Melissa Laidlaw
San Diego
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated dance education professional with extensive expertise in choreography across various styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theater. Holds a Master of Arts in Choreography from the University of Lincoln and is certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Established a strong foundation in ballet curriculum development and project management. Demonstrated expertise in creating innovative dance programs and educational resources for young learners, including a comprehensive online pre-recorded curriculum and a ballet teacher's guide focused on movement vocabulary with early literacy skills for ages 2-8. Currently pursuing further qualifications with a multiple subject teaching credential, with a commitment to fostering an engaging classroom environment that integrates arts education to inspire elementary school students.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dance Instructor
Scripps Performing Arts Academy
San Diego, CA, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Instructor to ages 2.5-13 years
- Instructor in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Parent and Me, and Musical Theatre
- Choreograph dances for productions, musical theatre workshops, and summer camps
Children’s Division Coordinator
Scripps Performing Arts Academy
San Diego, CA, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Manage Department for Ages 2.5-12 years of age at two locations
- Manage and train staff of 10+ teachers
- Manage Summer Camp Programs
- Plan, Manage, and Execute 2 productions and an annual Demonstration of Learning per year
- Collaborate with executive creative team
- Communication and education with parents and clients
- Scheduling and implementing events and use of curriculum for Ballet department
- Stage Manager for all Children’s Division Productions and All School Productions
- Wrote scripts for summer camps and musical theatre workshop classes
Ballet Instructor
New West Ballet
San Marcos, CA, USA
04.2018 - 06.2019
- Instructor to ages 3-12
- Instructor in Ballet: PrePre Dance through Pre Dance 4, and 1st Position
Dance Instructor and Studio Administration
Soulfire Studios
Las Vegas, NV, USA
05.2015 - 05.2017
- Instructor to ages 2-adult in groups of 1-20
- Instructor in Ballet ABT: Pre-Primary, Primary and Levels 1-3
- Instructor in Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip hop, Parent and Me, and Musical Theatre
- Work the reception/front desk
- Experience with Customer Service
- Instructor/Character for dance birthday parties and camps
Dance Instructor
Kravenko Dance Academy
Las Vegas, NV, USA
03.2011 - 08.2012
- Jazz Instructor: ages 7-12 and adults
- Choreographer for dance productions
- Instructor for Kravenko Foundation special needs dance classes
- Choreographer for Kravenko Foundation performances
Dance Instructor, Party/Camp Hostess, Birthday Character
Fairytales and Tutus
Las Vegas, NV, USA
09.2011 - 06.2012
- Instructor to ages 2-7 in groups of 1-20
- Hostess for dance birthday parties and camps
- Character appearances for birthday parties
Dance Instructor
Cathleen Forcucci Dance Academy
Fullerton, CA, USA
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Instructor to ages 2-adult in groups of 1-30
- Choreographer for dance productions
- Backstage Manager for dance productions
- Work the reception/front desk
- Experience with Customer Service
- Manages payments and paper work and supervise novelty store
Education
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Inspired Teaching and Learning with a M.Ed in Inspired Teaching Practices
National University
01.2028
Masters of Art - Choreography
University of Lincoln
Lincoln, United Kingdom09.2014
Instructor Certification - Pre-primary, Primary and Levels 1-3
ABT National Training Curriculum
02.2013
Bachelors of Art - Dance
California State University
Fullerton, California05.2010
Skills
- Dance instruction across multiple styles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Canva
- Skilled in administrative tasks and communication
- Positive reinforcement
- Instructional techniques
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Problem-solving skills
- Classroom management
- Multitasking and organization
- Parent-teacher communication
- Time management
Certification
Certified in American Ballet Theatre Curriculum instruction for Pre-Primary-Grade 3
Timeline
Dance Instructor
Scripps Performing Arts Academy
01.2019 - Current
Children’s Division Coordinator
Scripps Performing Arts Academy
01.2019 - Current
Ballet Instructor
New West Ballet
04.2018 - 06.2019
Dance Instructor and Studio Administration
Soulfire Studios
05.2015 - 05.2017
Dance Instructor, Party/Camp Hostess, Birthday Character
Fairytales and Tutus
09.2011 - 06.2012
Dance Instructor
Kravenko Dance Academy
03.2011 - 08.2012
Dance Instructor
Cathleen Forcucci Dance Academy
08.2007 - 06.2010
Masters of Art - Choreography
University of Lincoln
Instructor Certification - Pre-primary, Primary and Levels 1-3
ABT National Training Curriculum
Bachelors of Art - Dance
California State University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Inspired Teaching and Learning with a M.Ed in Inspired Teaching Practices
National University
HONORS, ACTIVITIES, AND VOLUNTEER WORK
- PTA/CSPO Member at Creekside Elementary 2019-present
- Kravenko Foundation Board Member 2010-2013
- Performed in 12’ x 16’ production 2010
- Choreographed for 12’x16’ production 2008, 2010
- Student Producer/Director of 12’x16’ production 2009
- President of Dance Association at Cal-State Fullerton 2008-2010
- Choreographed for Fall Dance Concert CSUF 2008
- Attended José Limon Intensive: Dance as a Creative Act 2007
- Member of Dance Association at Cal-State Fullerton 2005-2010
- Cal-State Fullerton Dean’s List 2005-2010