Michelle has been dancing since the age of two. She has trained for over 30 years in styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern and contemporary. She studied at local dance studios surrounding the Plymouth, MA area where she grew up. She performed throughout her community at events, festivals and benefits. As a competitive dancer, Michelle attended numerous dance competitions and conventions and trained under famous master instructors throughout the northeast. Some of the most inspiring artists she has trained under include Emmy Award winning choreographers, Tabitha and Napoloen D'umo, as well as Dustin Phillips, Mary Gentry, Allen Cooper, Allison Faulk, Jay Fagan, and many more. In 2007, Michelle danced as a Junior Patriots Cheerleader, training under Tracy Sormanti, and dancing alongside the New England Patriots Cheerleaders at Gillette Stadium.
Michelle studied Business Administration, English and Dance in college. She learned modern techniques of Martha Graham and studied techniques and choreography of Merce Cunningham, Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, Jose Limon and many more influential artists. Michelle began her teaching career in 2010 in Plymouth, MA. She relocated to North Carolina in 2011, where she continued her career specializing in teaching and choreographing contemporary. She also teaches jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, modern and ballet. She often incorporates contemporary into her choreography of other styles of dance.
During her time in North Carolina, Michelle choreographed for various studios and performing arts programs, training dancers of all levels from beginner to pre-professional. She worked with various facilities within the Town of Cary, building the recreational dance program. She developed a performance level dance program for more dedicated dancers, as well as an inclusive dance program for children and adults with disabilities. She worked with Project Phoenix, Cary Police Department's outreach, providing free dance classes and events for underprivileged youth. When Michelle was not in the studio, she spent time working at a local dance store as a pointe shoe fitter, where she had the opportunity to train with designers and representatives of some of the largest pointe shoe manufacturers.
Michelle has choreographed numerous award-winning group, solo and duet pieces for competitive dancers. Michelle's dancers have gone on to audition and perform for prestigious ballet companies across the country including Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet West, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Roanoke Ballet Theatre, and more. Her dancers have also competed and performed for and agency’s including American Dance Festival, So You Think You Can Dance, America's Got Talent, Actors Models and Talent for Christ, Youth America Grand Prix, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Walt Disney World, and Fox Television. Michelle was awarded 'Best Dance Teacher' in Cary, NC by lessons.com for three consecutive years in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
In 2024, Michelle relocated back to the area of her hometown of Plymouth, MA where she is continuing her dance career. She is excited to share her experience with the next generation of dancers in her hometown. She offers workshops, private instruction and choreography across the south shore. Michelle is also the pointe shoe specialist at Plymouth Dancewear. You can book a fitting with her online!
Through every experience, Michelle’s dedication continues to grow, as well as her passion for teaching and choreographing. Her philosophy brings the process of her artistry to life through collaboration; creating an experience for dancers to learn and grow while involving them in the process. Her ultimate goal has been to share her knowledge and passion for dance with others, to educate and mentor dancers and to create a safe environment for dancers to connect and evolve.
