Melissa R.

I have 8 1/2 years of dance training plus 10 years of cheerleading experience. I have been involved in dance and cheerleading workshops for a number of years,where I teach not only dance and cheer skills, but self-esteem, dicipline, and team work. Additionally, I worked at World of Wonder cheernastics, as a trainer/coach for 2 years. Several local schools have hired me to choreograph routines for and teach their cheeleading squads. I have judged cheerleading competitions and cheer try-outs. I am experienced in working with girls ages 4yo-teen/early adulthood. I am the current coach of the BYS Bulldog mini cheerleaders here in Knoxville.

My dance experience is in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. I have the ability to choreograph routines, which I can choose the music for or simply be given the music. (My cheerleading squads have won countless awards by using the routines that I have formulated!)

My athletic accomplishments are as follows:
-Captain/Co-Captain of my cheerleading squads through out school
-1st place awards with cheerleading team (Home Pom Dance Routine-4 years in a row, Cheer-3 years in a row, Dance-4 years in a row)

Our sessions will depend solely on the skill, technique, or routine that is wanting to be learned. All of my sessions will begin with stretching and warming up. This is a vital part of any dance or cheer performance. My sessions will be structured, however student-centered, to ensure that the pace and skill is comfortable for the him or her. I am patient and nonjudgmental, and my teaching approach is very positive and encouraging! Of course, age is certainly a consideration, and my session style will rely upon the experience and skill level of my student, as well. Ultimately, I believe that perfecting a skill relies heavily on practice and determination, so the student will leave my sessions with the ability to effectively practice the skill/technique/routine at home.