Michelle Black

Background

About Michelle Black

From the time I took my first dance class at the age of three, I have had a passion for the arts. Performing in recitals in elementary school, playing the French horn and flute in the high school marching band, appearing in community theatre productions such as Camelot, Oliver, and Bye, Bye Birdie (where I played the lead role of Kim), performing arts have always been a big part of my life.I received an Associate’s Degree in Music Theatre from Western Wyoming Community College. While at WWCC, I served as the Dance Captain/Assistant Choreographer for the college’s production of A Chorus Line and performed in roles such as Rapunzel in Into the Woods.I enrolled at Brigham Young University as a Dance major. I received several awards for my academic and creative work at BYU. I was involved with a performing group called “Kinnect.” Kinnect travelled to elementary schools throughout the United States, notably in New York City, teaching dance principles to elementary aged children. This led me to discover an interest in the mind-body connection, particularly as it relates to childhood development and mental health management.As part of my BYU education, I spent a semester studying dance in China, including taking classes at the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy. I will tell anyone that dancing on the Great Wall of China as a highlight of that experience.I put my education to work right after graduation in 2008, guest teaching and choreographing at local schools. I continued my contribution to the arts and education by working as Choreographer for a variety of middle and high school music theatre productions, including 42nd Street, The Lion King, Oklahoma, Once On This Island, Annie, and more.I have served as both a coach and judge for state and multi-state high school drama and dance competitions. My choreography has won awards at the multi-state High School Shakespeare Competition, presented by the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.In 2019, my family and I moved to Connecticut where I worked as Assistant Choreographer for a middle school production of High School Musical, Jr as well as a Performing Arts teacher in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where I introduce my students to the world of performing arts in all its forms.I live in Connecticut with my husband, son, and twin daughters.