Joyful Movement for Seniors
Watch Melissa’s Super Pose Challenge
Melissa’s Work Featured in Dance Magazine
(Click Image to Read Article)
Excellence in Medicine Award - UAB Hospital
Melissa is a 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Medicine Award from UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL.
IN THE NEWS
The Nation’s Health - Dance Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You
CBS News - Forge and Dance Foundation Team Up for Ballet Series for Cancer Survivors
WBRC TV’s feature on UAB Arts in Medicine Program
Melissa’s speech on September 11, 2023 in Homewood
Alabama News Center Article “Adding Movement to Your Day”
Exercise Monday on WBRC TV-1
Exercise Monday on WBRC TV-2
Exercise Monday on WBRC TV-3
UAB HOSPITAL STAFF DANCE EVENTS - Social Workers Flash Mob - March 2022
Education
Bachelor of Arts, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Arts in Medicine Graduate Certificate, University of Florida
Master Teacher/Dance
Melissa is a dancer and choreographer who has taught dance for over 40 years to a wide range of individuals of various ages and abilities, including those with physical and mental challenges. Presently, Melissa is an Artist in Residence (dance/movement specialist) with Arts in Medicine at UAB Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Alabama. She also teaches adult dementia patients, special population adults, and seniors in the Birmingham community. Melissa is a 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Medicine Award from UAB Hospital.
Choreographer
Melissa has choreographed 5 full length ballets for children, dance pieces for senior and adult performing groups, musical reviews, studio recitals, and flash mobs.
Speaker
Melissa is a gifted speaker who has given many talks on dance and its various applications in and out of the studio. She has also given talks on a variety of other topics - especially on the subject of forgiveness.
Consultant
Melissa consults with numerous arts organizations across the country.
Geriatric Scholar
Melissa is a graduate of the Geriatric Scholars Program at UAB Hospital.
Writer
Melissa has written several books and columns including: Making a Difference, a weekly column for the Birmingham News; The Right Lead, a series of horseback riding manuals; An Alabama Christmas (contributing author); Stories of Horses We Love (contributing author).
People in Motion
Melissa is the co-founder and do-director of People in Motion, which provides dance and movement classes for seniors with mental or physical challenges.
UAB Hospital Arts in Medicine, Artist in Residence, 2017
Melissa spearheaded the UAB Labyrinth Committee.
Books Written by Melissa
Sarah Beth Austin, Children's Hospital, dance bedside interaction, 2019
UAB Hospital, - Dance Class 2016 (As Seen in National Organization Of Arts in Health Yearly Report, 2017)
Episcopal Place and Presbyterian Manor dance performance, December 2019
Talks About Health & Wellness, The Magic of Dance,
and The Power of Forgiveness
After years of experience teaching dance to all ages and abilities, Melissa is uniquely qualified to speak on the benefits of health, wellness, and movement. Her talks on forgiveness are based on her own story of tragedy. She shares insight into how she has been able to navigate the devastating loss of a child and the power of forgiveness, which is needed now more than ever. Her talks are informative, inspirational, and often humorous. She is comfortable with any size audience.
Please contact Melissa for more information, availability, and fees. Email Melissa
once a dancer, always a dancer
