Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Moore
Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, sparked My passion for the performing arts, immersed in the dynamic urban dance scene. As a freestyle and street dancer, this foundation led me towards a diverse journey across different dance styles, from ballet, modern, jazz, house, to African Dance and more. My formal training at the Peridance Commercial Certification Program and my studies in accounting and marketing at CUNY York equipped me with a versatile skill set that has significantly contributed to my career as a professional dancer.
Upon graduating, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams more vigorously. In just two years, I had the incredible opportunity to work with many artists, including Kanye West, Travie McCoy, Will Smith, Ayo Jay, and Wiz Kid. These experiences were career-defining and opened doors I never imagined possible.
However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I faced significant health challenges. Unable to walk and catch my breath suddenly, fate led me to meet Master Lu Xia as I did a random search on the internet to find a practitioner to help me. Then, I met Master Lu Xia, whose guidance and teachings in cosmic energy and holistic wellness guidance and teachings transformed my life. On her first visit to LA, I attended what she calls a “Negative Energy Detox Course” in Arcadia, which changed my life. My sickness was gone, and she gave me homework for me to continue detoxing negative energy from my body and mind. I then decided to learn more from her. After a decade of knowing her healing methods, I revolutionized my approach to health, balancing my professional aspirations with mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
This transformation allowed me to achieve new heights in my career, including unforgettable moments like working with Beyoncé on her “Hold Up” video (becoming a “MEME”) and the Disney Film “Black is King.” I never thought in a million years that I would be able to dance or work with Beyonce alone more than once. These milestones were pivotal, showing me the power of clearing negative energy from one’s mind and physical body and pursuing one’s dreams.
As I continued my professional dance career, I always had a steadfast commitment to giving back; I now serve as a dance educator and a founding board member of The Healing Circle Foundation. My community work extends beyond teaching dance; it involves creating initiatives that challenge societal norms and foster positive change from youth to elders.
I recognize the pervasive issue of neglecting one’s mental, emotional, and physical health within the dance industry. Amongst various sectors, I have noticed many people losing not just themselves but also their lives, and I strive to provide accessible healing methods for all through movement.
My dedication led me to become a Master Instructor of Energy Spiritual Dance under Master Lu Xia’s mentorship, integrating universal energy healing through movement techniques that transcend traditional dance practices by fostering a profound connection to self, community, and the universe and encouraging emotional release and balance. Connection to Cosmic Energy promotes spiritual growth, heightened awareness, Mind-Body Harmony, Creativity and Self-Expression, Cultural and Spiritual Unity, Healing and Empowerment, and Enhanced Awareness and Presence.
This journey inspired founding the World Harmony Dance Collective, a movement committed to using dance to unite people and address global issues with love, positivity, and awareness. By tackling challenges like social unrest and environmental crises, we aim to foster harmony and understanding.
I am excited to continue this creative journey, inspiring others with the transformative power of dance and universal energy and demonstrating how the arts can catalyze personal and societal change.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has certainly not been smooth, like most journeys, with triumphs and challenges. One of the significant struggles was the health crisis I faced during my early stay in Los Angeles away from my intermediate family, which forced me to confront the ways I had been neglecting my mental, emotional, physical well-being and family in pursuit of professional success. This pivotal moment necessitated a complete reevaluation of my priorities and lifestyle.
Balancing the demands of building a career in the competitive world of performing arts with the need for self-care was another ongoing challenge. It required a deep understanding of maintaining inner well-being while striving for external success. Sometimes, we can be unaware of how much we take on as we strive to pursue our desires; sometimes, we can even feel numb when neglecting how our mind, body, and heart state truly is. From experience, this meant learning to manage stress, avoid burnout, and find an equilibrium between ambition and personal health.
Navigating the complexities of the industry industry’s complexities also presented its hurdles, from the pressures of auditions and performances, being respected as an artist, to the unpredictability of artistic work. There were many times when I didn’t know where my next paycheck was coming in due to not booking a gig or if I could pay my rent on time and take care of necessary obligations. Breaking through these barriers required resilience and adaptability, especially when facing setbacks or rejections.
However, each of these struggles provided valuable lessons and growth opportunities. They highlighted the importance of holistic well-being and how clearing the negative energy in one’s mind and body is essential to success, which inspired me to integrate this perspective into my work and community initiatives. These experiences have ultimately shaped me into a more comprehensive artist and a mentor and advocate for wellness within the artistic community.
Despite the challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding and paved the way for new opportunities and meaningful contributions to the dance world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in dance and holistic wellness, blending artistic expression with universal energy-healing principles. As a professional dancer, choreographer, actor and educator, I have a diverse background encompassing various dance styles, including hip hop, ballet, dancehall, African, contemporary and many more. My experience includes performing with renowned artists like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Will Smith, and creating artistic works for World Harmony Dance Collective, which has contributed significantly to my artistic reputation.
My commitment to integrating universal energy studies and holistic health into my dance practice sets me apart. After studying under Master Lu Xia, a Master of Cosmic Energy, I became the first disciple and Instructor of Energy Spiritual Dance (named Dong Fang Zi Qing) by Master Lu Xia. The relationship between master and apprentice is like that between father and son/ Mother and daughter. Once called “master” (having or showing great skill or proficiency in acquiring complete knowledge), the bond lasts a lifetime.
I now shoulder the mission bestowed by the universe to go to all parts of the world with a fearless stance and the energy of the universe guiding the awakening of humanity, allowing the wisdom of the universe to nourish the earthly world, jointly composing the glorious symphony of the resonance between the Earth and the universe. This unique approach allows me to teach movement that focuses on physical expression and aligning the mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being within the dance community, addressing the common challenges artists and many individuals face in mentally, physically, emotionally and artistically maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
In the transformative realm of Energy Spiritual Dance, movement becomes a luminous journey into the soul. Like a morning star piercing the night, it delicately illuminates the hidden depths of human emotion, offering a path to self-awareness and renewal. Guided by Master Lu, a visionary pioneer in this work, Energy Spiritual Dance transcends physical movement, serving as a bridge between individuals and the boundless energy of the universe.
Each step resonates with the heart, clearing the fog of the mundane and unlocking dormant potential. The dance’s dynamic rhythm frees the mind from rigid patterns, sparking a profound rebirth—like a phoenix rising, body and spirit are transformed into vibrant, awakened states.More than an art form, Energy Spiritual Dance connects life’s fragments to the cosmic whole.
In moments of harmony, dancers and individuals realize they are not isolated but part of a vast universal symphony. This awakening inspires reverence for all existence, guiding the soul toward unity with the natural and spiritual worlds.
Energy Spiritual Dance reveals life’s ultimate beauty through its poetic and profound flow. This sacred rhythm harmonizes the individual with the infinite, opening the door to transformation and transcendence in the language of movement & connection.
I am most proud being able to teach this work and of Directing the World Harmony Dance Collective, a movement dedicated to using dance as a means of social change. Our mission is to promote love, positivity, and awareness in response to global issues such as social unrest and environmental crises. Through this collective, we aim to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, harnessing the power of dance to inspire meaningful conversations and foster community connections.
Additionally, my work as a dance educator is incredibly fulfilling. Engaging with communities and schools, creating curriculum and projects that empower students of all ages. I strive to help them connect with their creativity while instilling a sense of responsibility toward their mental and emotional health.
Ultimately, my journey is about more than just performance; it’s about using the art of dance to inspire healing, resilience, and positive change in myself and others. This holistic approach, coupled with my experiences, allows me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I work with, distinguishing my work in the field.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has certainly played a role in both my personal life and career, along with preparation and consistency, influencing opportunities and outcomes, along the way. On the positive side, I’ve experienced fortunate moments that have propelled my career forward. For example, moving to Los Angeles and connecting with influential artists and mentors was a pivotal stroke of luck. These encounters opened doors to incredible opportunities, such as working with renowned entertainers and participating in high-profile projects that shaped my artistic trajectory.
Additionally, my encounter with Master Lu Xia during a challenging period was a serendipitous moment that significantly altered my understanding of health, the human condition and wellness. This fortunate meeting led to a decade of transformative study in cosmic, universal energy and holistic practices, enriching my approach to dance and life. This made me realize that it wasn’t until I could clear the negative energy within my mind and body that I noticed a marked improvement in my luck, alongside my hard work. This clearing process allowed me to align my intentions and energy, fostering an environment for new opportunities and positive experiences.
Conversely, I have also faced challenges attributed to unfortunate circumstances. Navigating health issues and the intense pressures of the dance industry often felt like obstacles that were out of my control. These struggles taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity. While it may seem like bad luck at times, these experiences ultimately prompted growth and a deeper understanding of my own strengths.
In business, timing can also be a matter of luck. Launching the World Harmony Dance Collective at a time where there is an increasing awareness of mental health and community wellness showed me how pivotal the right timing can be in creating impact.
Luck is hard work, preparation, and intention. . While being open to opportunities and staying committed to my passions have been critical in shaping my journey, I also recognize that clearing negative energy has contributed significantly to improving my luck and guiding me toward my current path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healingcirclefoundation.org/w-h-d-collective
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.melissaemoore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MISS1MOORE/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@im.MelissaEMoore
- Other: https://miss1moore.weebly.com
Image Credits
Andrew White
Tyron “TWiZ” Williams
Whitney Browne
Rebecca Marcela
