warped  DANCE  company

Hackbarth began her study of ballet at the age of 7 and went on to graduate from the University of Wiscosin-Steven's Point with a BFA in Dance.  During her time at UWSP, she performed in several student choreographed showcases as well as faculty and guest artist choreographed productions.  As a dancer, she has worked with various companies and artists including Elation Dance Theater, Mary Anthony, Ko-Thi Dance Company and Doug Verone.  

Realizing her passion for choreography, Hackbarth began Warped Dance Company in 2007 and created WDC's Youth Ensemble in 2013. Since then she has been creating works and performance projects for many formal and alternative venues, as well as traveling both nationally and internationally, receiving praise and recognition for her innovative choreography. Recently, Maria has extended Warped Dance Company's capabilities into the next level and began training both the Youth and Professional companies in Aerial Silks, after earning her Level 1 Training Certification in 2014.  Maria is excited to annouce that she has been nominated and accepted  to serve on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Dance Council.  While on the board she will be leading a team to bring the first dance festival to Wisconsin in 2017.    

Hackbarth's artistic vision and choreographic style borrows from the neo-classical and contemporary ballet styles but opens the door to a more modern interpretation.  Her works include many and varied lifts, floor work and new alternatives to traditional partnering, rejecting the more "flowy" and "traditional" modern ballet compositions.  Instead, she provides more lines and shapes giving the viewer an edgier peek into the world of modern and contemporary ballet.  This type of choreography forces the dancer to dig deep into core strengths of ballet and move away from the predictable forms they have traditionally been forced to accept and repeat. Additionally, it encourages the dancer to explore their choreographic range, as Hackbarth works in a highly collaborative environment. This allows the dancer the opportunity to push their strengths, both mentally and physically.