“I can see it, as if it were yesterday”, Melissa recalls of January 27, 1984 – the first audition for Saint Joseph Ballet’s year-round school.  “It was in the basement choir room of the Episcopal Messiah Church.  Of course, that day I hadn’t a clue how Saint Joseph Ballet would impact my life.” 

After 11 seasons as a company member with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Melissa was recently promoted to Rehearsal Director and Assistant to the Artistic Director. From Saint Joseph Ballet she went onto the Ailey School in New York, and then to DBDT www.dbdt.com.  She’s performed works by Alvin Ailey, David Parsons, Milton Myers and Donald McKayle (Dance Pioneer and Saint Joseph Ballet Board Member), for which she’s consistently received critical praise.  Melissa also serves as DBDT’s Company Instructor.  She’s performed at Lincoln Center, in Mexico, Europe and South Africa.

“I want to go back to South Africa so badly,” said Melissa.  “Seeing the joy of the people, despite their obviously difficult lives – their courage, openness and appreciation for our work, was a moving inspiration to me.  I learned so much from them. No matter how little they had, they were grateful.  I realized that I took so many things for granted – that many things important to them were trivial to me. 

“One experience especially stands out.  In Mmabana Taung, a township near Soweto, we visited a school and talked with the students.  While most asked questions like ‘Do you know Oprah Winfrey?’ one young girl -- I can still picture her face looking up at me -- asked, ‘What is freedom like?’ 

“I didn’t know how to respond.  I asked her if I could think about it for awhile.     What does freedom feel like – I hadn’t thought about that before.  I realized it was one more important thing I took for granted.  Later I found her and I remember telling her, ‘It’s an amazing thing to have a choice.  To be able to speak and to be heard.’   Every time I think about that young girl -- it knocks me off my feet a little. 

“When I am in the studio, I recognize that I’m lucky to do what I love.  Dancing allows me to be myself.  People can take what I have to offer as a performer, whether or not they share or understand my experience.  I’m sharing a part of my life with the audience.  The purpose of my life is to share. 

“I know for a fact that without Saint Joseph Ballet, I wouldn’t be dancing today.  I learned so much there.  I would watch Beth (Founder and Artistic Director).  She knew how to reach each student gently and effectively, each day in class – and that affects how I teach today.  The biggest impact came really because of Beth.  She helped me feel that I could believe in myself and push myself to the limit.  I gained courage and confidence.

“I’m excited about performing A Seed, one of Beth’s signature works, with other alumni.  When I first joined Saint Joseph Ballet, it felt like a seed was planted.  It was just the beginning.   I want to share how that seed has grown in me.  It feels good to perform with Saint Joseph Ballet in June {hyperlink to concert/ticket info} to thank Beth.”