Student Profile: Melissa Palomino

Theatre student Melissa Palomino has been awarded first place in the Undergraduate Research and Mentoring Program showcase for her research project on the history of Cuban Ballet. She has been working on this project for two years and now she, and theatre patrons, will get to see the culmination of her labor on stage in the 2013 annual Dance Concert, With a Twist.

When she completed the research portion of her project, Melissa was not ready for the project to end. She approached Dance Concert Director Earl Weaver and discussed the possibilities of a dance piece centered on Cuban Ballet.

Now Melissa, a senior BFA Design/Technology major, is directing a dance piece. She has enjoyed being able to take her own vision and put it on stage rather than following someone else's vision. Both her choreographer, Nicole Gonzalez, and the dancer, Ramsey Grace, are of Cuban ancestry.

Melissa has created an elaborate costume for the dance. The skirt of the dress will transform throughout the piece. Its design has been the biggest challenge throughout the process. She listened to the song for hours trying to come up with the concept. After creating two prototypes, she found a way to bring her idea to reality while allowing the dancer to still have her full range of movement. She is designing costumes for a second dance, as well, but this is by far her favorite. "You have more affection for something that you have been pouring a lot of your time and effort into."

By: Elle Sullivan