Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Gould.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
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 9 years. The company offers performances throughout the year at a variety of locations, including Columbus City, New Albany, Dublin, and Westerville.
Here is info about our upcoming project:
October 15, 2022 7pm, October 16, 2022 2pm
Jeanne B. McCoy Center for the Performing Arts
100 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, OH 43054
New Vision Dance Company will present 2 chilling performances at the Jeanne B. McCoy Center for the Arts October 15 & 16, 2022. Suitable for children and adults, “Boogieman’s Ball – A Dance Spooktacular” celebrates the haunting nature of Halloween and will utilize projected images, special lighting effects, eerie costuming and choreography intermixed to tell a whimsical story. Pull together your spookiest attire to participate in a Halloween Costume Contest. There will be a costume contest at intermission with lots of cash prizes!
Tickets will go on sale September, 1, 2022 at www.cbusarts.com
For more information please visit www.newvisiondanceco.org
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Dance is a difficult career choice. You are judged constantly on your appearance as well as your skill. I experienced times when I was out of work for stretches and had to ask for help.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I enjoyed a wonderful professional dance career. My goal for New Vision is for these adult dancers to have beautiful costumes, perform at top-notch venues, and have that professional dance experience. I am so proud not only of the work that New Vision produces but of the family of dancers we have created. We strive for inclusivity and want our dancers to thrive in a safe space.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being brave enough to ask. We all need help. Reach out to those who inspire you and let them know how they have moved you artistically.
Pricing:
- $15 general admission tickets to “Boogieman’s Ball ~ A Dance Spooktacular”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.newvisiondanceco.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newvisiondanceco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newvisiondanceco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-p90XADpbQTXCC8wqu4zKQ
Image Credits
Todd Sloan Photography
Jerri Shafer
Ian Powell
