Melissa is a graduate of New York University/Tisch School of the Arts (MFA in dance) and Smith College (BA in sociology; Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude). For over 20 years she has taught young people ages three to university age in schools and arts programs in New York City, Brooklyn, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Albuquerque (University of New Mexico adjunct faculty and guest choreographer). Melissa has been with NDI New Mexico since 2007. She is currently on faculty at NDI New Mexico, UNM, ArtWorks, and YogaSource.
A former New York City resident, past venues for Melissa’s choreography include Symphony Space, PS 122, Joyce SoHo and Dixon Place. She was listed as one of “Gotham’s finest dancemakers” by The Village Voice, and has enjoyed artist residencies from organizations including the Joyce Theater Foundation (NYC) and The Yard (Martha’s Vineyard, MA). In New Mexico, Melissa’s work has been presented by venues/organizations including CCA/Center for Contemporary Art, The N4th Theater (The Wild Dancing West Festival), University of New Mexico (Faculty Concert), The Railyard Performance Space (Choreographers’ Showcases), and most recently in site specific productions presented at churches and in parking lots.