about Melissa

Melissa has experienced many dance styles since she started taking dance classes in 2003. She has covered everything from ballet to pole dancing but she found a real passion for bellydance which has never left her. Originally having studied under Lyn Embling and Sara Shrapnell, she now attends workshops with teachers from all over the world. She has obtained knowledge in many different props and styles and enjoys teaching all levels, from beginners to advanced. Melissa loves all styles of Middle Eastern dance but she is particularly fond of Egyptian Dance and Fusion.

In 2010 she started training in the FatChanceBellyDance® group improvisation format with her first teacher Lisa and has since attended many FCBD® workshops, became a founding member of new troupe called Nirzari and began teaching FCBD® . It is something that Melissa is very passionate about and enjoys spreading the word about this beautiful and unique dance style.

Her love of teaching dance and her interest in fitness led her to becoming a qualified fitness instructor in 2011, a qualified aqua instructor in 2012 and a qualified assessor in 2015.

In 2011, Melissa became a qualified Just Jhoom! Bollywood dance instructor and has studied Odissi, one of the eight Classical Indian dances, in the Kelucharan Mohapatra Gharana with Kala The Arts.

She performs solo, was a member of Mersin, a professional belly dance troupe, with Sara Shrapnell for four years and she has also performed with the Just Jhoom! Dance Group.

In 2017 Melissa began studying Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Chinese Lion Dance with SiFu Matt Williams (LearnKungFu, Lion Dance UK and YinYangClinic) and Wado Ryu Karate with Kimesanchin in 2019 to broaden her knowledge of body mechanics.

Melissa has appeared on both UK and US television screens, has experience of providing entertainment at restaurants, weddings, parties and has also given lectures and demonstrations at Womens' Institute meetings and care homes.​

Melissa is available to teach workshops and provide private tuition. Please get in contact for details.