A native of Columbus, Ohio, Michelle Zada earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education, with a minor in Physical Education from The Ohio State University. She received her early training from Theatre Street Dance Academy and BalletMet of Columbus. Her professional performing career includes dancing as a member of Philadanco’s second company “D/2”, Lula Washington Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and five seasons with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, where she also served as costume mistress. In addition to dancing, Michelle has appeared as a featured actress in many local and nationwide commercials and print advertising, including McDonalds, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Brinks Home Security. Michelle holds certifications in Mat Pilates, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and group exercise fitness (AFAA). With a duo passion for performing and education, she conducts private lessons and has taught at local dance studios, numerous master classes throughout the United States and national conferences such as Black College Dance Exchange (BCDE), Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD). She is also the CoFounder of Dance Up Dallas Summer Dance Intensive. Michelle is currently on staff at Kitty Carter Dance Faculty, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Elite Classical Coaching and Equinox (as a pilates and group fitness instructor). Michelle spent ten years on Dance Faculty at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA), where she served as Assistant Dance Conservatory Director and Director of the World Dance Ensemble. She is recognized as a Distinguished Teacher & Mentor for the Dallas Independent School District, the National YoungArts Foundation and U.S. Presidential Scholar Program.