Born in Lisbon, Mariana began her dance studies at Escola de Dança do Conservatório Nacional. At 15, she began to participate in international competitions, namely, in Prix de Lausanne and in the Varna Ballet Competition. At 16, she was a finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix, receiving a fellowship to study at the Royal Ballet School of London.
In 2012, she joined the Northern Ballet dance company, dancing as soloist until 2021. Her most significant roles with Northern Ballet include Madame de Pompadour in Casanova, Princess Beatrice in Victoria, Bertha in Jane Eyre, and The Stepmother in Cinderella.
As a choreographer, her most important works include Little Red Riding Hood, a children ballet filmed for the CBeebies TV channel, and the piece Termagant, danced by the Northern Ballet and by the Cape Town City Ballet. The latter earned her the Best Choreography Prize at Dance Open America.
In addition to dancing, Mariana has also worked as a delivery lead at Tonic Theatre, an organization focused on promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the arts.
Mariana currently teaches Classical Dance Technique, Pointe Technique, Repertoire, and Character at Academia de Dança Contemporânea de Setúbal and at Dance Spot Conservatório. She is also invited to teach at both Portuguese and international schools and dance companies on a regular basis.
