Melanie Kirk’s Contribution to the Dance Community

In her early years in Tacoma, Washington, Melanie began her career in the performing arts. Born on May 16, 1949, Melanie’s early life revolved around her passion for dance, which later became her identity. She loved dancing from a very young age. When she was 3, she began practicing dance with a friend on her front porch.

As she grew older, her love for dance increased – leading her to win a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School, where she spent 3 years studying and training. After completing her studies, she attended the Jeoffrey School of Ballet in New York City. Making her way into the dancing career, she was also featured in a KING-TV (Channel 5) documentary on ballet dance. Later, she earned the opportunity to dance full-time for the Jeoffry School and the American Dance Company.

Melanie strengthened her ground as a dancer by getting a Bachelor of Science in Dance from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her educational background helped her set the stage for her career ahead. Melanie also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Columbia Pacific University.

She had her involvement in productions like H.M.S. Pinafore and Gilbert & Sullivan, where she sang, acted, and danced. Not confined to the dancer role, Melanie took on leadership positions, directing and choreographing for Orchesis Dance Groups at WWSU and collaborating with Donna Pallo at TESC. Her entrance into television as a fitness expert and AVIA Elite Instructor showcased yet another side of her talents. Melanie’s ability to navigate various aspects of the performing arts and fitness industry reflected her dedication to engagement within the field.

Melanie’s dance career earned her the opportunity to take on the role of a Principal Dancer with the Huntington Dance Ensemble, later known as Ballet Repertory, in New York. Being led by the pioneer Richard Englund, Melanie took it to the stages with performances in a diverse repertoire that included leading roles in ballet classics such as Paquita, Pas De Quatre, and Grande Tarantelle. Her performances went beyond traditional ballet to include contemporary dance pieces, showcasing her flexibility as a performer. The stages she adorned were not merely platforms for expression; they became canvases where Melanie painted the art of dance with grace.

Melanie founded Dance Theatre Northwest, a dance company based in Lakewood/University Place. Under her leadership, the company has become a notable contributor to the local arts, presenting over 20 art performances annually. Beyond the spotlight, Melanie’s leadership has facilitated the success of her students, who have earned scholarships in various dance disciplines and pursued professional careers with institutions such as Joffrey Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB), Wayne State, and others.

In her career timeline, Melanie served Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) as a regional manager and was responsible for 11 states for a span of 6 years, bringing her expertise to the arts and media. Her role as a fitness expert on KSTW-11, where she hosted the segment “To Your Health,” demonstrated her skills in the public sphere. In this capacity, Melanie wrote and produced educational content for the program, sharing insights on fitness, health, and wellness.

Melanie has earned notable recognition for her contributions to the arts, receiving awards that portray her impact. Among these honors is the 30 Years Artistic Excellence & Service to the Community Award conferred by the City of University Place in 2017, acknowledging her commitment to community enrichment. Additional accolades included the City of University Place in 2014, a formal proclamation for outstanding community service in 2012, and excellence recognition in 2002.

Beyond the local environment, Melanie’s Dance Theatre Northwest received the Cultural Diversity Award from Access Broadway of New York in 1999, recognizing the company’s efforts in exposing children to the world of arts. These awards collectively affirm Melanie’s career and her significant role in receiving appreciation and community engagement. She also introduced a low-impact exercise video program, “Fit To Be Tried” through which she helped beginners lose weight and have fun learning dance from one of the best ballet dancers.