Conversations with Maria Kordit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Kordit.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began ballroom dancing at the age of nine in Seattle, WA. My training has allowed me the privilege to work with some of the best coaches in the world and experience the true heart of competitive DanceSport. Along my journey, I faced challenges in balancing my passion for dance and performance with the academic demands of pursuing a healthcare career. Despite the challenges, I made it a priority to always carve out time for dancing or teaching, even if it was just one hour a week. In those moments, I felt free, truly disconnected from the day-to-day obligations—a form of meditation in motion.

As my career evolved—from pre-medical studies, to working as an ophthalmology surgical technician, and now executive roles in public health policy and healthcare technology—I never let go of dancing and teaching. I believe that the key priorities in life, like being a mother or having a career, shouldn’t require us to abandon our gifts and passions.

When I moved to Wake Forest four years ago, I found myself frequently driving around the Triangle area, renting scattered and occasionally expensive studio space when needing to teach my students. In Wake Forest specifically, I encountered so many wonderful, passionate people—whether in music, singing, drama, or other arts—who, like me, lacked a platform to build on. Many of us have incredible talents, but turning those passions into a full-time business or taking on the financial risks of opening a traditional studio is not always feasible.

That’s why I created MK Creative Arts Studio: a small, intimate boutique space where people can flourish, whether they are just starting or continuing their artistic journeys, especially when more standard structures have limitations. I continue to teach dance for about 10 hours a week, working with a wide range of students from wedding couples to individuals recovering from injury, those looking to enhance their mental health.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest challenges have been self-doubt and finding the best ways to share my love of dance with this community. Growing up in Seattle and living in New York prior to moving to the Triangle Area, there was not only a significant variety of dance halls and social events but also a deep cultural appreciation for dance. Reflecting on my childhood, dance was even a mandatory part of our school curriculum. I feel that, as a society, we’ve let go of that tradition. Some attribute it to the impact of technology, while others see it as a shift brought on by the pandemic. Regardless, I’ve noticed that the hesitation around ballroom dancing seems more pronounced here. However, I believe that with the right teachers and studios, we can grow together and make dance a meaningful and central part of our lives again.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

My primary career is in population health management, where my role is to understand new Medicare and Medicaid policies as they emerge and empower primary care providers, as well as those serving vulnerable populations like federal health centers, to not only adopt these programs but also implement them successfully. This requires a deep understanding of data aggregation and how current technological tools can be leveraged to improve patient care. My focus is on helping physicians understand what is happening with their patients outside the clinic, connecting them to social resources, and ensuring a continuum of care throughout a patient’s life.

A key part of my expertise lies in social determinants of health and value-based care. This approach shifts the focus from clinicians being paid per encounter to being compensated based on the actual health outcomes of their patients. To achieve this, we have to address all the factors that influence health—access to food, safe housing, transportation, and more. I am especially proud of my current work with the New York State Department of Health, ensuring that every Medicaid recipient is screened for social service needs and provided help, whether it’s a new air conditioner or medically tailored meals.

Balancing that with my dance career, I take pride in my ability to cater to diverse learning styles and personalities. For example, an engineer might need a methodical, step-by-step breakdown of movement mechanics, while a more visual learner benefits from clear demonstrations they can replicate. I believe this adaptability is what sets me apart as a dance teacher—I know how to make learning fun, practical, and transformative. Whether it’s helping someone gain more body awareness, feel more comfortable in their skin, or understand the mechanics of movement, I am proud of every student who has come through my classes and flourished in confidence.

One student from a decade ago stands out—a man who was a widower, struggling to find meaning and purpose again. Dance gave him a community and a sense of belonging, ultimately saving him from what could have been a tragic outcome.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
As a creative, self-doubt can feel like a constant companion. Dance is so multidimensional—there’s the technical side, musicality, style, and so much more. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you shouldn’t be doing something because someone else does it better. Why should I teach if there’s a better teacher? Why should I perform if there’s a better performer? Overcoming that mindset has been one of my greatest lessons, and it’s something I strive to share with my community. You don’t have to be a maestro or virtuoso to connect with others and share something beautiful. The most important lesson I’ve learned as an artist is to recognize my self-worth and understand that being the best version of myself is enough—it will resonate with someone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mkcreativeartsstudio.com
• Instagram: @mkcreativeartsstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkcreativeartsstudio