Ms. Maureen Bersuder-Mitchell began her formal dance training in the New Orleans area, where she was an active member of several dance companies. In 1985, she earned her Graduate Teacher of Dance Certification in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and acrobatics. Her professional journey continued as she performed with companies in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

At just 11 years old, Ms. Bersuder-Mitchell began traveling across the country to study under renowned master teachers, a commitment that continued throughout her early career. At age 26, she earned her degree in dance and was later recognized on national television as one of the country’s Top Young Dancers in ballet, jazz, and tap.

As both a competitive dancer and teacher, Ms. Bersuder-Mitchell has received numerous regional and national awards. Her students, under her expert instruction, have gone on to achieve Platinum Ballet and Jazz Championships, as well as multiple titleholder awards including Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Miss Dance USA. Her studio has earned countless accolades for outstanding choreography, performance, and technique across the United States.
Ms. Bersuder-Mitchell also served as a faculty member and choreographer for Junior Miss Pageants across Louisiana and Mississippi. She has judged numerous high school and college dance teams, competitions, and company auditions throughout the Southeast and Central United States.

In 1999, she was accepted into Dance Masters of America and the Louisiana Association of Dance Masters, after successfully passing rigorous written and practical exams in ballet, tap, jazz, and acrobatics—earning top scores. She and her students were also featured on the Rita Rudner television show after being selected from among participants at the Dance Masters of America National Convention and Competition in Las Vegas.

Throughout her career, Ms. Bersuder-Mitchell has been recognized with numerous “Teacher of the Year” awards for her excellence in dance technique and performance instruction. Many of her students—including Bailee and Madyson Mitchell—have gone on to win “Dancer of the Year” and national titles. She is also the proud recipient of the Marjorie Perry Award and, most recently, the prestigious Beverly Smith “Standout Teacher of Excellence” Award in Fall 2024, honoring her dedication and impact on the art of dance. Under her leadership, the Maureen Bersuder Academy of Dance Arts (MBADA) has garnered a long list of “Studio Excellence” and “Technique” awards over the past 30 years, with the most recent honors awarded in 2026.

Despite her many accolades, Ms. Bersuder-Mitchell remains deeply committed to nurturing dancers of all levels. Her focused instruction in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, acrobatics, musical theatre, pointe, and contemporary continues to provide a comprehensive program for both novice and competitive dancers. As the owner and director of MBADA, she and her dedicated staff use both their hearts and their expertise to inspire and educate students throughout Slidell, Pearl River, Metro New Orleans, South Mississippi, and the Northshore areas.