Melinda Sheldahl Tobian
Little Rock,AR
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience as Artistic Director at Ballet Arkansas. Proven ability in conflict resolution and exceptional communication, fostering a collaborative environment. Successfully increased audience attendance through innovative marketing strategies, while mentoring dancers to achieve their artistic potential and ensuring injury prevention awareness in training.
Energetic leader promotes 45 years of industry experience with superior record of accomplishment. Ambitious and highly motivated classical ballet teacher surpasses demanding objectives and achieves or exceeds set goals.
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director, Ballet Mistress
Arkansas Festival Ballet
09.2011 - 06.2025
- Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
- Mentored new teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
Classical Ballet Teacher
Arkansas Academy of Dance
09.2007 - 06.2025
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, providing constructive feedback that informed future lesson planning decisions.
- Developed personalized training plans for individual dancers, addressing specific areas of needed improvement and fostering growth in technique and artistry.
- Managed classroom scheduling, ensuring efficient use of studio space while accommodating students'' needs for additional practice time or private coaching sessions.
- Mentored aspiring professional dancers, providing guidance on audition preparation, career paths, and networking opportunities within the industry.
- Fostered strong relationships with students and their families, creating an open and supportive learning environment conducive to success.
- Assisted in coordinating annual recitals, handling logistics such as costume coordination, stage management, and parent communication to ensure smooth production processes.
- Collaborated with fellow dance instructors to create a comprehensive classical ballet curriculum, resulting in improved student performance and satisfaction.
- Incorporated elements of Pilates and yoga into ballet training sessions, enhancing students'' overall strength, flexibility, and body awareness.
- Provided emotional support to students facing challenges related to personal growth or artistic development throughout their time at school programs or recreational events alike – ultimately nurturing mental health well-being among participants overall.
- Established clear expectations for behavior both inside the classroom setting during rehearsal periods to maintain a focused atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.
- Implemented injury prevention techniques within training sessions, promoting dancer wellness and longevity in the field.
- Adapted lesson plans for students with special needs or physical limitations, ensuring an inclusive learning environment that accommodated all abilities.
Classical Ballet Teacher, Ballet Mistress
Classical Ballet Academy
09.2007 - 06.2011
- Assisted in grant writing efforts to secure funding for program expansion, scholarships, and other resources to benefit the ballet school community.
- Organized regular performance opportunities for students, showcasing their progress and mastery of skills while boosting confidence levels.
- Provided constructive corrections to encourage students to learn steps and improve dancing.
- Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore dance as art and self expression through movement.
- Assessed student progress regularly to identify students needing individualized help, provide feedback and select suitable material for dancers.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities to stay current in pedagogical approaches and best practices for teaching classical ballet.
- Utilized various teaching methodologies to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom, maximizing student comprehension and retention of material.
Director of Classical Ballet Program, Classical Ba
Shuffles and Ballet II, Ballet Arkansas
08.1993 - 06.2007
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Artistic Director, Classical Ballet Teacher
Ballet Arkansas
05.1988 - 06.1993
- Oversaw rehearsal schedules, ensuring efficient use of time while maintaining high artistic standards throughout the process.
- Facilitated communication between all team members, fostering a positive work environment for creativity to thrive.
- Increased audience attendance through engaging marketing campaigns that showcased the artistic talent of the ensemble.
- Managed auditions and cast selection processes, assembling talented ensembles for each production season.
- Auditioned, selected and coached actors to execute high-quality performances and enhance production value.
- Managed theater's budget and interacted with charities, sponsors and trusts to obtain operating funds.
- Scheduled seasonal theater productions and engaged actors and stage personnel to execute dramatic, musical and comedy performances.
Skills
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Exceptional communication
- Goal setting and achievement
- Patience and encouragement
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Interpersonal relationship building
- Injury prevention awareness
- Effective lesson planning
- Constructive feedback delivery
- In-depth choreography knowledge
- Ability to demonstrate movements
- Adaptability to different learning styles
- Advanced performance experience
Timeline
Assistant Director, Ballet Mistress
Arkansas Festival Ballet
09.2011 - 06.2025
Classical Ballet Teacher
Arkansas Academy of Dance
09.2007 - 06.2025
Classical Ballet Teacher, Ballet Mistress
Classical Ballet Academy
09.2007 - 06.2011
Director of Classical Ballet Program, Classical Ba
Shuffles and Ballet II, Ballet Arkansas
08.1993 - 06.2007
Artistic Director, Classical Ballet Teacher
Ballet Arkansas
05.1988 - 06.1993
Similar Profiles
Keira EadyKeira Eady
Student Dance Teacher at Arkansas Festival of BalletStudent Dance Teacher at Arkansas Festival of Ballet
Diane NaylorDiane Naylor
Principal Dancer at Festival Ballet of Rhode Island/Ballet RIPrincipal Dancer at Festival Ballet of Rhode Island/Ballet RI
Nathaniel JohnstonNathaniel Johnston
Stagehand at Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival BalletStagehand at Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet
Amanda SimpkinsAmanda Simpkins
Special Education Teacher at EStem Public Charter SchoolsSpecial Education Teacher at EStem Public Charter Schools
Chloe CrouchChloe Crouch
Registered Nurse III at Arkansas Children’s HospitalRegistered Nurse III at Arkansas Children’s Hospital