Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Gould
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been dancing since I was a child. I grew up watching classic musicals like “West Side Story” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” I was a professional dancer for many years and traveled all over the world doing what I love. Now, my focus is on Directing, Choreographing, and Producing theatrical productions throughout Central Ohio.
I received my B.A in Dance at San Jose State University and enjoyed a professional dance career which included contracts in Japan, Las Vegas, and South Korea. I have been teaching for over 35 years and have choreographed musicals for community theatres across the country. I am the Director of the New Albany Middle School Theatre Department. As Artistic Director and founder of New Vision Dance Company, one of the McCoy CPA’s resident artists, I am known for my intense dance style, challenging classes, and entertaining choreography. I donate my time to help with New Albany Plain Local School District’s Black History Month Assembly and produce talent shows for NAHS and NAMS. I want to promote and support the performing arts in New Albany and throughout Central Ohio.
New Vision Dance Company, a non-profit dance ensemble best known for its versatility in style and community engagement, celebrated 15 years in operation last year. I founded the company in 2006 in Seattle, Washington, and relocated it to Columbus in 2013. Since then, the company has grown ten times in size and has become a staple part of the Columbus arts community.
New Vision Dance Company launched the inaugural New Albany Dance Festival on July 30, 2022. The event hosted 14 local dance studios, 12 local and regional companies, and a variety of fitness instructors. We had engagement from over 1,000 individuals who either took free dance and fitness classes or attended one of the 2 performances that day.
About New Vision Dance Company: New Vision Dance Company, a non-profit dance ensemble, is one of Columbus, Ohio’s leading concert dance companies. Founded in 2006, New Vision strives to bring art through dance to the forefront of local entertainment. Through company performances and workshop classes, New Vision has been a valuable presence in the greater Columbus community for over 10 years. The company offers performances throughout the year at a variety of locations, including Columbus City, New Albany, Dublin, and Westerville.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
New Vision Dance Company is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of volunteers donating their time and resources to produce our shows throughout the year as well as our seasonal workshops. Unlike other organizations that have corporate sponsors, New Vision Dance Company receives funding from community sponsors and a few local businesses. Without volunteers or sponsors, we would not be able to put on the high caliber productions we provide to the community or perform at top-notch venues that come at a high price.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ever since the plans for the Hinson Amphitheater were in the works, I envisioned a dance festival in New Albany similar to Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires or the Fire Island Dance Festival. There is such a wealth of artistry and dance creation in the community that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. The New Albany Dance Festival is an opportunity to display the art, dance, health, and wellness the community has to offer at a world-class venue.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
It takes a village to put on such a massive event, and I excel at delegating and spreading the work amongst other individuals who bring their own talents and areas of expertise to make the festival a success. In 2024, we had 27 chairpeople, and this year, we have many returning chairs as well as welcoming new members into the process. With the combined effort of the festival chairs, last year there were 380 attendees at the New Albany Festival Concert, 605 attendees at the Central Ohio Dance Studio Showcase, and 172 attendees at the International Dance Concert. We offered 32 free classes to the community that focused on dance, health, and wellness, boasting over 900 class registrations. 12 adult companies, 14 dance studios, and 6 cultural dance groups performed in the three concerts. This totaled over 300 performers, and we had over 100 volunteers over the course of the weekend. This year, the New Albany Dance Festival will kick off with Ten Tiny Dances, a show of ten different pieces confined to a four foot by four foot space. This challenges choreographers to push the boundaries of what is possible in such a limited space as well as offering audience members a unique and innovative experience.
Pricing:
- New Albany Dance Festival Concert $20
- Central Ohio Dance Studio Showcase $15
- International Dance Concert $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newvisiondanceco.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newvisiondanceco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newvisiondanceco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewVisionDanceCo
