Melissa studied tap, jazz, and hip-hop before falling in love with Lindy Hop, and she fell hard. The music, fashion, dancing, and even the movies of the 1930s and 40s are a huge part of her life and really inspire her style. She began learning Lindy Hop in 1999 in the Washington, DC area, and danced socially three to four times a week. As the trend in swing was leaning toward a smoother version of Lindy Hop known as Hollywood, she learned some of this styling from international champions Steve and Carla. Here in Portland, Melissa zips across dance floors blending smooth Lindy, East Coast swing, and balboa. She began teaching in 2003 and has performed at various events around town. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of her famous swivels.