About Maya Hayes& StarFire Productions

Founded by Maya Hayes, StarFire Productions began in Mississippi when Maya opened her very first dance studio at just 15 years old. Encouraged by her mother to help support performing arts programs within the Jackson Public School System, Maya quickly became one of the most recognized dance and drill team instructors in the region — teaching middle school, high school, collegiate dance squads, marching bands, and cheerleading teams throughout Mississippi.

At age 17, Maya's professional entertainment career began when she was selected to dance backup for the legendary James Brown. From there, her career expanded nationally and internationally as she performed alongside some of the music industry's biggest names including Earth, Wind & Fire, Mystikal, Mýa, and Jessica Simpson while attending Jackson State University.

In 1996, Maya entered the world of professional sports entertainment, joining the National Basketball Association during three championship seasons under Michael Jordan. Soon after, she earned a place as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader — famously known as America's Sweethearts of the National Football League.

Maya later returned to the NBA as a member of the Dallas Mavericks dance organization, where she also served as a choreographer for four years. In 2015, she expanded into Arena Football entertainment, becoming one of the industry's most sought-after entertainment coordinators and choreographers.

Today, she continues to lead and mentor performers across Texas while preparing aspiring professionals for opportunities at the collegiate and professional levels. Through StarFire Productions, more than 25 dancers and cheerleaders have gone on to perform in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and other professional organizations.