Maray Gutierrez Ramis grew up in Havana, Cuba, studying at Escuela Nacional de Arte and performing with Danza Contemporánea de Cuba. She has worked with many groups across Chicago as a performer, choreographer, and teacher, including Hedwig Dances, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Concert Dance, Inc., and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as performing internationally.  In addition to teaching throughout the midwest, she is currently the Artistic Associate at Hedwig Dances.

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October 17, 2017: From a studio in the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Maray Gutierrez remembers her childhood and early dance training in Cuba, details the events that led to her immigration to the United States, and remembers settling in Chicago, where some of her family resides. She recalls how she and her husband, dancer Victor Alexander, auditioned for Hedwig Dances and chronicles her career in Chicago. At the end of the interview, Gutierrez describes and demonstrates the training she received at the Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana.