Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Corpus.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a small town near Austin and was surrounded by music and dance growing up. My love for movement led me to become a dance teacher and dance company owner. I didn’t seek out to teach dance or perform. I feel like this part of my life found me. While juggling teaching dance classes, choreographing shows, and working a full-time job, I also put myself through college, became the first to graduate from college in my family, and pushed myself to get a Master’s degree. I knew I wanted the best of both worlds and have been balancing for over ten years having a professional career (daytime gig!) and professional dance career (night time gig!).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and the hardest struggle was my mother’s passing in 2013. I lost the ability to maintain focus to stay on track and accomplish what I had set out for myself. I used to dance as my space to grief, shout if I needed to, cry, sweat, and release the anger I had. Teaching and performing were my therapy to cope through such a hard time, and I don’t know how I would have persevered without it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in teaching, choreographing, and performing Brazilian Samba. My dance company, MeliSamba, is something I am incredibly proud of. I think what sets me apart is when I teach and perform, it truly comes from an authentic place as I don’t change who I am for anybody or anything. I’m silly by nature, and this comes through with playful choreography or just a big cheesy smile because I can’t help but smile when I dance. I take dance seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously, and the best way I know how to reach and connect with people is when I teach or perform.
What matters most to you? Why?
Perseverance matters most to me. I’ve been met with some pretty hard obstacles, but I know if I can get through the rough patches and still coming out smiling that I’m living life to the fullest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melisamba.com
- Instagram: @melisamba_atx
- Facebook: @melisamba_atx
Image Credits
Rachit Agwania Photography Jonathan Gonzales Photography Picblink_ph team photography Anoosh Photography
