Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie-Louise Gaschler.
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?
Miami Dance Collective was founded in 2016 by Marie-Louise and Kristin Douthit Richards with a vision to create a space where artistry, integrity, and community could thrive under one roof. What began as a small group of passionate dancers in a modest studio has grown into one of South Florida’s leading centers for dance education. Rooted in the belief that strong technique and genuine artistry go hand in hand, MDC was built on the idea of training well-rounded dancers who not only excel on stage but also grow as humans: resilient, disciplined, and compassionate.
Now celebrating its tenth season, Miami Dance Collective continues to cultivate excellence across genres while remaining “rooted” in the same purpose that started it all: to inspire, connect, and uplift through the art of dance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
MDC’s journey has been far from easy. The pandemic tested the studio’s spirit in ways no one could have imagined. Classes moved to living rooms, hallways, and Zoom screens, yet the sense of community never wavered. When the world reopened, rebuilding wasn’t just about returning to normal; it was about reigniting purpose and re-establishing a space where dancers could safely grow again.
Later, when co-founder Kristin moved to Texas, another chapter of change began. It was a moment that required deep reflection, restructuring, and trust in the foundation that had been laid years before. Through these transitions, Miami Dance Collective stayed true to what has always set it apart. Prioritizing training over tricks, substance over show, and people over perfection.
Now, ten seasons later, MDC stands as a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of staying rooted in what truly matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Marie-Louise Gaschler is the heart and driving force behind Miami Dance Collective. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she has built a reputation as a visionary educator and mentor known for her commitment to training the whole dancer: mind, body, and spirit. Her choreography has been recognized nationally, but her greatest pride lies in the consistency, work ethic, and artistry her students carry beyond the studio walls. Marie-Louise is known for blending discipline with heart, creating an environment where excellence and empathy coexist. Under her leadership, MDC has become not just a studio, but a home: a place where dancers are encouraged to stay rooted, take risks, and grow into the artists and humans they’re meant to be.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Beyond her role as Artistic Director, Marie-Louise is also a mother, a role that deeply informs the way she leads and connects with her dancers and their families. She understands firsthand the challenges parents face in balancing the emotional, financial, and time demands that come with raising a child in such a competitive and consuming art form. That perspective allows her to lead with compassion and realism, ensuring that MDC remains a place where families feel seen, supported, and understood. Marie-Louise believes that dance should enhance a child’s life, not overwhelm it and that true success comes from balance, joy, and a shared love for the journey
Pricing:
- direct them to website: www.Miamidancecollective.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MiamiDanceCollective.com
- Instagram: @MiamiDanceCollective
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miamidancecollective
