Teacher

Mary Daniels Valles began dancing at age six in Thousand Oaks, California, training in ballet, tap, and jazz, and competing with Agoura Hills Dance.

At 14, she began studying with Ballet Arts and the Conejo Civic Ballet Company (CCBC). Under the instruction of Brett Weidlich, Eva Pokorny, and Helena Pokorny Jones, she performed in full-length productions of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, where she was cast in several featured roles.

Mary continued her dance studies at Texas Christian University (TCU), where she was accepted into the selective dance program and majored in ballet her freshman year. Although she shifted her degree path to graphic design, she continued training in both ballet and ballroom throughout her time at TCU.

After college, Mary immersed herself in the Dallas salsa and bachata scene, joining the Seduxion Bachata team as a performer and co-instructor. With the group, she traveled across the U.S. to perform at Latin dance festivals and congresses.

In 2019, Mary moved to Austin and reconnected with her love of ballet. As an adult ballet student herself, she understands the unique joys and challenges of returning to the studio and is passionate about the ways dance and movement can enrich life at any age or level.

With nearly 30 years of experience across a wide range of styles, Mary is excited to begin this new chapter teaching at DAP and sharing her ever-evolving love of dance.