Spending almost 20 hours a week in a dance studio, Mariana Loughmiller is no stranger to the stage. In fact, it’s where she thrives.
Having been a part of the Buford High School dance program and competitive dance team for the past three years, in addition to exercising her talents at the annual dance show and Young Choreographers Showcase, Loughmiller loves being center stage and wows audiences with her strength and power.
As she enters her final semester of high school and prepares to head off to college in the fall, Loughmiller acknowledges the impact of her experiences in the dance program at BHS.
“I can confidently say that the Buford Competitive Dance Team has been so helpful in teaching me about the dance team world and preparing me for things like college auditions,” Loughmiller said.
As Buford prides itself on AAA Excellence, that is, excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, Loughmiller is proud to most represent the arts, citing the Young Choreographers Showcase as one of her favorite events in which to participate because the students choreograph all the numbers in the show.
Buford dance teacher Ashley Smith recognized Loughmiller’s talent early in her high school career.
“I first met Mariana when she tried out for the BHS Competition Dance team three years ago. She was quiet and reserved and stood off to the side, but when she started to dance she blew us away,” Smith said. “She has impeccable technique and a work ethic second to none. Mariana eats, sleeps and breathes dance … many times I have to tell her to slow down!”
In addition to her time spent on the BHS Dance Team, Loughmiller trains nearly every day at Dance LAB Performing Arts Centre in Suwanee and has learned valuable lessons through her hard work and dedication to the activity she loves.
“I have been surrounded by so many wonderful people throughout my life. However, the last couple years, the person who has influenced me the most would have to be dance teacher Ms. Erin. She has played a major role in influencing me as a dancer and a person,” Loughmiller said. “She’s taught me discipline, good work ethic, and perseverance, which are important qualities that transfer over from the dance studio to my day-to-day life. She truly has helped me grow to be the confident and hardworking person I am today.”
After graduation in May, Loughmiller plans to continue her studies in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“I was recently accepted to the University of Alabama,” Loughmiller said. “I am going to get my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree and, hopefully, fingers crossed, I will be selected for Alabama’s 2025-2026 Dance Team. For senior year, though, I really just want to soak up my last couple of months at school, make memories, and end the year strong. I have also been very focused and hard at work getting all my college dance team recruitment videos submitted before the end of the school year.”
As she reflected on her time in high school, Loughmiller identified science teacher coach Mike Wentzler as one of her favorite teachers.
“Coach Wentzler is one of the funniest teachers I know and has an amazing sense of humor,” Loughmiller said. “I just enjoyed his class because he’s an amazing teacher, too.”
Outside of dance, Loughmiller enjoys writing and playing the piano, adding to her many talents. The daughter of Brooke Ruiz, Loughmiller comes from a large family, consisting of her two brothers, Orlando and Jaylon, ages 15 and 21, respectively, and her younger sister Mia, who is 5.
When she reflects on her high school experiences, Loughmiller was quick to give underclassmen some valuable advice.
“One piece of advice I would share with the underclassmen is to be involved! Go to the games, join a club, literally do anything,” Loughmiller said. “You don’t want to look back on high school and wish you would have had more fun.”
The Buford dance program will have big shoes to fill when Loughmiller graduates in a few months.
“Every performance she puts her heart and soul into and her passion for dance shines through each dance step. Mariana has that ‘it’ factor. Through the years she has come out of her shell and has become a leader and an integral part of the Buford Dance family,” Smith said of Loughmiller. “Mariana will leave a huge hole in the dance program as she graduates this coming spring, but I know she has bigger stages in store for her next chapter. Mariana has a bright future ahead of her and her Buford Dance family will be cheering for her along the way.”