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 Dancing
Salsa professionally since 1999, Melissa Fernández grew
up dancing and entertaining others. As a child, her mother took
three buses to make sure Melissa received ballet classes. While
on those long trips, Melissa sang and danced for her fellow
bus riders, earning quarters and candy for her efforts. Doing
impromptu shows at the family gatherings or performing for the
mirrors thoruhgout the house wasn’t uncommon for this
young entertainer. It seemed only natural that her connection
to dance would carry her into the future.
Though Melissa yielded to peer pressure in her teenage years
by quitting her tap, jazz, and ballet training, she rekindled
that old flame in 1999 under the tutelage of Louie Angon,
who taught her the basics of Salsa. This was all she needed
to be completely hooked on Salsa and she soon started training
with Johnny and Francisco Vazquez of the famous Vazquez brothers
in Los Angeles, CA. In August of that same year, she auditioned
for Salsa Brava Dance Company, the first Salsa dance company
in Los Angeles, and was one of three female dancers chosen
to join the team.
Since this exciting time, her life completely changed, as
she has traveled the world performing, instructing, and entertaining
while continuing to expand her passion for this beautiful
dance. Opportunities to perform in videos, television, and
stage shows began as she appeared with artists such as Vivica
Fox, the Four Tops, and Tito Puente Jr., to name a few.
While performing in such prestigious events with such notable
people, Melissa felt a need to challenge herself by entering
Salsa dance competitions. Her first competition with fellow
dancer Gordon Neil, rendered her a $15,000 prize and a first
place trophy in the Newport Rhythm and Sound National Dance
Contest in Miami, FL. Her second contest also won her a first
place prize at the annual Sportsmen’s Lodge contest,
in 2002, with fellow Salsa Brava dancer, Ricky Lomeli. Currently,
she dances with Christian Oviedo, a dancer who she admires
for his talent and appreciates very much as a person.
 Although
performing thorughout the world and winning competitions are
important aspects of Melissa’s dance career, teaching
others how to enjoy this dance ranks high on her list of professional
desires. Currently she teaches in North Hollywood, Bellflower,
Downey, and Westminster, CA. (see
locations)
Besides traveling, teaching, and performing, Melissa recently
choreographed for the L.A. Salsa Kids Girls Team and is looking
forward to working with the L.A. Salsa Kids for their upcoming
new routine. All of these opportunities have made her an exceptional
dancer who is well respected in the world salsa community.
Melissa anxiously awaits her next salsa challenge and encourages
everyone to join this great salsa community.
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