MSP 160: Melissa M. Young

Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

Take Up Your Space with Confidence with Artistic Director Melissa M. Young

Often, as dancers, we have a choice to take up space with confidence or feel defeated and hold back. Our guest on today’s episode is one that continuously chose to take up space and inspired others to follow their intuitions, pursue what they love, and embrace their curiosity. This is an inspiring interview with the Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), Melissa M. Young. Our conversation with Melissa is incredibly touching as she talks about why she loved the exploration of dance and remembers certain key impressions that impacted her greatly throughout the years. She tells us why she always chose to dance to the beat of her own drum and why she pursues uncovering herself in the most authentic ways before sharing about her time spent in New York City and how she ultimately ended up dancing at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. She’s an amazing individual with a passion for dance and holds the responsibility of being an artistic director with such fervor. Tune in now to hear about the pure joy derived from Melissa’s life in dance. Enjoy.

Key Points From This Episode:

· Melissa talks excitedly about who she is and where her love for dance ignited from.

· She talks about the impact of The Stack-Up by Talley Beatty (Alvin Ailey) on her life’s journey.

· Melissa remembers taking a class from Donald McKayle and the impression it left on her.

· Why Melissa never put a timeline on her career and allowed the journey to flow.

· Navigating the shoulds, the coulds, and the woulds, and why she chooses to dance to the beat of her own drum.

· How the culture shock of moving to New York City made her feel more alive.

· How she came upon the DBDT audition notice and took a chance.

· What it was like to move to Dallas: another culture shift.

· She shares information regarding the current dance and art scene in Dallas.

· Looking back at her career, she reflects on some challenges she’s faced and overcame.

· Things that are sparking excitement in Melissa for the future.

· Why she looks for great human beings first when looking at prospective dancers.

“What I love about dance is I look at it like professional problem-solving. The choreography is the problem and the equation of how you get there working with everyone else, that’s how you get to the “answer”.” — Melissa M. Young

Melissa M. Young is the Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, celebrating her 29th season with the company.

More on this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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