Milissa is from the Westpark area of Cleveland, and she began her formal dance training with Ballet at a very young age at the Cleveland Civic Center with Pam Prabisco formerly of the Cleveland Ballet. From there her love of dance extended to Corley’s dance studio in Cleveland. Milissa has studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Break Dancing, and Ballroom dancing.  Milissa also was a cheerleader for many years as a flier, along with gymnastics until an injury made her change focus to dance. Milissa’s love of dance brough her to the world of Theatre, which began at the young age of five. That love continued through her performance in school shows like Sleeping Beauty, Oklahoma, the King and I and My Fair Lady to name a few. After High School Milissa attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York where she studied, Dance, Vocals and Acting. Milissa has starred in numerous community theatre shows at Aurora, The Beck Center, Chagrin and Weathervane. Her favorite role was Anita in “West Side Story” and performing Jerome Robbins original choreography. Most recently she danced and acted in the Broadway version of Sister Act at Weathervane.

Milissa has Choreographed many musical numbers for cheer, dance teams including a Professional Football Dance Team.  Along with performances around Cleveland, Local High Schools and Grade School competitions and personal appearances, radio and television. Milissa’s love for dance and performing has allowed her to use her creativity and motivation for inspiring youth with self-confidence and motivation in dancers of all ages.

Milissa also has managed her own fitness center and was a certified aerobics instructor and personal trainer for over 20 years. She is excited to begin this new adventure at the Academy, bringing all her talents in dance, performing and fitness to share with her students.