Melanie Durham
Sales & Account Manager
About Melanie Durham
Melanie Durham has been immersed in dance since the age of four and began teaching at just 15. Now in her 30th year as a dance educator, she brings decades of experience as a teacher, studio owner, and international competition adjudicator. Melanie opened and successfully ran her own dance studio in Southern California from 2003 until selling the business just before its 10-year anniversary, and she continues to teach in studio classrooms today. Melanie has spent 15 years as a competition judge and is exclusively on three national judging panels. She specialises in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, and AcroDance, with a strong focus on safe, age-appropriate technique and long-term dancer development. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and Composition, Melanie also maintains numerous accredited certifications and is deeply committed to continued professional development. Her teaching approach is personalised, supportive, and centred on creating confident, well-trained dancers prepared for any path they choose. Learn more about Melanie by following her on Instagram: @Ms_melanie5678.
Experience In The Dance Industry
Melanie has spent her entire life immersed in the dance world, from stepping into her first class at the age of four to shaping generations of dancers as a teacher, studio owner, and adjudicator. Her experience spans performance, education, studio leadership, and international competition judging, giving her a well-rounded and deeply rooted understanding of the dance industry.
How Many Years Spent Teaching?
With 30 years of teaching experience and close to a decade running her own successful dance studio, Melanie brings both hands-on classroom expertise and real-world studio management insight. Alongside this, her 15 years as a competition judge add another layer to her extensive experience. 30 years teaching dance Nearly 10 years of owning and managing a dance studio 15 years as an international competition judge
Qualifications?
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and Composition and continues to invest heavily in her professional development. Her wide range of certifications reflects her commitment to dancer safety, technical excellence, and lifelong learning, ensuring her knowledge remains current, trusted, and industry leading. Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Acrobatic Arts AAC1 Preschool AcroDance Certification Adjudicator for AcroDance Aerial & Backhand Spring Workshop Red Cross CPR / First Aid Safety & Wellness with Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD)
