Marissa Milton

Dancer / Assistant Instructor

Currently, a Collegiate High School student, Marissa has studied dance at the Latin Ballet of Virginia since she was 6 years old. Marissa became a member of the Junior Company at the age of 8 and a member of the Latin Ballet’s Company at the age of 16. Marissa brings with her rich ethnic and racial roots from her Italian and German-Jewish mother and African American father. This has developed her strong passion for learning about culture and traditions from around the world. At the Latin Ballet, Marissa is able to pursue her passion and become immersed in the beauty of Latin culture and the Spanish language. Marissa has studied many dance forms included Flamenco, Latin Jazz, Ballet, Salsa, Contemporary, and African-Caribbean dances. She has taken special summer courses of Flamenco in Santa Fe, New Mexico, learning the different “palos" of Southern Spain dance forms, such as Alegrias, Bulerias and Fandangos with renowned flamenco artists, Maribel Montero and Ángel Muñoz. She has studied flamenco with Latin Ballet’s guest artists such as Francisco Mesa “El Nano” and Domingo Ortega. Marissa has danced with the Latin Ballet at many productions during that past years, including the annual Holiday production of The Legend of the Poinsettia, Alma Latina and Fiesta del Sol.

In addition to the Latin Ballet training and performing, Marisa has choreographed and performed for her school at dance festivals throughout the state of Virginia, and selected venues in the United States. Marissa also enjoys teaching young children in the Church Hill area in hopes to inspire new generations to dance. Her dance career has taught her the invaluable skills of confidence and dedication. Marissa's journey from a young dancer to a company dancer is an example of how the Latin Ballet fosters growth, learning, and love.