MEET THE OWNER...
MELANIE CAPALBO
OWNER/DIRECTOR
DANCE INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
ZUMBA® INSTRUCTOR
BARRE INSTRUCTOR
GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
At a very young age Melanie knew that "movement" was her passion. She began dancing and tumbling at the age of three at local dance and gymnastics studios in the Merrimack Valley. Melanie 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 and gymnastics, Melanie also has a background in cheerleading. As a cheerleader, not only was she awarded the All American Cheerleader award at NCA cheer camp, but she is also a regional, state, and national cheerleading champion.
Melanie studied 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/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 30 years of dance instruction under her belt, Melanie decided it was time to also become a certified instructor for group fitness, Zumba®, and Barre-Fitness. After opening these new doors, she decided to open RISE, where she would provide many types of movement classes for all ages and levels. Melanie looks forward to sharing her passion for all types of movement with all of you!