We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaTeisha Melvin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaTeisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Movement has always been a part of my story. Growing up in Baltimore—a melting pot of creativity—I was immersed in the arts from a young age. I began my technical training at TWIGS, a free after-school program, and later attended the Baltimore School for the Arts. After experiencing the rigor, discipline, and technical training the program had to offer, I knew I wanted to pursue dance professionally in some shape or form. After graduating, I continued my studies in Dance and Choreography at Virginia Commonwealth University. It was there that I discovered my passion for composition and choreography.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is LaTeisha Melvin, and I’m a dance artist, choreographer, and creative based in Baltimore, MD. My journey into the world of dance began in church, where I first developed a love for movement and artistic expression. I began formal training in middle school through TWIGS, a free after-school arts program, which eventually led me to the Baltimore School for the Arts. It was there that my passion for dance truly deepened. I went on to earn a degree in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I discovered my love for composition and pedagogy.

In the wake of COVID-19, I created Muve|Meants mobile training and theEnsemble dance collective as a way to keep dance accessible for my students and studios throughout the DMV area. Through movement, choreography, and performance, I am able to meet communities where they are, both physically and creatively.

Rooted in community connection, my creative work centers around four key pillars: connection, collaboration, creation, and contribution. I strive to create spaces where audiences and collaborators can reflect, heal, and engage.I blend technical rigor with a strong narrative voice, often fusing contemporary and improvisational elements to create work that resonates on both physical and emotional levels. Whether I’m working with professional dancers, students, or non-traditional movers, my goal is always the same—to make movement accessible, and create spaces where people feel seen, challenged, and inspired and to remain committed to excellence.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to break down barriers within traditional dance education by remaining diverse, inclusive and accessible to communities and redefine what it means to train, perform, and create, by meeting dancers where they are—physically and artistically.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is witnessing the growth within your work. There’s something incredibly powerful about discovering your own voice through movement, or seeing a concept come to life through the bodies of others. Whether it’s a small breakthrough in class or a performance that moves an audience, those moments remind me why I do this work. Teaching and choreographing also allow me to not only share my knowledge, but to create space for others to explore, express, and evolve. It’s a constant exchange of energy, trust, and creativity—and that exchange is what keeps me inspired to keep moving !

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.muvemeants.com
• Instagram: @muve.meants_
• Other: @the.ensembledance

Image Credits

Jazzy Studios (photos 3,4,5)

Randolf Images ( 6,7,8)