Marissa McPherson
Newington,Connecticut
Summary
While being a dancer for over 16 years, I have created a focus of my academic career to achieve my future goals of becoming a choreographer. Along with doing competitive dance myself, I have worked alongside and individually to create different pieces of choreography, guiding students of all ages and levels, and working with dancers who have a variety of special needs. I am a very enthusiastic and driven individual, focused on not only reaching my personal goals, but helping create a story for my dancers to tell, and my audience to feel.
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Teach Philosophy:
My vision is to create choreography in a variety of formats, that express emotion and tell a story through the movement and performance of dancers. I will do that by not only focusing on intend rather than perfection, but also communicating the story to the performers and allowing myself to be creative and inspired. I’ll do this because dance is an art form and athletic outlet, but words can’t always describe what we mean, and movement can say the things we don’t know how to. Finally, collaboration as a team and group is essential to the expression of storytelling, but also as human beings, to thrive and succeed in life. Dance is more than just a routine, but something to believe in, grow as an individual, and gives everyone a space to be unique and create the best version of themselves.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
5
5
Years of teaching experience
Work History
Dancer/Competitive Dancer
Backstage Academy Of Dance
Newington, CT
08.2008 - 08.2023
Student Dance Teacher/ Assistant Dance Teacher
Backstage Academy Of Dance
Newington, CT
09.2018 - 07.2023
- Organized and rehearsed dancers to ensure that performances were of the highest quality.
- Researched music and other elements needed for creating original works.
- Mentored young dancers on proper technique in order to improve their skills.
- Assisted main teacher throughout the class and in developing and implementing lesson plans.
- Summer Camp leader and program development
Dance Instructor
CCSU
Newington, CT
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Taught dance at two senior centers, as a part of a research project of improvement in physical and mental health of the older population.
- Assisted research in-take and testing of seniors.
- Co-created lesson plans for each class, and co-taught each class, guiding seniors through different styles of dance.
Volunteer / Fundraising
Relay For Life - American Cancer
, CT
03.2015 - Current
- Raised donations for awareness and research
- Helped organize team for events
- Performed at events
- Volunteer to help run events
Communications, Fundraising, Events
CCSU
New Britain, CT
08.2024 - Current
- Organized fundraisers for Dancentral
- Created contact sheet and conflict calendars, connected professors, students, dancers, and choreographers
- Helped run different events such as Dance Festivals and Shows
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dance Education W/ Specialization Entrepreneurship
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05-2026
Minor - Political Science
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05-2026
Certificate - Performing Arts Industry Essentials
New York University
New York, NY01-2026
Skills
- Leadership and guidance
- Organization
- Working with all ages
- Determination and perseverance
Certification
- Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish)
- CLI Certificate of Choreography and Composition
- CLI Certificate Strength Training and Injury Prevention
- CLI Certificate Preschool Dance
- Performing Arts Essentials (NYU)
Accomplishments
- High Honors and Presidents Award (NHS)
- Deans List and Presidents List (CCSU)
- Multi Regional, National, Grand National, and World Dance Champion
- Citizenship Award
- Dedicated to Dance Award
- Excellence in History, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Catherine J. Fellows Scholarship Award for Excellence in Dance performance and program development
Quote
"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them",
Walt Disney
LinkedIn Page
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-mcpherson-87705231b/
Websites
References
References available upon request.
Affiliations
- Central Connecticut State University
- YellowBrick / New York University
- Backstage Academy of Dance
- Star Dance Alliance
- Dance the World
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