Conversations with Melissa Valenzuela

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Valenzuela.

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?
Growing up, dance was always more than just an activity to me — it became the place where I learned confidence, discipline, connection, and how to express myself when words couldn’t. I grew up competing under the direction of Tu Devera and Beau Fournier, and those years really shaped the artist and person I am today.
As a Latina pursuing the arts, it honestly wasn’t something I saw often growing up. I didn’t grow up seeing many people who looked like me following this path professionally, so there were moments where it felt uncertain or impossible. But over time, that became part of my motivation. I realized that if I could pursue this career wholeheartedly, maybe my younger sisters or the next generation of young dancers could see that it’s possible for them too. Representation matters to me, and being someone that others can look to is something that continues to push and inspire me.

I went on to attend California State University, Long Beach, where I received my BFA in Dance. During those four years, I trained through numerous dance intensives and had the opportunity to learn from so many different artists and companies that expanded the way I viewed movement and storytelling. After graduating, I was honored to attend Jacob’s Pillow through the Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellowship, which was such a transformative experience for me both artistically and personally.

Today, I dance professionally with MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, but one of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been discovering my love for teaching. Working in different school districts and sharing dance with students has reminded me how powerful art and community can be. I truly believe the people you surround yourself with can lift you up, challenge you, and help you grow into who you’re meant to become. That sense of community is something I try to bring into every space I enter — whether I’m performing, teaching, or simply connecting with others through movement.

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?
I think one of my biggest struggles was learning not to tie my worth solely to achievement. In the dance world, it’s so easy to feel like your value is connected to what you book, what company you’re dancing for, or what milestone comes next. For a long time, I felt like I constantly had to prove myself — that if I just worked harder, achieved more, or stayed busy enough, then maybe I would finally feel secure in who I was. But pursuing art professionally can be emotionally exhausting because there are so many highs and lows. There are moments of validation, but there are also moments of rejection, comparison, self-doubt, and uncertainty.
Over time, I’ve realized that growth isn’t always linear. Some of the moments that felt like setbacks were actually the moments that shaped me the most. They forced me to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with why I started dancing in the first place. Dance stopped becoming only about achievement and became more about connection, storytelling, healing, and community. That shift changed me not only as an artist, but also as a teacher and person.
Those experiences taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of the people you surround yourself with. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors, peers, students, family, and friends who reminded me of my purpose during moments when I lost confidence in myself. Community has carried me through so many difficult seasons, and it’s something I deeply value now in every space I’m part of.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional dancer, teacher, and creative who specializes in contemporary dance and movement-based storytelling. Currently, I dance with MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, and alongside performing, a huge part of my work is centered around teaching and community engagement. I’ve had the opportunity to teach dance throughout different school districts and work with students of all ages, which has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
I think what I’m most known for is the way I approach dance with both emotional honesty and connection. Whether I’m performing or teaching, I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel seen, encouraged, and safe to express themselves. Technique and training are important to me, but I also believe dance is about humanity — about telling stories, building confidence, and helping people reconnect with themselves and with others.

Something I’m especially proud of is being able to sustain a career in the arts while staying grounded in community and purpose. From training competitively under Tu Devera and Beau Fournier, to earning my BFA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach, to attending Jacob’s Pillow through the Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellowship, every experience has shaped me into the artist and educator I am today. But beyond accomplishments, I’m most proud of the impact I’m able to have on younger dancers and students — especially young Latina girls who may not always see themselves represented in these spaces.

I think what sets me apart is that I lead with heart. I genuinely care about people and the environments I’m part of. I value collaboration over competition, and I try to bring authenticity into everything I do. Dance has taught me that community is just as important as talent, and I think that perspective influences the way I move through both my career and my relationships with others

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
More than anything, I’d want readers to know that none of this journey happens alone. While dance has required a lot of discipline and personal growth, I truly would not be where I am without the love and support of the people around me. My teachers, mentors, family, friends, peers, and students have all played such an important role in shaping who I am — not just as a dancer, but as a person. There were many moments throughout my journey where other people believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and that kind of support can truly change someone’s life.
I’ve also learned that success looks different for everyone. For me, success is not only about performing professionally or reaching certain milestones — it’s about being able to positively impact others through art, teaching, and community. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have actually happened inside classrooms or conversations with students, when someone feels inspired, seen, or more confident in themselves because of dance.
I also hope people remember that pursuing the arts is valuable and important. Art creates connection, healing, expression, and community, especially during difficult times.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @melissavalenzuelaa

Image Credits
Kelly Mustapha
Gregory R.R Crosby
Christina Mia Morales
Jenna Maskechko
Tomas