Originally from Montreal, Canada, Melissa Panetta is a professional dancer trained in all disciplines of dance. In May 2016, Melissa graduated from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours with Distinction) majoring in dance and minoring in kinesiology. After graduation, Melissa danced with the professional company Thodos Dance Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. During her debut season at Thodos Dance Chicago, Melissa had the opportunity to perform the principal role of Helen Keller in Thodos’ original story ballet A Light in the Dark – the story of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. She also performed Brian Eno’s Acid Reign, Shannon Alvis’ Sunrise, and the remount of Bella Lewitzky’s Nos Duraturi. Prior to Thodos Dance Chicago, Melissa danced professionally with a Vancouver based company entitled DezzaDance, where she worked closely with artistic director Desiree Dunbar performing in multiple repertoire shows. Melissa has also been privileged to work with choreographers including Gioconda Barbuto, Peter Chu, Crystal Pite, Megan Walker Straight, and Wen Wei Wang and has attended various summer intensives including Arts Umbrella, Sidra Bell Module, and The Cunningham Trust Workshop.  In addition, Melissa is an accomplished choreographer and teaching instructor throughout Canada. Receiving distinction in her R.A.D. Advanced 1 ballet exam, Melissa has taught dancers in a variety of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and modern. Melissa has also choreographed in many main-stage shows and in dance competitions across Ontario. Melissa is a dedicated emerging artist who hopes to share her passion of dance with the world.