Dancer. Singer. Actress. Choreographer.
Bio
Mary Donnelly is a NYC based performer and creative with the Resolute Artists Agency. She is an alumna of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment at Oklahoma City University, where she received a Bachelors of Performing Arts with a major in Dance Performance. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Mary knew from a young age that performing was in her future. Early in her childhood, while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary witnessed the Radio City Rockettes perform for the first time, and the performance resonated with her deeply. Since then, Mary has pursued her dreams of performing and creating in the entertainment industry. Mary commutes to Manhattan regularly via train, and has availed herself of many opportunities germane to the entertainment industry in the New York Metropolitan area. Through fully immersing herself into the entertainment culture and by collaborating in creative processes, Mary has learned the value of self discipline and has fallen in love with the process of improving.
How It All Began
Mary began her dance career at age three. She grew up in a musical family, with her three brothers and father all playing either the guitar or piano. Mary's musical upbringing contributed greatly toward her love for music: for her, music was not merely a hobby, but a lifestyle she came to adopt. Mary started playing the piano at age four, which sparked a passion for music. She also plays the violin, flute, and piccolo, and is currently learning the guitar. Mary believes that music lies at the core of any dance, and that music serves as the backbone of tap and precision dance in particular. Music and dance have each contributed to Mary's musical persona in a unique way, and have helped her find fulfillment in entertainment.
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In high school, Mary experimented with playwright and music composition, writing scores for multiple instruments with storyboards and comic sketches. As an adolescent, she produced movies and productions in her house, ranging from stop motion films with voice over to modest musical productions. Mary's most influential comic inspiration, Jim Carrey, has inspired her to broaden her style of entertaining.
Mary trained with the June Claire Dance Centers of Long Island, under the direction of Lynda Gache. At June Claire, Mary was fortunate to learn Theatre Dance from Fosse Master Lloyd Culbreath, and Broadway Style Tap from Master Teacher Bill DeRicco. Mary took her first of many classes at Broadway Dance Center while at June Claire to learn Bob Fosse repertoire. Having learned historical and iconic numbers as a young dancer, Mary cultivated an appreciation for dance history that remains closely tied with her passion for dance as an art form.
Mary danced for the renowned JCLynn Dance Company before continuing her dance training at the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment with the American Spirit Dance Company. She is perpetually grateful for both training experiences, which have each greatly contributed to her skillset.