Catherine Ayla's story

Catherine’s love for dance began at the age of five in a family-owned community dance studio in Takoma Park, Maryland. She trained in ballet, tap, and jazz before taking a break in high school to focus on cheerleading—though her passion for movement never faded, as she continued choreographing routines for school events.

At 17, Catherine fell in love with ballroom dance after watching Dirty Dancing. Inspired by a line from the film, she discovered that Arthur Murray Dance Studios were real—and soon found herself training as an instructor at her local studio. With her strong dance foundation, she quickly mastered leading and following in a variety of styles, including Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Tango, Cha-Cha, and Rumba. Over the next three years, she taught over 20 lessons per week, coaching students to compete and perform. Seeking to deepen her expertise in competitive international ballroom, she transitioned to Dushor Dance Studio, where both she and her students thrived, earning recognition and awards—including her student’s Best Newcomer Award at an international event in 2007.

In 2010, Catherine partnered with Manny Diaz, and together they competed and performed in numerous events. Eventually, they shifted their focus to performance, developing salsa routines showcased at venues like the Capital Salsa Congress in 2017. Tragically, in 2018, Manny passed away from cancer, prompting Catherine to step away from dancing professionally.

Over the past few years, Catherine has dedicated herself to sharing the joy of dance with others. She has taught introductory dance sessions at private clubs and events, choreographed first dances for more than 50 wedding couples, and worked one-on-one with experienced dancers to refine their skills. Whether teaching a beginner their first steps or helping a seasoned dancer perfect their craft, Catherine’s passion for movement and storytelling continues to inspire those she teaches.