I've taken more than 15 lessons with Melissa, as well as several lessons with other all-star / champion level instructors, and I recommend Melissa without reservation to anyone who wants to take their swing dancing to the next level. All of her other students that I know of absolutely adore her.
Melissa's style is flexible; I've found it helpful both to go to her with a specific pattern I want help with, and also just to get her feedback on what I should be working on.
The actual body mechanics of dance are extraordinarily complex, and yet Melissa has an unmatched ability to quickly identify the technical root cause of your dance problems (e.g. an incorrect foot placement, mistimed weight shift, over-extended joint, under-engaged muscle, etc.). She also can show you how the dance should FEEL, and she can explain the more general dance principle so you can easily internalize her feedback.
Melissa has also helped to expand my personal repertoire of body movements and rhythm variations that I can comfortably artistically incorporate into my dance.
Last but not least, Melissa is kind and supportive! I've heard horror stories of other instructors who have criticized their students to the point of tears. That definitely won't happen with Melissa! Although she is completely professional, she really genuinuely Rutz for her students. Some of the social and competitive aspects of dance can be really discouraging at times, and I really appreciate having Melissa in my corner. read more