Mariona Hawkins -

Founder & Artistic Director

Mariona Hawkins is a highly accomplished dance educator, choreographer, creative director, and producer with over a decade of experience inspiring and training young dancers. She is the founder and director of Active Dansa in Lisburn and co-owner of Dansa The Studio Belfast, both of which have become known for their commitment to technical excellence and artistic development in dance.

Mariona has played a pivotal role in guiding students of all ages toward successful careers in the performing arts. With more than 13 years of experience teaching children, she has prepared students for examinations across multiple syllabus, led a high-achieving competition team and created a school that grown from strength to strength since 2017.

She currently serves as an Examiner and Artistic Director at International Performing Arts and Theatre (I-PATH) and holds Registered Teacher Status with a Level 4 & 5 Teaching Diploma with both Bbodance and is also registered teacher with I-PATH. Mariona is also the creator of the official AcroDance syllabus for I-PATH, a major contribution to international dance education.

  • Examiner and Artistic Director at International Performing Arts and Theatre (I-PATH)

  • Registered Teacher Status with BBODANCE

  • Level 5 Diploma in Dance Teaching with BBODANCE

  • Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching with BBODANCE

  • Registered Teacher with International Performing Arts and Theatre (I-PATH)

  • Module 1 Certified Acrobatic Arts teacher

  • Module 2 Certified Acrobatic Arts Teacher

  • Module 2 Certified Acrotrix Teacher

  • Module 1 Certified Alixa Flexibility teacher

  • Certified Pre-School Acrobatic Arts teacher

  • Anatomy and Physiology Diploma by International Dance Teaching Association (IDTA)

  • Certified Teacher of Progressing Ballet Techniques (PBT)

  • BA Honours Degree in Journalism & Corporate Communication

  • Masters Degree in Business Management