Mrs. Horta-Hayden received her Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University. She came to Towson University in 2000 as an Assistant Professor teaching all levels of the Ballet technique, pointe, variations, Ballet Repertory, and Modern technique. She was awarded tenure and promoted to Associate Professor in 2006. Mrs. Horta-Hayden also served as the Artistic Director of the Towson University Dance Company from 2000-2007, coordinating residencies by renowned International Artists.