Check Out Mariana Parma’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana Parma.

Hi Mariana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am first-generation American, and my family is from Uruguay, South America. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a dancer, performer, and actor. Whenever I heard music, I would get up and dance. I didn’t care where I was. It was the one time I remember not feeling timid or embarrassed. I felt completely free.

I began training at a local studio in New Jersey, the Kathy Rocca School of Dance, NJ. From there, I continued my training and earned my B.A. in Dance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.

I went on to dance professionally, touring and performing with many different companies and artists, including Romulo Larrea’s Orchestra, Polly Ferman’s Glamour Tango, and various tango productions at Thalia Spanish Theatre with the late renowned tango musician and director Raúl Jaurena.

Alongside performing, I expanded my career into choreography and teaching. I have choreographed musical productions such as *Evita* and have had the privilege of coaching Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, and renowned choreographers, and actors.

In 2023, I co-founded NYCity Tango Collective in New York City with the mission of bringing high-quality Argentine Tango instruction to the community at large. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people can experience and learn Argentine Tango regardless of race, gender, background, or social status. Tango is for everyone.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t believe we get very far in life without a few bumps in the road. I love the motto, “No Mud, No Magic.”
Growing up first-generation wasn’t always easy. Like many immigrants, my parents were trying to navigate a lot while juggling jobs to support our family. Extras, like affording dance classes, weren’t always possible. Fortunately, I was able to receive scholarships that allowed me to train. I also received financial aid to attend college and, after graduation, continued my training at the prestigious Steps on Broadway on scholarship.
Nothing was ever handed to me. I sought out opportunities because my desire was always greater than the effort it took to pursue them. Through all the hurdles I’ve had to overcome, I discovered that you can achieve what may seem impossible with faith, discipline, and tenacity.

I just keep rolling with grace. I give thanks for all the downs, the ups, and everything in between. After all, no mud, no magic.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a multi-hyphenate artist. I’m an actor, professional dancer, specializing in Argentine Tango, choreographer, instructor, and producer. At the heart of everything, I am a storyteller, whether it’s through movement, a character, or creating work of my own.

Argentine Tango has been a huge part of my career. I’ve performed, taught, and choreographed nationally and internationally, from the stage to television and film. I’ve had the privilege of coaching legendary performers such as Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune, as well as Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan. As a choreographer, I’m especially proud to have received the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Outstanding Choreographer for *Evita* and a HOLA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography for *Tango Fever*.

As an actor, I’m drawn to strong, layered characters who have lived, struggled, survived, and still have something to say. Being bilingual in English and Spanish and coming from a Uruguayan-American background are also important parts of what I bring to my work.

One of my proudest accomplishments was stepping behind the camera and creating my first short film, *El Montage*, which I wrote, produced, and starred in. The film went on to screen at 15 festivals in the U.S. and internationally and received multiple awards. Creating my own work taught me that I don’t have to wait for someone else to give me permission to tell a story.

In 2023, I also co-founded NYCity Tango Collective, where we are committed to making authentic Argentine Tango accessible to a diverse and inclusive community. Teaching gives me the opportunity to pass along everything this art form has given me while helping others discover their own connection to it.

What sets me apart is the combination of all these worlds. I can move between acting, dance, choreography, teaching, and producing, and each discipline makes the others stronger. I bring my culture, life experience, physicality, and resilience into everything I do.

What am I most proud of? Being the daughter of two wonderful parents, Graciela and Americo Parma, who taught me the importance of family, cultural traditions, acceptance, and staying true to who I am.

I’m also proud that I’m still evolving. I’m still curious, still creating, still taking risks, and still showing up, with gratitude for each day I’m given and for the gift of health and love.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is being grateful, finding spontaneity in everyday life, not overthinking, and treating people with dignity, no matter what their situation may be.

I believe what we put out into the world comes back to us. We reflect each other. Something as simple as a smile, a “good morning,” or a “thank you” can set the tone for your day, shift your mood, and influence everything that follows. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that have the greatest impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MarianaParma.com , www.Nycitytango.com
• Instagram: @Marianaoparma @Nycitytango
• Facebook: @Marianaoparma @nycitytango
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-parma-a0172a8/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarianaParma
• Other: https://imdb.me/MarianaParma

Image Credits
The first image of Head shot looking like image photo is by: Jeff Mosier