Research Summary

As a female choreographer committed to bringing new ideas to ballet, I have a deep desire to explore and investigate the future of our art form. We can understand history, pay homage to tradition, but also, innovate and discover what ballet can become for an ever-changing, modern audience. I am committed to using my choreography to create new dance that will engage audiences from the stage. Above all, I want to communicate with the audience. I want them to feel. I want to start a conversation.

Education

  • B.S. in Ballet with an Outside Field in Nutrition, School of Music, Indiana University, Bloomington
  • M.F.A in Dance with a concentration in Choreography, Conservatory of Dance, Purchase College, State University of New York

Biography

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Melissa Bobick graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in ballet and nutrition from Indiana University in Bloomington and received her Master of Fine Arts degree in choreography from Purchase College Conservatory of Dance in New York. Melissa is also an ABT® Certified Teacher and earned the status of Affiliate Teacher while teaching in New York City. As a performer, Melissa danced for six seasons with The Eugene Ballet Company and Ballet Idaho where she was featured in many classical roles and numerous contemporary works. After moving to New York City, Melissa performed for the National Choreographer’s Initiative and was one of four dancers engaged by New York City Opera for their new production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. As a choreographer, Melissa was commissioned to choreograph three new works for Ballet Idaho. She worked as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Mercyhurst University from 2012 to 2016. Melissa is currently working at the University of Utah, School of Dance as an Assistant Professor and the Ballet Program Head. There, she has choreographed three original works for the Utah Ballet, Legacy, 135, and Fractured. Recently, Melissa was named a Choreographic Development Resident at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. During the residency she was fortunate enough to be mentored by Helen Pickett in the creation of her new work, A Beautiful Disquiet. Additionally, Melissa was named a finalist for McCallum Theatre’s Choreography Festival.  She took her work 135 to the competition in Palm Desert, CA.  Currently, Melissa is an Assistant Professor and the Ballet Program Head at the University of Utah.