Melissa Sanchez

Melissa has fifteen years of experience in dance performance, instruction and choreography. She started dancing at the age of five, dancing competitively throughout the west coast with Studio West Dance Company in San Diego, CA. She performed jazz, tap, lyrical and musical theater that led to winning prestigious dance awards at regional and national dance competitions. She won the first place national team championship award for five consecutive years. In middle school, she was selected team captain of the Meadowbrook Middle School Dance team.

Melissa has performed in several dance companies and shows for well known artists in the music industry. In 2003, she was selected to participate in the Super Bowl Pre-game show where she performed with musical artists Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Branch and Carlos Santana. She was the principal dancer in a music video for solo artist David Vaughn and was chosen to perform for the Buffy Swallow Dance Company.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Preferred Sciences at San Diego State University, specializing in contemporary and theatre production. She was chosen to dance for the University Dance Company under the direction of Melissa Nunn and Joe Alter. With the company, she performed in a regional dance tour at high schools and universities to recruit students for the SDSU dance program.

Melissa has worked as an instructor and coach at various dance studios and schools. She choreographed and instructed award winning routines, earning her a Top Teacher Award given by Star Systems in 2007. She choreographed for Mesa Community College’s student/faculty spring dance show. Melissa recently assisted the head dance coach at Poway High School, completing choreography in preparation for national dance competitions. In addition, she was selected to choreograph the remembrance dance for Chelsea King. She privately instructs dancers of all ages for improving technique and in preparation for dance auditions, competitions and for private weddings. Melissa is extremely honored to be a part of the North County Dance Arts/Whirl Ballroom Family. Her goal has always been to share her talent, knowledge and passion for dance with others, hoping to inspire them to follow their dreams as she has.