Maggie Parungao-Ferla
Founder

"Leading by Example: Extraordinary Women of the South Bay"
Gentry Magazine

Maggie danced professionally with San Francisco Ballet, Bejart Ballet in Switzerland and the Hamburg Ballet in Germany. Touring extensively through-out the world, she performed corps de ballet, soloist and principal roles in a wide variety of Classical Ballet and Contemporary dance styles. As a dancer, she worked with internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Maurice Bejart, John Neumier, Helgi Tomasson, William Forsythe, David Bintley, and Mats Ek, performing in world premiere pieces.

Maggie is originally from the Philippines, where she began her ballet training. She produced, directed and choreographed in many forms, from original, multi - disciplinary contemporary dance works to Classical Ballet, such as "Spring Forward Fall Back", "Sleeping Beauty", "Nutcracker", "Midsummer Night's Dream", and an excerpt from "Les Sylphides".

She was a member of the dance faculty at San Jose State University and also taught at Lines Ballet. She trained and mentored students who received scholarships with schools such as the San Francisco Ballet, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. She is equally proud of her students for their academic accomplishments. Of special importance to Maggie is the production of innovative artistic programs and projects that reach out to the community. She enjoys collaborating with her students, teachers and fellow professionals to further develop the youth in the arts. She is always in search for new and exciting learning experiences for her students. In 2003, she and Mr. Ferla founded San Jose Youth Ballet. Maggie loves to spend time with her daughter, Zoe, her husband, Xavier and to have the opportunity to share her love of dance and theatre.