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
Mariona Hawkins, originally from Barcelona, began dancing at the age of five and has been immersed in the world of movement ever since. Her training spans a wide range of styles, including Classical Ballet, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Commercial, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical, all studied at local schools in her hometown. She later completed her professional training at the Memory School of Performing Arts and further refined her skills at Plan D Professional Contemporary Dance School.
From an early age, Mariona discovered that her passion for teaching was just as strong—if not stronger—than her love for performing. She began assisting classes over 15 years ago and has since devoted herself to becoming a skilled and inspiring educator.
In 2017, Mariona founded Active Dansa with the vision of creating a supportive and professional environment where students of all ages and abilities could thrive. Her mission has always been to help dancers reach their full potential, build lifelong skills, and make unforgettable memories through dance.
Mariona continues to teach regularly at the studio, believing that teaching is the heart of her work. She is committed to delivering high-quality dance education, staying current through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and regular participation in masterclasses and independent teacher training courses.
Her broad experience across multiple styles allows Mariona to bring a rich movement vocabulary and diverse methodology to her classes, helping students become well-rounded and versatile dancers. She is especially passionate about technique and conditioning, which she sees as the foundation for progress, injury prevention, and sustainable careers in an increasingly demanding dance industry.
Mariona also places strong emphasis on nurturing creativity and self-expression, believing that dance is not just about movement—but about telling stories and connecting with others. Her goal is to shape not only skilled dancers but confident, expressive artists.
Mariona values the close relationships she builds with her students and their families. The trust and connection she has cultivated over the years are among the most meaningful aspects of her career, and she continues to take great pride in supporting each dancer’s individual journey.