Marla McGarvey is the full-time dance director and teacher at Olympia High School, where she is passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment that allows students to discover their potential, develop their artistry, and grow as confident performers, leaders, and individuals. Through mentorship, creativity, and a commitment to student success, she strives to provide meaningful opportunities that encourage each dancer to thrive both on and off the stage.

A proud product of Orange County Public Schools, Marla was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and graduated from Cypress Creek High School. Her appreciation for dance began in her freshman year of high school as a member of the award winning color guard program. Through this experience, she developed her performance skills and continued her journey with nationally recognized ensembles, including The University of South Florida World and UCF Pegasus World. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and continued sharing her passion for the arts by teaching and mentoring students.

Prior to becoming a formal dance educator, Marla spent eight years building and leading the color guard program at University High School Orlando, guiding students to success through dedication, creativity, and strong leadership. In fall of 2022, she founded the dance program at Olympia High School, where she has grown the program from its humble beginnings into a thriving program featuring multiple dance teams and a phenomenal dance company.

Marla is committed to creating opportunities for students to grow as artists and leaders. Her choreography has been featured in school showcases, musicals, the Orange County Dance Gala, FFCC, and WGI events. She also serves on the Orange County Public Schools Dance Board as the High School Coordinator for OCPS All-County and Dance Performance Assessments, supporting the growth and advancement of dance education throughout the district.