Upon high school graduation Marianne Hettinger, a native of Augsburg, Germany, came alone to New York, not knowing anyone and with only $800 in her pocket. With scholarships in acting, directing and dance at the National Shakespeare Conservatory, Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway, she worked her way up to becoming an award winning filmmaker, actor and professional Ballroom Dance Champion, appearing on Broadway,in film and television and as a guest star with symphony orchestras across the US and Canada.