Biography

Melina  started dancing  11 years ago  while attending a Ballroom Class and hasn’t stopped since. Facsinated with country music and partner dancing Melina began competing nationaly on the UCWDC circuit as a Junior Country dancer with her partner Ryan Crutcher. Melina and Ryan then discovered West Coast Swing and in just three months of learning the dance they won their first US Open title at the age of 12. After 2 years of juggling both styles of dancing Melina made West Coast Swing her priority and fell in love with the unique dance. As she emerged as a familiar face, the young dancer Melina met Ben Morris and from then on dance would never be the same. Ben and Melina, who were from compeletely different backgrounds blended their skills to compete in the 2003 US Open and went on to win their first title together.

Melina is ranked as one of the top WCS dancers in the world.

Since then Melina and her partner traveled nationally as well as internationally and quickly became the youngest dancers on the circuit competing at a “professional” level. At the young age of 16 Melina was invited to dance in prestigious divisions with the dancers that she admired and looked up to growing up. After four years of top placements in the Open professional division and numerous 1st places in social champion level competitions, Melina is ranked as one of the top WCS dancers in the world.

She is known for her smooth technique, funky hip hop style and infectious personality.

Melina currently travels all over California and all of the world to France, Australia, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Canada and Spain to teach, compete, judge and perform. Melinas current goal is to expose young people to dance for a great healthy and fun way to express themselves!

Melina is continually reviewing and challenging herself and her students to greater heights.

To learn more, please visit this page for a radio interview with Melina given by highly renowned author and neurokinesiologist Margaret Stuart of Mango Tiger Neurokinesiology.

Awards