(Courtesy photo)
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Dancers from Step by Step [SBS], a San Benito-based dance studio, will perform with That’s So Mariana at an NBA G-League Rio Grande Valley Vipers game on Jan. 31, 2025.
SBS Dance Studio is operated by San Benito’s own Dr. Kimberly Banda, the owner and director of Step By Step Dance Studio who has 37 years of experience in the dance world.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with dancers of all ages and skill levels. My journey began at age three at McMillan School of Dance in Harlingen where I trained for 16 years in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap and acro,” she said.
This strong foundation ignited her lifelong passion for dance, which carried her through high school, college and into her professional dance career. As she grew, she continued to dance in various genres. After performing with the NBA G-League RGV Vipers Snake Charmers, she phased into teaching. She became an English teacher and drill instructor for the San Benito High School Belles, spending eight years training the team for national competitions.
“These experiences deepened my love for teaching and mentoring young dancers, ultimately inspiring me to open my first dance studio in 2012,” said Banda.
Her studio grew to over 100 dancers within three weeks of opening. Banda decided to further her education and earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Digital Literacy, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Literacy.
SBS is Banda’s second dance studio. Opened in 2023, it has dancers from across the Rio Grande Valley. Banda says she takes special care of her dancers.
“We take the time to learn their names, goals, and strengths, and tailor our teaching methods to suit their individual needs,” stated Banda.
Banda calls her studio’s inclusion in the event an “incredible honor.” “I have a deep appreciation for the energy and professionalism required at such high-profile events. The opportunity to participate in this event not only reinforces the credibility of my studio but also highlights the dedication and talent of the dancers I mentor. To now have a few of my dancers experience that same level of excitement and exposure is truly rewarding,” stated Banda.
Banda hopes this experience will show a wider audience her dancing students’ skills and give her students an inspiring milestone on their dance journey.
Mariana is a student at SBS and already has an extensive background in performing. This includes work with Lil Nas X, DDG and NLE Choppa. Mariana has made appearances on Netflix, Hallmark and Nickelodeon. She has also launched a makeup line called Reignbow Drip. Branda worked with Mariana to prepare her for the Lil Wayne concert.
The other dancers chosen to perform alongside Mariana were chosen based on their skills and commitment. Many had previously worked with Mariana. Some of the other students were already committed to other events, but all were supportive of Mariana and their dance sisters.
“To make the selection process even more exciting, That’s So Mariana sent out a surprise video invitation to her SBS Dance Sisters, and their reactions were priceless,” stated Banda.
Trevor “Tha Rift” Donnelly Mariana’s father, is an independent singer/songwriter living in the Rio Grande Valley and Mariana both first opened for Lil Wayne last year.
As previously reported in the NEWS, Mariana has always been interested in singing and dancing, recalling that her mother continuously catches her dancing to any song that plays, so she joined ballet, but felt more confident dancing to hip hop music. When she was eight-years-old, Mariana recorded her first song, “Beach Besties” made for her by her father. Thereafter, she continued making more songs.
Besides singing and dancing, Mariana enjoys gymnastics and volleyball, and encourages her friends to pursue their dreams, never give up, and stands up for people that get bullied.
The Donnelly family moved to the RGV upon the encouragement of Tha Rift’s sister. They had previously lived in Los Angeles for six years.
When asked about the RGV, Tha Rift said, “Everyone has been very supportive here. Mom and pop businesses are very supportive, everyone is supportive of each other’s businesses, it’s thriving. People actually know what the meaning of community is here, and I love it. It feels like home, I’ve been everywhere around the country; I’ve been overseas and nowhere else feels like home but here.”
Banda encourages interested parties to keep their eyes open for spring 2025 registration. They are still enrolling for their Tiny dance team, aimed at ages six to seven. Their non-competitive Comp and Drill team is also open to ages 8-18. For more information, visit the SBS official website at www.stepbystepdance.net.
Tickets for the Jan. 31 performance are available at tix.axs.com.
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