Biography

AKA Mota Maria (I)

Maria has a background in Acting and as a TV/film Crew member for theatre, TV and film. She has been acting, dancing, and writing/directing since the age of 7.

At the age of 7, she was a break dancer. There was a break dance contest and her mother told her that she couldn't attend because she was sick. She then told her mom that she was feeling better, went to the break dance contest, and won the contest with a trophy award. Although her mother was upset that she went to the contest not feeling well, she was amazed of Maria'a tenacity. Throughout classes in grammar school she would tell her teacher that she wanted to perform an acting skid for the students. Although her teacher was amazed of Maria's humor and talent, she allowed her to show the students what she had written and performed. The teacher advised Maria to take acting classes and show her talents there as opposed to interrupting class with her skids.

For her high school prom, her mom couldn't afford to buy Maria a dress. So Maria told her Mom that she was going to find a way to make the best of what she had in her closet. Maria went to a tailor and told him what to do with the two dresses she had to combine as one. It was then that Maria realized that she had a great passion for wardrobe/fashion.

While taking care of her mom, Maria took dance classes when she had any free time to better her dancing skills. Although classes were full, Maria explained the importance of being a part of that school. She told the owner, "I only know street dance because my parents couldn't afford for me to attend dance school. Please give me the opportunity to become your assistant since you don't have room for any more students. I will work for free." The owner saw how serious Maria was and told her that if she wanted to be a part of the staff, she would have to assist with cleaning, front desk, and the mentoring program. With all of the dance techniques she learned from this dance school, Maria was able to lead and choreograph dance routines at her Salsa school in Manhattan and Dance team at her college.

When her mother past away, she took a job at the airlines to support herself while she was in college. When Maria was notified by the airlines that she was going to be lay off, she immediately started to pursue her acting career. In the midst of being lay off, she took an unpaid wardrobe stylist job for the film Bourne Legacy. Maria worked very well with the crew and was able to assist Tony Gilroy in directing a couple scenes. Although she didn't get credit for directing a couple scenes, Tony Gilroy advised Maria that it's not always about the awards/credits. It's about the journey in the process. He encouraged her to learn as much as she can when given an opportunity.

While attending the Penny Templeton acting school in Manhattan, she was informed of the Gotham TV series casting call. She attended the casting, but didn't get casted for any roles but was highly encouraged to be a part of it as a background actor. She then worked as background performer and got a lot camera time. She then starred in the Biggie Smalls musical play as Angie Martinez and back-up dancer. Although the classical play did not get a lot of publicity, it opened a few doors for Maria in the industry.

In the midst of the transition she became a curvy/hair model, danced in a Sasha Fierce act in night clubs as a backup dancer, and performed as a back up dancer for Michael Jackson dance street acts. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue her Acting career.
- IMDb mini biography by: Lea Dayton, assistant