dancer || choreographer || collaborator
Raised in Santa Monica, California, Melanie Katzen began dancing at the age of five with a local competitive dance studio. She continued her studies briefly at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, training directly under Brandon Whited and Ashley Lindsey. Entering high school, Melanie found her artistic drive and choreographic vision while attending Champs Charter High School of the Arts, working with Ina Haybaeck-Rogers, Madeleine Dahm, and Melody McKnight Humphries. During her studies at Champs Charter High School of the Arts, she attended numerous master classes taught
by Michele Miller, who soon advised Melanie to attend Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. Melanie began her college studies in August 2017 at Cornish College of the Arts and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in May 2020 under the Accelerated Degree Program. For the past few years, Melanie has been working with EL SUEÑO, a company directed by Alicia Mullikin that uses dance as a gateway to community engagement, healing, and empowerment for marginalized communities.
Alongside her performance opportunities, Melanie has continued to teach and choreograph for young artists.
Melanie Katzen now focuses on her new dance studio, Mbodiment. Located in West LA, Mbodiment Studios was created as a safe haven for young artists within our community, challenging & encouraging each other through movement.
To learn more about Mbodiment, click here.
photo by Eva Nys