Talented — Mariana Donnelly, a 12-year-old dancer studying at Step by Step Dance Studio in San Benito, known by her stage name, “That’s So Mariana,” recently traded the studio floor for the Hollywood red carpet, earning her the Best Performance Award at LA WEBFEST. (Courtesy photo)
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
Mariana Donnelly, a 12-year-old dancer training out of Step by Step Dance Studio in San Benito, known by her stage name, “That’s So Mariana,” recently traded the studio floor for the Hollywood red carpet as standout performance in the short film, White and Black Canvas, directed by Luis Antonio Rodriguez, earned her the Best Performance Award at LA WEBFEST.
“The night I received photos of her on the red carpet, I was nearly in tears. She looked stunning!” said Dr. Kimberly Banda, owner and director of Step by Step Dance Studio. “She was getting interviewed by the press, sitting in her seat, anxiously waiting for her category to come up. I’ll never forget the moment I got the text from her mom while closing up the studio. I screamed to my assistant director, ‘Mariana just won!’”
The studio closely followed Mariana’s Hollywood journey. “The day before she flew to Hollywood, we were in the studio rehearsing,” Banda recalled. “From the moment she left to her arrival and walked down the red carpet, we followed every step. We shared her journey on our social media pages. All our dancers were watching, rooting for her.”
When news of her win broke, the studio erupted in celebration. Banda received a video from Mariana’s family showing the young star accepting her award on a Hollywood stage.
“I just couldn’t believe what I was witnessing,” Banda said. “A 12-year-old, one of our own Step by Step dancers, giving an acceptance speech. I told her mom, ‘God has blessed you with a girl to share with the world. Look at her making big moves!’”
And big moves, she made.
“I was literally shaking when they called my name,” Mariana said. “It didn’t feel real. I walked up there, holding the award in my hands, and I just kept thinking, ‘This is really happening.’”
The celebration continued with a surprise airport welcome, where Banda gathered dancers and families with signs and flowers. “As soon as Mariana stepped off that plane, we cheered with everything we had,” Banda said. “She was completely surprised and ran to hug each one of her dance sisters. It was such a beautiful reminder of what it means to be part of a dance family.”
Mariana’s humility shone when she brought her award to the studio during showcase practice. “Her dance sisters were in awe,” Banda said. “She sat down with them, shared her journey, answered their questions, and encouraged them to dream big. She’s not just a performer; she’s a leader and a role model.”
“I told them, ‘You can do it too,’” Mariana said. “It just takes hard work and believing in yourself. I used to watch award shows on TV and think, ‘Maybe one day,’ and now it’s happening.”
Mariana’s talent stood out from the start. “She was quiet, humble, and ready to get to work,” Banda said. Two months after joining, Banda learned of Mariana’s rising fame, including music video appearances with major rap artists and an opening performance for Lil Wayne.
Banda, who brings over 35 years of dance experience and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, has owned Step by Step for nearly three years. Her mission goes beyond teaching dance—it’s about fostering a community where young artists can chase big dreams. Mariana’s win, she said, embodies that vision.
“This moment means everything to me as a studio owner. It reaffirms why I pour my heart into this work every day. It’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and helping dancers see what’s possible,” she said. “I was amazed by her focus, professionalism, and star quality. But what impressed me most was her work ethic. She never used her projects as an excuse to miss class.”
Mariana’s win signifies more for the studio than a single accolade. “It means we’re not just creating skilled dancers,” Banda said. “We’re shaping well-rounded performers who can succeed in multiple facets of the arts. Mariana’s award is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when we believe in ourselves and each other.”
Her success resonates across the local arts community in San Benito, Harlingen, and the Rio Grande Valley. “Her win proves that homegrown talent can shine on a global stage,” Banda said. “It gives hope and inspiration to others in our community who may be hesitant to pursue their artistic dreams.”
Mariana’s dance sisters feel her impact deeply. Victoria Garza, the studio’s dance captain, said, “I feel honored to be dancing alongside an award-winning actress, but to me, she’s more than that. She’s a fellow dance sister and a wonderful young girl who sets a great example for the team to keep pushing and dreaming.”
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