“The Shining Star Award recognizes a community member who has provided significant contributions to the dance industry in Texas and beyond. Melissa M. Young was chosen for special recognition due to her years of service in the field of dance and her impressive career performing, teaching and directing,” said TAHPERD Vice President for Dance Carisa Armstrong.
Young, who started working with DBDT as a dancer 24 years ago, is honored to be chosen for the award. “My personal mission is to nurture and to navigate dancers toward reaching their full artistic and creative potential. I take pride in knowing they entrust me to lead them far beyond their own expectations,” she said.
A graduate of The Ailey School in New York City, Young has restaged more than 70 DBDT ballets. Furthermore, the dance veteran has been an adjunct instructor (Horton Technique) at Southern Methodist University, Texas Woman’s University and Abilene Christian University.