Step Dance Judge ~ Maria Pepplar

Maria Pepplar – Maria began step dancing at the age of five, and competing in Ontario’s fiddle and step contests shortly after, achieving many first place finishes over the years.

In 2019, Maria earned the title of Ontario Open Stepdance Champion for the second consecutive year, and won top honours at The Southwestern Ontario and Northern Ontario Championships. She has been part of two successful groups, The Reel Deal and UnReel, and is a three-time Canadian and Ontario Open Group Dance winner.

Now retired from competing, she is still active in the contest circuit, judging or tabulating. In addition to competing, Maria has taught with Chanda Leahy’s School of Dance as well as Leahy Camp, and has danced in many shows and festivals across Ontario.

Maria is thrilled to be returning to the Ontario Open Fiddle & Step Dance Contest again this year!