Melinda Green Traves
Lecturer in Dance Education
Melinda joined the Faculty of Education in 2021 as Lecturer in Dance Education. Her training includes her BFA in dance from the Boston Conservatory and intensive study of Vaganova ballet pedagogy from the Nutmeg Ballet in Connecticut. She had a career as a professional dancer in ballet and musical theatre which allowed her the opportunity to travel and perform internationally.
In her role as lecturer for the Faculty of Education, Melinda manages the Level 4 BA in Dance Education students and teaches ballet technique, performance and repertoire for the BA Ballet Education programme. She also tutors on the MAE and RAD awards programmes along with supervising student teaching placements and undergraduate dissertations, and is an academic integrity officer.
Outside of the RAD, Melinda is Head of Ballet at a private dance school in South East London where she has been teaching ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet for over 14 years. She is also very proud to be a Silver Swans licensee, teaching ballet classes for adults over 55.
Teaching and Management
Teaching areas include:
- BA (Hons) Dance Education, Level 4 coordinator
- BA (Hons) Ballet Education
- MA in Education (Dance Teaching)
- Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma
- Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies
- Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies/Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet)
- Academic Integrity Officer
Research Interests and Projects
- Dance history and the progression of ballet choreography and repertoire, specific interests include the development and training of dancers in the corps de ballet, the Romantic era, Petipa, the Diaghilev era, 20th Century British and American dance and musical theatre.
- Laban Movement Analysis as a somatic means of teaching and progressing dance technique, musicality and artistry
- Adapting classical choreography to meet the level and ability of the individual dancer
- The effects of dance for older adults
Professional Activities
Memberships:
Silver Swans Licensee
Member: RAD
Member: ISTD
Member: One Dance UK
RAD RTS