MEET THE OWNER...
MELANIE CAPALBO
OWNER/DIRECTOR
DANCE INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
BARRE FITNESS
PILATES
PiYO®
ZUMBA®
At a very young age Melanie knew that dance was her passion. She began dancing and tumbling at the age of three at local dance studios in the Merrimack Valley. She is an accomplished competitive dancer of many genres both as a soloist and group dancer with many awards to show for including highest overall scores for artistry, choreography, technique, and performance. In addition to dance, Melanie has also received many awards and recognitions as a high level competitive gymnast and cheerleader. As captain of her pop-warner cheerleading squad she and her squad won their way to victory in states, regionals, and the national championship. In high school she was honored to compete as a freshman at a varsity level with her high school gymnastics team, as well as take first place in the New Hampshire State Gymnastics Championships.
Upon graduating High School, Melanie went on to study Dance Performance and Pedagogy at Dean College, located in Franklin, MA, where she received her degree with high honors. At Dean, she was accepted into The Ailey School (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) in New York City, received the Gregory Hines Tap Dance Scholarship and was a member of the Dean Dance Company. After Dean, she studied music and dance at the Hartford Conservatory for Music and Dance in Hartford, CT. After completion of her college studies, Melanie became an instructor of many dance genres to children and adults of all ages and levels; recreational and competitive. Her students have also been acknowledged with many high scoring awards for their dance performances in state, regional, and national dance competitions/contests.
With over 30 years of dance instruction, Melanie decided it was time for more than just dance. She has always had a love for many types of movement whether it be dance or simply jumping the ocean waves in the summertime! Over the last few years Melanie opened the doors into the fitness world. She found that adding these new styles of movement into her regular routine was not only helping her physical health as a dancer and in everyday life, but also her mental health. Realizing just how important it is to stay physically, as well as mentally fit and active (especially as we get older), Melanie became certified as an instructor for group fitness, Zumba, Pilates, PiYO, and Barre. After successfully completing all of her certifications, she went on to open RISE! Her goal is to offer as many styles of movement as possible to get everyone, young and old, moving and living the best quality of life possible! Melanie looks forward to continuing to share her passions for dance and fitness, create art through movement and dance, educate and train dancers properly, and bring fun and innovative classes/workouts to EVERYONE!