Melanie Person  
Organization: The Ailey School (USA)

Position: Director

Affiliation with organization: 2010 – Present

Years active at YAGP: 2013 – Present

 

Melanie Person began her early dance training in Jackson, Mississippi at age 6. Upon moving to Columbia, South Carolina a few years later, she continued her dance training at the Calvert-Brodie School of Dance while performing with the Columbia City Ballet. In 1976 she auditioned for the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Summer Intensive and was offered a full scholarship. In 1979, became a full member after graduating from Professional Children’s School. For 12 years, Ms. Person performed with DTH around the world and went on to earn her B.A. from SUNY Empire State College. In 1999 she joined the PPAS ballet faculty at The Ailey School and in 2000 became Co-Director of the Junior Division alongside Tracy Inman. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Person was made Chair of the ballet department and President of the Emergency Fund for Student Dancers. In 2009, she was named Associate Director of The Ailey School and in 2010 — Co-Director.