Meet Melissa!
Meliss joined Misako Ballet Company in 2011 and enjoys learning new choreography as well as traditional classical ballet variations.
Continue reading to learn more about her!
Astrological sign: Cancer
Favorite Food: Pineapple + Avocado
Favorite Color: M&M Green
Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye
Favorite Movie: Beauty & the Beast (animated)
Favorite Band: It depends on my mood. This fall season is giving me 'The Killers' vibes.
If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be? A T-Rex
Tell us about your dance background & training: I started dancing at 4 years old in my hometown and moved onto my pre-professional training when I was 13 at The Frederick School of Classical Ballet. I attended and graduated from Radford University with a BFA in Ballet Technique, and continue learning and training to this day! There's always something new to learn and/or a new or different way to think about and execute ballet technique. I find that, at times, really frustrating and other times really exciting.
What genre of dance is your favorite & why? It's really a toss up between classical ballet and contemporary ballet. I love to really move and explore all that my body is capable to in contemporary movement, yet I really just love wearing tutus and tiaras. :)
If you wear pointe shoes, what kind do you wear? I currently wear custom Freed Classics. I order these directly from Freed and my maker is B. I wear a deep vamp, 8X and add extra paste to the box. I also cut my shanks at about 2/3 (just over 1/2 and under 3/4) to help pronounce my arch.
What other jobs/activities/talents/passions do you pursue? I am in graduate school now studying for my Master's in Human Nutrition. I am in the process of organizing and building my own health + wellness/nutrition consulting business for dancers and athletes. I am also an avid yogi. I like to practice yoga as much as I can and I really enjoy teaching yoga as well.
Photo by jennifer lowe photography