Melissa Mirza (they/them) is the Director of Colleges of the Fenway Dance and a Boston based dancer, choreographer, and educator.  Melissa holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a BS in Exercise Science from Simmons University and currently practices as a Pediatric Physical Therapist in the Brockton area.  Melissa is also a Certified Laban Bartenieff Movement Analyst through Integrated Movement Studies and is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association.  Melissa currently dances in collaboration with Boston based artist Catherine Siller on work surrounding gender identity. In the past Melissa has danced and choreographed with Project 31, fulfilled an apprenticeship with KAIROS Dance Theater, performed alongside the Bill Evans Company, and presented work in the New England area, including at the Opening Our Doors Festival in Boston, the American College of Dance Associations Regional Conference, and through Onstage Dance Company’s Session VII Residency Program. Melissa currently teaches for Integrated movement Studies. They teach contemporary, ballet, jazz and modern jazz with COF Dance. As an educator, Melissa enjoys spreading the joy and comfort dance provides while promoting critical thinking, somatic experiences, diverse learning opportunities, and accessibility for all dancers.