Melissa earned a B.A. in Dance from San Jose State University.
Melissa became a featured dancer and vocal soloist for the
Jazz Dance Ensemble, a musical theater and jazz company under
the direction of Janie Scott. In 1993, she earned a scholarship
to the Jose Limon Modern Dance Workshop in San Jose. Melissa
performed in several musicals at San Jose State including
"The Wiz", "Celebration" and "Gospel
at Colonus". She became the first student to ever choreograph
a University musical with the SJSU production "Working".
During her time at San Jose State University, she performed
as a member of the Spartan Spectrum Dance Team, which entertained
audiences during SJSU football games. She later became the
Spartan Spectrum’s choreographer and helped develop the
skills of dozens of Spectrum performers.
Upon graduating from college,
Melissa returned to James Logan High School where she led
the school’s dance competition teams to regional championships
two years in a row. She also taught dance at Hayward High
School where she produced and directed one of the school’s
most successful dance concerts. Outside of teaching, Melissa
became a respected Movement Judge for the California Colorguard
circuit for four years.
After moving to Sacramento in
1998, Melissa became an assistant cheerleading coach for the
Folsom Junior Midgets and helped the group win Regional and
State Championships in 2000.
Melissa has taught at the Academy
since December of 2000. She is the Director for the All Stars
Performance Company and teaches Irish, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
and Musical Theater. She also offers private lessons.
