Melissa Guenther
BALLET INSTRUCTOR
Melissa is proud to say she has been teaching at SMDA since it opened. Melissa has taught off and on since 1992. She has taught at Waconia Performing Arts, Continental Ballet Company, Mankato Ballet Company, and Dance Express. She earned her BA in dance from California State University, Long Beach. Melissa began dancing when she was three. She started ballet when she was ten at Mankato Ballet Company with Annmarie Carlson and later with Sue Gunness.
After high school, Melissa danced for Continental Ballet Company with Riet Velthuisen. Melissa has performed in 15 productions of the Nutcracker and danced leading roles in Coppelia, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty, and the Beast, and many other original works. In addition to teaching and performing, Melissa enjoys producing her own choreography. She has shown work in the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Walker Art Choreographers’ Evening, Bryant Lake Bowl’s 9×22, and at Patricks Cabaret. Melissa and her husband Jeff have been married for six years and are blessed with two wonderful daughters, Una and Twyla.
Back To StaffInquire Today
