Working with narcissistic leaders in dance and experiencing dehumanization as a dancer are sad realities that many dancers face, especially in the professional ballet world. In today's episode, we are talking about how dancers can reclaim a sense of agency over themselves and their journeys even in the midst of this broken system. Melody Mennite Principal ballerina formerly with Houston Ballet and currently dancing with Vitacca Ballet. She has toured internationally to perform the classics as well as contemporary work in dance. Some of her classical Principal roles include Odette/Odile, Aurora, Kitri, Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Manon, Juliet, The Sylph in Bournanville’s La Sylphide, Nikya in La Bayadere, Ciao Ciao San in Madame Butterfly, Marie in the ballet Marie, Tatiana and Olga in Onegin, Stephanie and Mary Vetsera in Meyerling, Swanhilda in Coppelia, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, and Lise in La Fille mal Gardee. Melody’s most recent international appearance was in the role of Juliet for the Houston Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet tour to Melbourne, Australia. During Melody’s professional career she has also originated roles in new classical and contemporary productions by choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Stanton Welch, Ben Stevenson, Christopher Bruce, Jorma Elo, Cathy Marston, Paul Taylor, Aszure Barton, Nicole Fonte, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Olivier Wevers, Oliver Halkowich, Jane Weiner, and Garret Smith as well as in her dual role as dancer/choreographer for several films. Melody enjoys all forms of dance and has extensive training and experience with styles rooted in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. She is passionate about both learning and teaching what she has learned with others. Ms. Mennite has graced the cover of both Dance Magazine and Dance Europe and is celebrated as the Audrey Hepburn of ballet due to her dynamic acting and a predisposition for comedic roles. As an actor Melody has achieved two award winning performances in film and continues to build this part of her resume. To read the rest of Melody's impressive resume, visit the description of our other recent episode together. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xa0Mno0uWlk To learn more about my mindset coaching and speaking services, visit kirstenkemp.com To stay up to date on the latest announcements and blog posts at The Confident Dancer, sign up to be a part of my email newsletter community here: http://eepurl.com/gDmjtz To follow along for daily tips and behind-the-scenes looks at what I'm up to, follow me on Instagram at @kirsten_theconfidentdancer _______________________________________________ WORK WITH ME 1:1! THE CONFIDENT DANCER COACHING PROGRAM: A 1:1 Coaching Program to master the mental side of dance so you can confidently perform to your fullest potential. Perfect for pre-professional, professional, or recreational dancers wanting overcome mental blocks like self-doubt, performance anxiety, perfectionism, comparison, insecurities, etc., and build a truly confident mindset that allows you to perform your personal best with joy. Learn more and apply here: https://kirstenkemp.com/confident-dancer-coaching-program#confident-dancer _________________________________________________ SPEAKING & WORKSHOPS: I offer mindset seminars to equip dancers with the inspiration and practical tools to thrive in their well-being and ability to perform their personal best. These 60-90 minute seminars can be a valuable addition to the holistic support and education of your dancers at your next intensive, year-round program, or professional development opportunity for your company dancers. Learn more and inquire here: https://kirstenkemp.com/speaking-and-workshops#speaking-and-workshops