Biography: Melissa Panton

Hip Hop

Melissa Panton’s passion for the performing arts led her to pursue a career as a performer, instructor, and choreographer. She began as a highland dancer in her native Vancouver, B.C, and later moved on to jazz, lyrical, ballet, stage, and acting, with a specialization in urban dance. Melissa's professional career has enabled her to travel extensively across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia to perform and train. She currently resides in Toronto, Ontario.

Some of Melissa’s career highlights include the new rock musical “Repo The Genetic Opera” with Paris Hilton, the sci-fi thriller “Silent Hill”, "White Chicks" starring Marlon and Shawn Wayans, "Shall We Dance" with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, and Disney's "Cheetah Girls".  She can be seen in commercials for The Keg, The Bay, Budweiser, and Marks Work Wearhouse, and in the reality television world on programs such as "Love By Design" and the choreographer’s episode of "Making It Big”. Melissa has danced with Shaggy for his Canadian tour, live on stage with Grandmaster Flash, in films with Ja Rule and 3LW, and was featured in Hillary Duff’s “Wake Up” music video. She was fortunate to tour through Europe, Dubai, and Afghanistan for two Canadian Forces show tours with Operation Apollo and Athena.

Melissa was the choreographer and artistic director for the CFL's BC Lions Dance Team, and has extensive experience as a choreographer and dancer with several professional dance teams including the Toronto Raptors, Vancouver Grizzlies, and NLL Vancouver Ravens. She recently co-choreographed an episode of Disney Television’s “Life With Derek”. As half of the partnership “Mel & Chanti”, she has choreographed for the That’s So Raven fashion launch with Raven Symone, Virgin Mobile, Shawn Desman, Ministry of Sound recording artist Dave Armstrong, and the opening ceremonies for the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Currently, Melissa is very focused on advancing the dance scene and creating future opportunities for dancers in Toronto, and across Canada. She is completing her certificate in Arts Administration and consults for the kids division of da Costa Talent Management. She is also the director of administration for Groove Street Productions conventions, and a faculty member of their all-hiphop convention “Street Groove”. She enjoys teaching workshops and adjudicating nationally, and has worked for the Hiphop Dance Canada championships, Skate Canada, George Brown College, and Harbour Dance in Vancouver. Melissa has established a reputation as a spirited and humorous instructor, instilling her knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm in all of her work.