Sky-Marie McDonald, a dynamic and multifaceted artist, has been immersed in the arts since a young age. Growing up in an artistic family, she was on stage from the age of three, engaging in acting, modeling, singing, and dancing. Her father was a jazz pianist and her mother a costume and fashion designer, fostering an environment rich in creativity and performance.

Sky-Marie graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Oklahoma in 2004, earning dual honors degrees: a BFA in Modern Dance and a BA in Cultural Anthropology. She was named the Outstanding Graduating Senior in both departments. Her anthropology studies focused on the ethnography of dance, and she received a fellowship at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, where she contributed to documenting and preserving Native American dance traditions. While in University, she served as the Fine Arts Representative for Student Congress and founded the local chapter of Free the Slaves, a modern anti-slavery group that works to end human trafficking. 

Her extensive dance training includes studying at the renowned Martha Graham School of Dance in New York City, as well as Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, the Alvin Ailey School, and Peridance Center. She has had the privilege of learning from industry leaders such as Denise Vale of the Martha Graham Dance Company, Austin Hartel of Pilobolus. She had the pleasure of studying Ballet with Mary Margaret Holt, Don Edwards, and Jeremy Lindberg. She has been honored to study with many wonderful teachers over the years but some favorites have been Randall Flinn of Dance Ad Deum, Cheryl Cutlip of the Rockettes and Project Dance, Bill Wade of Inlet Dance Theater, and Lou Campbell of Joshua Squad Physical Theater and Mime. Additionally, her repertoire is enriched by studies with Frank Hatchett in tap, Chuck Davis in African dance, Teo Morca in Flamenco, and Maureen McTeggart Hall in Irish dance.

Sky-Marie co-founded the Taos Academy for Dance Arts (TADA) and founded Early Spring Arts in Southlake, Texas. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the Wild Rivers Coast Foundation for Dance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art of dance. She founded the Wild Rivers Coast Nutcracker in 2015 and 

Her choreographic and directorial talents have been showcased in various companies, including Rocky Mountain Theater for Kids and The Denver Children's Theater. She has dedicated significant efforts to working with young people, supporting abused and neglected children at the Children's Aid Society, engaging with inner-city kids at the Youth Opportunities Center, and serving as a Youth Pastor, and teaching and serving on international missions trips. Her choreography has earned numerous awards.

In 2020, Sky-Marie wrote, choreographed, acted in, and danced in the film "A Small Town Nutcracker," which garnered numerous awards at film festivals. Her accomplishments in education and the arts have earned her a place in Who's Who in American Universities.

Beyond dance, Sky-Marie is well-versed in theater, vocal performance, and visual art. She has modeled for prestigious companies such as Neiman Marcus, Toyota, Dillard's, JC Penney, and Rimmel Cosmetics, participating in runway shows, print campaigns, and promotional events. Sky-Marie began her Master's Degree in Creative Writing at Harvard University during the lockdown and finds joy in the journey and process of exploring multiple facets of storytelling...

Sky-Marie McDonald's breadth of experience and passion for the arts make her a true luminary in the field. She has lived, created art, and raised her children in the community of Brookings for the last decade and is dedicated to using her talents to make the community a better and brighter place.