Mara joined AUDA in 2020 but has been dancing since she was three years. She traveled all over the world for dance, studying in Winnipeg, New York and London. However, she was always drawn to her Ukrainian culture and dance, thus leading her to join the Ukrainian Shumka dancers at the age of 15. Mara loves to perform intricate Transcarpathian choreography, yip, hoot, and holler during a fast-paced Hutsul dance, transform into different characters, and yelling “HEY” at the end of an incredible and exhausting Hopak! Mara became a teacher and choreographer at the age of 14, and since continues to teach Ukrainian and Ballet. She is currently studying at the University of Alberta as a major in English and minor in Creative Writing, Ukrainian Culture, Language and Literature, and Women and Gender Studies, with aspirations to continue her education to become a teacher. During her spare time, Mara loves to cuddle with her puppy Kozak, tend to her plants, read, and do crafts!