From Paris, France to Los Angeles, CA
Maryss was born and raised in Paris, France and spent summers growing up in Naxos, Greece. She is half-French and half-Greek. She grew a love for dance after seeing Michael Jackson on television at a young age. It drove her to travel the world and want to dance with the greatest dancers and musicians. Her moniker "Maryss" was formed from Mary (English version of Marie) and "super star" (SS). She has an extensive resume in commercials, including Sprite, Pepsi, Old Navy, JCPenny, iPod, and recently, a brand partnership as one of the Hamsters for the Kia Soul campaign. She has performed with numerous artists including Michael Jackson, Usher, Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliott, Common, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, and the Black Eyed Peas. She has done world tours with Billy Crawford, Chris Brown, and Justin Timberlake.
Although she is primarily focused on raising her son and growing her businesses (below), she is still active in teaching and choreography. You can find her at her studio - Debbie Reynolds LEGACY Studios, and occasionally Millennium and mL studios in Los Angeles. She also does workshops and teaches internationally.
In 2003, seven original members came together to form the crew, being: Alison "Al*Star" Faulk, Teresa "Ragdoll" Espinosa, LindseyB "OutThere", Julie "Lady Jules" Urich, Keeley "LockN' Key", Rino Nakasone and Marie "Maryss from Paris" Courchinoux. All original members, minus Nakasone and Courchinoux, had previously worked together in another group called the "Groovaloos."
When the crew decided to participate in America's Best Dance Crew, they recruited Alex Welch "BGirl Shorty". BGirl Bonita integrated in 2010; she, too, took part of the group "Groovaloos" with the seven original members. In May 2015, the crew added another member, Randi Fleckenstine.
With the exception of Rino and Maryss, all members were born and raised in the United States. Rino was born in Okinawa, Japan, and Maryss was born in Paris, France. Each of the crew members have appeared in music videos, films, and tours with world-renowned artists that include: Pink, Britney Spears, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, The Jonas Brothers and Avril Lavigne.
As individual dancers, they have made appearances on: "You Got Served," "Step Up 2: The Streets", "Stick It", "Prom Night", "Go For It!", "Camp Rock 2: Final Jam", "Shake It Up", and "B-Girl", which is headlined by Lady Jules.
In 2008, the crew was featured in the highly publicized dance battle Youtube videos with Miley Cyrus, dancing beside Miley. They also had an appearance in Justin Bieber's music video for "Somebody To Love".
In 2009 they were featured on America's Best Dance Crew and finished runner up.
In 2010 they were voted Best Female Dance Crew in the world at the World of Dance Awards.
“Don’t tell people your dreams... show them.
Freak your dream. ”
Inside Dance Feature
Check out our cover feature in the March 2018 issue of Inside Dance Magazine