Melissa Brading, M.F.A.

Melissa Brading, a dancer, teacher and choreographer originally from Topeka, KS, holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Michigan and a BFA in Dance Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Melissa began her performance career with Ad Deum Dance Company of Houston, TX. After spending 3 years with Ad Deum, performing, teaching and choreographing, she went on to spend twelve years as a New York-based teacher, dancer and choreographer. She has danced for choreographers such as Hope Boykin, Nejla Yatkin, Amanda Selwyn, Chris Ferris, Sue Bernhard, Sarah Council, Kathryn Alter and worked with Avodah Dance. Melissa's choreography has been performed at Green Space (NYC), The Green Building (NYC), University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, OK) and Brookfield Place (NYC), among others. NYC Theater choreography credits include #Coriolanus by Theater in Asylum, Daphne by Alice Pencavel and Femme Pathos by Claire Moodey. 

Melissa has taught various styles of dance to people of all backgrounds and served as a faculty member at the Limón Institute, University of Michigan and is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice in Dance at Texas Tech University. She holds certifications in yoga, STOTT PILATES® Reformer, and Countertechnique. Melissa has a passion for teaching movement and her research is focused on creating practices to keep students dancing longer and stronger. She believes the dance class should address all of the dancer—body, mind and soul, and is working to create safe spaces to explore the intricacies of the body.