Dancer
Maria Tylek (Rodriguez)
Maria Tylek (Rodriguez) studied Flamenco, ballet, jazz, modern and ethnic dances. Born in Ecuador, upon moving to the US at age 15, she became one of the youngest members of Ballet Hispanico of New York. When she was 17, she returned to Ecuador, where she danced with the Ecuadorian Ballet Dance Company of Quito and toured throughout South America and also toured with The Grand National Opera. Since returning to the US, she joined the Callpulli Mexican Dance Company and toured throughout the US, including Carnegie Hall. She has danced for Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre, specializing in classical Spanish and Flamenco dance, as well as dances from Ecuador and Mexico. Maria taught Flamenco, jazz and ballet for the Montclair Board of Education and currently teaches at the Sharon Miller Dance Academy in Montclair.