Owner/Director/Head Teacher:
Ms. Melissa
Miss Melissa began dancing when she was three years old. She danced her early years with Ms. Jean's School of Dance, formerly of Hudson, MA, and Sue's Dance Studio of Marlborough, MA. It wasn't until Ms. Melissa started dancing at Hudson Dance Academy formerly of Hudson, MA that she realized her passion for dance. She studied many types of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acrobatics and lyrical. At the age of 13 she became an assistant teacher. Two years later at the age of fifteen, Ms. Melissa was offered a teaching position. During High School, Ms. Melissa became known at her studio of over 100+ dancers for being the best tap dancer at the studio.
After graduating high school Ms. Melissa went on to Dean College. While in Dean College Ms. Melissa studied Dance, training with Joan Palladino, Clyde Nantais, Jean Wenzel and Nailah Randall-Bellinger in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and creative movement. Melissa also has three years of Psychology background in college.
While in college Melissa taught at a studio owned by her sister, Lindsey's School of Dance. Her choreography became well recognized by parents and students while at Lindsey's School of Dance. She was also known for being the strict teacher. Ms. Melissa taught at Lindsey's School of Dance for six years.
In August of 2004 Ms. Melissa opened Princeton Academy of Dance. It was then that she realized what her calling was, to own her own dance studio. It is the one true thing that she has always been passionate about in life.
Princeton Academy of Dance is now entering it's sixth year and continuously grows thanks to wonderful reviews from satisfied customers.
Ms. Melissa is constantly looking for ways to expand her knowledge of dance by attending competitions, keeping up with what is new in the dance world and has attended many dance conventions. Ms. Melissa is also a Professional Representative for 2007 and 2010 National Dance Week. Ms. Melissa's dancers have placed well at competitions earning High Gold, Gold as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and Winning Titles.
Princeton Academy of Dance was recognized at the 2008 Olympic Miss Dance Competition for it's age appropriate costuming and music, which is very important to our studio.
Ms. Melissa is married to a wonderful man, Jason (Princeton FF/EMT) who supports her every decision in her dance school and has helped out in many ways, financially, stage-crew, has even performing in four holiday shows and also performed in our 2007 dance recital. They have one daughter, Jenna-Kate (4) who already loves to dance, taking two Preschool classes a week and a boy, Dalton (1).
Besides her family, the most important thing in Ms. Melissa's life is her dancer's. She expects and accepts only the best for them. Providing them with the best possible dance training, choreography, self-esteem and motivation.
Associate Teachers -
Miss Sophie - Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap
Miss Sophie has been teaching at Princeton Academy of Dance for three years. She trained with Ms. Melissa prior as an assistant teacher for three years. Miss Sophie is a trained dancer in various styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Acrobatics, Hip Hop and Lyrical. She has won many awards in dance competitions including two High Gold Soloist awards and many group awards.
Miss Taylor & Miss Niki- Hip Hop, Jazz
Miss Taylor and Miss Niki teach our Junior Hip Hop & Jazz class together this year. Together they instruct and choreograph for this group. Miss Taylor assisted with Ms. Melissa for three years prior; while Miss Niki assisted with Ms. Melissa for two years prior to having their own class. They both train in many styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, Acrobatics and Lyrical. They are both competative dancers and have won many Gold and High Gold awards in competitions.
Assistants -
Assistants are students of Princeton Academy of Dance chosen by Ms. Melissa to assist with younger dancers. These assistants begin to learn the teaching process while learning to work with children. Our assisting program is a volunteer position. Assistants learn skills that will last a lifetime and help them in everything they do with their lives. It teaches responsibility, as well as earning hours for volunteer work.
Senior Assistant-
Miss Sarah
Junior Assistants-
Miss Maddie; Miss Becky; Miss Olivia; Miss Madeleine
