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Summer Featured DivaGirl- Melyssa Moniz!
Congrats to Melysssa Moniz- DivaGirl’s Summer 2010 Featured DivaGirl!
- What are three words that best describe Melyssa?
Passionate, determined, bubbly
- Tell us a bit about yourself: the true Diva.
I am an entrepreneur, dancer, teacher, performer, and motivational speaker. I have a very loving family, a loving partner and a network of friends who have supported me to become who I am today. I have had many tribulations along the way, but overcoming them built personal strength. As an entrepreneur, I love being able to demonstrate my different skill sets and talents to targeted audiences; I truly enjoy teaching and inspiring others to be the best they can be. I value education and progressive development and make it my mission to embody these values. I enjoy laughing, spending time with my loved ones and eating freshly popped popcorn. I am quite goofy and naturally try to make people laugh. When I am not running my business, you can find me studying languages, visiting coffee shops or reading at Indigo.
- How did you get into teaching dance/fitness? Tell us about your experiences in the industry.
Approximately 8 years ago, I discovered that self expression was both important and necessary for my personal development. I started training with a Latin Dance company as an apprentice and after a short amount of time learning several different styles of Latin dance, I became a member of their performing team. As my dance training progressed I became increasingly obsessed with dancing salsa, merengue, bachata, and more! After studying at the Ted Rogers School of Business for 2 years, my desire to dance became so strong that I dedicated an entire year to dance training and dance experiences. I also became interested in health and wellness as a compliment to my dance training. I returned back to business school to finish my bachelor’s degree, while continuing to train simultaneously. I began to teach dance on a part-time basis and started choreographing routines with my now current business partner. I realized that the same artistic passion that I once had in my early youth was the same passion that I channel for my dance endeavors. Now, I co-own P.O.S.E. dance troupe, I run monthly workshops and private lessons, and am an independent contractor for several other Toronto-based companies where I perform samba, Afro-Brazilian, hip hop and other forms of dance. Life has been lively and busy for me, and I do not intend on slowing down anytime soon!
- Why did you decide join DivaGirl?
I met Laura Furtado at a FAME convention in Toronto, a couple of years after I started training. As she taught her sexy-fit workshop, I was drawn to her energy and felt that she had the same entrepreneurial spirit as me. Several years later, after I had seen her grow her business, I reconnected with her to find out more about DivaGirl Inc. She impressed me with where she was in the industry, and I respected her immensely. I wanted to grow and share my knowledge and love for what I do, and joining DivaGirl directly achieved those goals. I am extremely happy I decided to join!
- Tell us a bit about the classes/workshops that you offer to the DivaGirl Community.
My areas of expertise are in the Latin realm so I offer dance and dance-fitness classes that utilize the infectious rhythms of salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and the ever popular Zuumba. In all my classes I provide two important elements: 1) specialized dance technique and 2) a platform for my students to experiment with their creativity based on the technique taught.
- Why should women attend your DivaGirl classes/workshops?
All of my classes are warm, inviting and progressive and are meant to ignite the student’s individual passion as a dancer. My classes are energetic and motivating. I am personally devoted to the students’ well-being, so I utilize a variety of communication and feedback strategies in my classes. I have been blessed to have a supportive network of students who tell me they love my classes!
- What constitutes you as a Diva?
I am Diva because I am driven, passionate, and dedicated to becoming the best woman that I can be! Life is a series of choices – I choose to be the Diva I was meant to be.
- What are your top three tips to help women get fit, have fun and feel sexy?
1) Treat your body well! Eat right and sleep right. If you are unsure how to do those things, there are professionals out there who thrive off of educating those who don’t know.
2) Pursue hobbies and passions that you make you feel alive! Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself and do the things you love to do.
3) Spend time on yourself. This means feeling sexy in your own skin. Don’t be afraid to pamper yourself and get dolled up. You are a woman and you should roar! Insert smiley face here.
- Are there any upcoming workshops/events/projects that you are working on, that you would like to share to the DivaGirl community?
I have an awesome Reggaeton workshop coming up on July 11th – Ladies, get it poppin’! I also have a 6 week session running from July 7th-August 11th on Wednesdays for Latin Movement and Merengue and Bachata – Dances of the Dominican. Check it out under my DivaGirl profile.My dance troupe P.O.S.E. will be performing August 1 at the Chim Pao Callao Congress – the first Niagara Falls salsa congress. I will be expanding my business to include health and nutritional services – keep a look out in the near future.
- Final comments?
This life can be as meaningful and fulfilling as we want it to be. I strongly believe that every day is a learning experience; it is our responsibility to love and to give so that we grow personally, emotionally and intellectually. Our actions have consequences, so I encourage us all to be conscious of our daily choices.Lastly, I hope to inspire others to do what they love to do. I am proud to be the featured Diva Girl!
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 am
Hi Aimee! Thanks for the Facebook Add – lol – where are your pictures? what do you teach now?
June 25th, 2010 at 2:24 am
Hi Melyssa, it’s Aimee…I worked with you at
Pepperwood a few years back (for a short time) and I’m friends with your sister as we are both fitness instructors with Premier. I just wanted to congratulate you on all your success with the dance and I’m very proud of you for pursuing your passions. You are very inspiring!!! All the best:)