Marina Krumins-Beens: an outstanding member of the MHS community. Marina is a true inspiration to all underclassmen with her dedication and remarkable leadership skills. Student by day and dancer by night, Marina KB wears a dozen hats.
“Marina is truly one of the hardest working people I know and I am in constant awe of everything she accomplishes. Not only is she gifted academically, but she’s an amazing dancer as well. I’m so lucky to be able to call her a friend!” - Anika Kundu
Marina has been involved with dance since she was three years old when she took recreational classes at her daycare. She gradually started taking more classes and enrolled in a local dance studio, where she began dancing competitively in first grade. After the COVID-19 quarantine in 2021, Marina began commuting to the city for classes, transitioning from her home studio to a more city-based education. Working to balance her classes in NYC with her MHS studies, she found time management to be extremely important. Marina discovered “ways to be productive in any environment,” completing homework on the train, reading during her breaks, and always looking for times to fit in some work. Returning to dance after COVID-19 gave Marina a greater appreciation for the ability to dance with other people. The restrictions were lifted and dancers were able to take class in person as compared to over a screen, and Marina was reminded of how much she valued this collaborative experience.
“Marina is so amazing and talented! She works so hard in school and dance especially, but regardless of what it is, she always puts 110% into anything she’s involved in. She’s so reliable.” - Maggie Rivera
In the summer before her sophomore year, Marina completed a summer intensive with Koin & Co, a NYC-based dance program, and was offered acceptance to their Junior Training Program. Through this program, Marina participated in various mock auditions where dancers could gain experience along with building connections with real agents. With these connections, Marina was eventually offered a contract with Bloc NYC Talent Agency, which “felt like a dream.” It was an amazing experience for Marina which she feels very lucky to have gotten. Bloc allows Marina to attend various auditions and submit reels for different performance opportunities. She was able to gain more perspective on the different aspects of dance, experience different styles and the process of auditioning, and discover which types of dancing she finds fulfilling.
“Marina is an incredibly hard-working person. She puts her full attention into everything she does and excels at everything she does. She is a kind person and a great friend.” - Sweta Patel
Marina loves how through dance “you can find community and build relationships with people you value greatly.” She loves how dance allows you to express yourself and works as an emotional release. Currently, Marina is working on a senior solo in her favorite style, contemporary, with choreographer Emily Greenwell. This solo will soon debut at the Peridance annual showcase. Marina loves the movement of contemporary and gravitates towards these classes the most. She noted how many of the contemporary teachers and programs she attended were connected, each having a similar energy and with very welcoming spaces. She truly enjoys the noncompetitive, supportive environment of contemporary dance.
“Madame President is the most genuine and incredible person. Her work ethic is just so amazing. I’m so lucky to call her my friend.” - Mary McGrath
Many know Marina as the student body’s Executive President, where she organizes school events and oversees the individual councils. She joined the student council in her freshman year, where she ran for president and won the position. Marina continued to hold the position of class president for the next two years and was promoted to executive her senior year. When discussing student council, Marina described her favorite memory: the morning of door decorating. She is truly impressed by the amount of people who come to help, braving the early 6 am call time to support their grades. Marina loves seeing the progress and watching the decorations come together as it nears 8 am. During door decorating, Marina notes how the school truly “feels like a community.”
“Marina is the best: she puts in long hours commuting to the city regularly for dance, is heavily involved in Student Council, Breaking The Chain, organizing the Blood Drive, and probably a hundred other activities, and yet she is still a tremendous math student. But the reason she is the best is because despite all of this, Marina still brings enthusiasm and humor to class every day - even when I'm sure she's exhausted - and treats everyone with respect and kindness; she truly makes class a better place. I'm so happy I've had her in class for two consecutive years - she will be greatly missed next year!” - Mr. Murray
When Marina was asked about her most impactful teachers, she quickly replied with Mr. Murray, a proven fan favorite. Marina describes how Mr. Murray works so hard to support his students and ensure that they are prepared for anything and feel comfortable with the material they’re learning. She’s had him as her teacher for both Pre-Calculus and Calculus and has truly enjoyed his class.
If you haven’t already heard, Marina Krumins-Beens has announced her commitment to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She fell in love with the city while traveling there for a dance event, and was drawn to the unique programs that Northeastern offers, including co-op and travel abroad opportunities. Marina also knows a few people who currently attend the school and saw that all seemed to truly love it. After Marina found out about her acceptance, she was instantly relieved and excited for her future. This admission allows her to enjoy the rest of her senior year stress-free, looking brightly ahead! And yes, Marina will be continuing with dance through college. There are many incredible dance opportunities in Boston, which was a big motivation for her commitment, as she wants to ensure dance is something she’s always able to do.
“Marina is one of the most genuine and kindhearted people I know. She cares so much for all of the people in her life and is incredibly supportive of them in whatever they do. Anyone who is able to call Marina a friend is exceptionally lucky.” - Hannah Soden
Throughout her interview, Marina emphasizes the idea of community, both in dance and in school. Marina describes how “every time you walk through the hallways, there’s a student or teacher saying hi,” and “this sense of community is translated throughout many aspects of the school.” When asked about advice to underclassmen, Marina recommends making the most of your experience at MHS. She says, “Your experience at the school is entirely dependent on what you choose to do with your time here,” so “take advantage of the clubs and activities that the school offers, and value the relationships you have with your friends and teachers.” Appreciate other people, appreciate every opportunity, and appreciate what’s around you. Learn from Marina KB, and make the most of every moment! Lead with confidence, try new things, and don’t be afraid to pursue your passions!
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