Meet Marisa Petrarca | Dancer & Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marisa Petrarca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve loved to dance for as long as I can remember. My parents enrolled me in dance classes when I was just three years old, and I haven’t looked back since. Growing up, I was competitively trained in tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, ballet, and contemporary. As I developed, I transitioned into a pre-professional modern company and hip hop crew to deepen my training and gain broader exposure.

Dance has always been more than a skill — it’s who I am. It’s my voice when I don’t have the words. It gives me freedom, joy, and a deep sense of purpose. There’s nothing that compares to the feeling I get when I’m moving — it’s when I feel most alive, most connected, and most myself. Dance allows me to express what I’m feeling on the inside and turn it into something powerful, something that moves people.
I always knew I wanted to pursue dance as a full-time career. It challenges me and pushes me far beyond my comfort zone — and I love that. I crave the growth that comes with it and the ability to keep evolving, not just as a dancer but as a person.

Throughout college, I danced on my university’s team and became captain my second season. I was also honored to dance for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons for five seasons, serving as team captain for three — a dream come true. In Detroit, I co-directed Thee Plastic Dollz, a dance crew that allowed me to lead, create, and share my passion with others in a way that felt raw and real.

Since launching my professional dance career, I’ve had the pleasure of performing for artists including Montell Jordan, Illenium, Slander, Tiësto, Dillon Francis, Glitterbox, Wreckno, Dev, Baby Money, Kash Doll, and more. It’s the most incredible feeling to perform and actually get paid to do what I love. I never take that for granted — every stage, every rehearsal, every connection reminds me why I chose this path.

A year ago, I took the leap and moved from Detroit to Miami to pursue dance full-time. It’s been the biggest and most rewarding step in my artistic journey. I’m constantly growing, creating, and rediscovering who I am as an artist. My goal is to keep evolving and to inspire others to follow what lights them up — because for me, dance is everything. It’s my freedom, my passion, and the heartbeat of who I am.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is an extension of who I am — bold, expressive, ever-evolving, and rooted in passion. What sets me apart is not only my unique style and look, but the energy and intention I bring into every performance. I move with purpose. My ambition fuels me, but it’s my authenticity that keeps me grounded and connected to my craft.

One of the moments I’m most proud of is performing at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater alongside one of my favorite childhood artists, Dev, and one of my best friends. It felt surreal — like a full-circle moment that reminded me why I do what I do. I’m also incredibly proud of the leap I took moving across the country from Detroit to Miami to fully pursue my dream. It was scary, but it changed everything.

Getting to where I am today has taken courage, persistence, and a lot of self-belief. It hasn’t been easy — there have been setbacks, doubts, and moments where I questioned everything. But I’ve learned to trust my instincts, lean into my training, and have faith that God is guiding me in the right direction. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and that mindset has helped me move through challenges with grace.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are to stay patient, be kind to everyone you meet, and never let fear make your decisions. Energy is everything, and when you move with good intention, the right people and opportunities will align.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I’m here — fully, authentically, and unapologetically. I’m not afraid to take risks, evolve, and put my heart on the line for what I love. No matter what comes my way, I will keep moving forward with grace, and I hope to inspire others to do the same — to chase their dreams boldly, and never dim their light.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival & Sunset
Stroll Ocean Drive + South Beach
Dinner at Paya
Drinks at Clevelander or Palace Bar

Day 2: Beach & Arts
Beach morning + bikes
Lunch at Planta
Explore Wynwood Walls
Dinner at Astra

Day 3: Pool Day + Night Out
Brunch at Big Pink
Pool/cabana at Goodtime Hotel or Strawberry Moon
Dinner at Baoli
Night out at LIV

Day 4: Adventure + Nature
Kayaking/Boating
Lunch at La Sandwicherie
Sunset at South Pointe Pier
Dinner at Papi Steak

Day 5: Shopping
Lunch at Pura Vida
Shop Lincoln Road or Design District
Dinner at Giselle

Day 6: Local Culture + Dancing
Brunch at Greenstreet Café
Explore Little Havana
Dinner & Wine at Lagniappe

Day 7: Chill & Reflect
Sunrise beach walk or yoga
Brunch at The Local House
Souvenir shopping or final beach dip
Sunset dinner at Smith & Wollensky

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible mother, Tina Petrarca. She has been my biggest inspiration and strongest supporter throughout my entire journey. From the moment I fell in love with dance, she’s been right by my side — encouraging me, cheering me on, and reminding me that I’m capable of achieving anything I set my heart on.

Her love, strength, and constant motivation have shaped who I am, both as an artist and a person. She pushes me to grow, to never settle, and to keep chasing my dreams no matter how big they are. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her unwavering support and belief in me. She’s the most supportive, loving, and caring person in my life, and I’m forever grateful for her presence and impact on my journey.

Instagram: @ris.antoinette

Other: Tiktok: @ris.antoinette

Image Credits
Photographer @adinayev_media
Photographer @y.s.a