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Opened in 1998, Melissa Kathleen's School of Dance has been a staple for the arts community in Albemarle, North Carolina over the last 23 years. Beginning with only 17 students, the studio has grown exponentially over the years, but has remained a welcoming environment for dancers of all ages. Melissa Kathleen's School of Dance offers classes in a variety of dance styles, encouraging students to express their creativity through the art of dance, and instilling confidence as they grow.

 

Melissa Zaleski is the owner and director of Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance. Melissa began studying dance in 1973 at the age of two in Jacksonville, Florida under the direction of Virginia Dell Hobbs. In 1991, she qualified and became a member of Dance Masters of America, an international organization of teachers certified to teach by test. She became a member of Carolina in 1998 and is currently serving on their Board of Directors as Vice President. Melissa is active in her local community in supporting the arts and has performed in, directed and choreographed for the local Stanly County Dancing with the Stars for many years, as well as working with the Uwharrie Players on several summer productions. Many of her current and former students have been active with the children’s theater group, The Talent Company. Melissa is dedicated to continuing her own dance education as well and encouraging her students by taking master classes from different artists throughout the years. to name a few. A lifelong passion for sharing the art of dance led Melissa to open Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance in 1998. Since then she has enjoyed teaching many wonderful young people and adults in Albemarle. Melissa has been married to her husband, D.J., since 1992 and they have two children, Abby and Zach.

 
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Melissa Zaleski

Director

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Abby Zaleski

Assistant Director

Abby Zaleski is the Assistant Director at Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance, and daughter of Director, Melissa Zaleski. She grew up dancing in the studio from it’s first year in business in 1998 until her graduation from high school in 2013. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Mass Communication. While attending UNC Chapel Hill, Abby was the member of several dance organizations on campus, such as Carolina Vibe, the Carolina Tap Ensemble, and Blank Canvas Dance Company. Following graduation from UNC in 2017, Abby moved to Florida to achieve her lifelong dream of performing at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. She had the opportunity to perform in numerous shows on the castle stage and parades within the parks, including Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade, and Fantasmic! Abby is also a certified member of Dance Masters of America, and is recently attended the University of Florida for her Master’s degree in Web Design.