Katselas wasn’t steering her away from acting but urging her to integrate her acting skills with her dance artistry to fully realize her creative potential. This encouragement to embrace her dance identity was a turning point, setting her on the course to develop her unique approach to dance classes.
Returning to Moro Landis Studios, Del Bagno was met with the stark reality of the AIDS epidemic’s impact. “It was like the day the music died,” she described the atmosphere. At an AIDS benefit concert, the memorial list in the program deeply shocked her, underscoring the losses the dance community had endured. This experience likely reinforced her desire to create a nurturing and supportive space within her dance classes.
Del Bagno recognized her need for a different kind of dance environment. “I need some kindness,” she confided in her friend Doug Caldwell. “I need to be able to ask questions. I need to be able to express myself. I need to be able to make mistakes. I need to find that little girl, that 5-year-old girl that would just dance freely in my living room.” This yearning for a safe and expressive space became the foundation for danceCREATE’s welcoming atmosphere and the core principles of her dance classes.
With support from Caldwell and Michael Rooney, Del Bagno embarked on a journey of rediscovery in the studio, alone with her music. “I began finding me again in the music, and how I danced,” she explained. “That was a big step. I came out of it rehabilitated. I wanted to dance. I wanted to perform. I wanted to teach and choreograph.” This period of personal rediscovery was crucial in shaping her teaching methodology and the emphasis on individual expression in her dance classes.
Her renewed passion led her to the role of Sheila in Chorus Line at the Curtain Call dinner theater. “It was a result of my rehabilitating myself,” Del Bagno stated. “Milton (Katselas) was right. Everything just started to come alive for me.” While working on From the Heart of Love, she began to define herself as a choreographer and to develop the teaching methods that would evolve into the signature dance classes at danceCREATE.
Collaborating with actor/director Richard Lawson on From the Heart of Love, a musical based on poetry, Del Bagno initially served as both dancer and choreographer. As the cast expanded, she focused solely on choreography. She was also teaching dance classes for actors at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, where the musical was being workshopped. The cast was remarkably diverse, encompassing various ethnicities and body types. Lawson encouraged Del Bagno to explore the unique qualities of this diverse group. Working with the cast daily, she began teaching them, and “it was here that it all began to come together for me,” Del Bagno recalled. “I suddenly realized that I had the ability to create a safe environment for artists.” This realization, born from working with a diverse group of performers, became the cornerstone of danceCREATE’s inclusive ethos and her approach to dance classes. She developed creative exercises that fostered trust and allowed students to shed their inhibitions. “They trusted me,” she added. “They trusted the space.”
This intensely creative period solidified Del Bagno’s path. “This interests me!” she realized. “I could put all those things together: my acting, my dancing, my singing, and my storytelling.” This integrated approach, combining various artistic disciplines, is a defining characteristic of danceCREATE’s offerings and the unique nature of her dance classes. Despite Broadway’s interest in From the Heart of Love, a rights dispute unfortunately halted the musical’s progress. This setback, while disappointing, provided a valuable lesson about protecting creative work.
Maria Del Bagno teaching at danceCREATE – Inspiring students with her passion and expertise.
Del Bagno recognized the profound impact of those four months working on the musical. “I told myself that I should put this into my teaching modality,” she decided. “As a teacher, I should find a way to blend technique and expression together.” This commitment to integrating technique and expression is the hallmark of her dance classes and the danceCREATE philosophy.
From there, she established and directed the dance program at the Beverly Hills Playhouse for six years. Katselas strongly supported her, consistently encouraging actors to take dance classes and dancers to study acting, recognizing the mutual benefits of physical and expressive training. Del Bagno, understanding actors’ hesitation towards traditional dance studios, brought her innovative teaching methods directly into the theater world. With Katselas’s help, she set up mirrors at the Skylight Theater in Los Feliz, another Playhouse venue, and began teaching. Word-of-mouth quickly spread, and her dance classes grew rapidly, attracting both actors and former dancers seeking to reconnect with movement.
“We put up shows, we workshopped original shows, and we workshopped classic shows but with an original twist on them,” Del Bagno described the vibrant creative environment. “It was a very, very creative time.” From 1999 to 2006, at the Skylight, Del Bagno taught approximately 350 students. Her dance classes became another artistic outlet, enhancing students’ physical communication, stage presence, and natural movement.
“What was really beautiful that started to happen in my classes then and to this day,” she reflected, “I teach a class that really is a performing artists space. All kinds of artists; actors, singers, dancers, writers, composers, photographers – different kinds of people who are looking for how to use dance and movement to be more expressive and creative.” She observed a powerful synergy between dancers, who brought discipline and posture, and actors, who inspired expressive freedom. This cross-disciplinary exchange is a unique and valuable aspect of danceCREATE’s dance classes.
“I integrated my classes, expression-based exercises that create community and collaboration,” Del Bagno explained. “It all starts in class as that kind of discovery, not just following but how do you originate and trust yourself.” This emphasis on originality and self-trust distinguishes danceCREATE’s dance classes from more traditional approaches.
Maria Del Bagno teaching at danceCREATE – Fostering a collaborative and expressive learning environment.
danceCREATE emerged organically from Del Bagno’s classes. In a “dance create” exercise, students contributed movement phrases, collectively building a dance piece set to music. This collaborative process boosted self-esteem and confidence, solidifying the foundation for danceCREATE’s ethos. The company, officially founded in 2016, embodies this creative process in its name and mission: danceCREATE is both a process, a space, and a company “for the dancer and creator in everyone.”
During the pandemic, Del Bagno adapted, moving all dance classes online via Zoom, including stretch and creative classes like “Let’s Create.” In-studio offerings include jazz, Actors Movement Workshop, and Dance Basics Boot Camps. She also envisions adding a legacy class to preserve and celebrate artists’ styles and legacies. Pre-pandemic, danceCREATE utilized Evolution Studios and planned further community outreach. Del Bagno’s future vision includes her own workshop/performance space, emphasizing production and showcasing student work. Her ambition is for danceCREATE to become a global company, with Los Angeles as its home base, offering its unique brand of dance classes and performance opportunities worldwide.
Del Bagno emphasizes that danceCREATE is more than just dance; it’s entertainment, storytelling through movement and music. “I have a passion for life-affirming and uplifting art,” she declares. Recognized by the Los Angeles Jazz Dance Foundation as a top choreographer, Del Bagno’s diverse credits include co-writing and producing “Alan Johnson – Let Me Entertain You!” and collaborations with Alicia Silverstone. Her choreography spans musical theater productions like Les Miserables, Fiddler On The Roof, and Grease.
Maria Del Bagno feels deeply grateful for the mentorship of numerous incredible artists throughout her career, including Alan Johnson, Hama, Jaime Rogers, Claude Thompson, and Michael Owens. To discover more about Maria Del Bagno and danceCREATE and explore their enriching dance classes in Los Angeles, click HERE.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Maria Del Bagno teaching at danceCREATE – Photo courtesy of the artist
