We were lucky to catch up with Melena Rounis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melena, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In my career as a Choreographer I have been fortunate to work on a variety of projects that have had great meaning to me beyond the job title itself. The Disney brand has always been something magical and inspirational to me, in particular Walt Disney Imagineering. The ultimate story tellers and awe makers. To me Imagineers are at the helm where creativity meets technology and innovation. They truly shape the future and push the envelope in the most refreshing way.
I have been honored to have been contracted by them twice now for separate and equally epic first of their kind Research and Development projects. Both projects were vastly different, yet they still pushed the limits on how to evoke and demonstrate emotion while storytelling. The projects were amazingly fulfilling.
It’s natural to sometimes feel exhausted or depleted when a creative project is complete, simply because you gave it your all. In both of these scenarios with Imagineering my creative cup was overflowing not only in the work environment they create but also once the job was complete.
I’m not at liberty to say what the jobs were but I can say you have definitely now seen some of what we were experimenting with, and probably thought that was the first time anyone had done that, and you still have not seen anything like other parts of what we imagined and workshopped on… but I hope the world will get to see that too!
These projects were the ultimate creative gift to be a part of!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Melena Rounis and I am a versatile Choreographer, Director & Creative for Film, television and Live Stage Shows. I progressed in to these titles after many years performing as a professional dancer. Some of my live and reality tv show credits include Cirque du Soleil (Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour and in Las Vegas at The Beatles LOVE), American Idol, Latin American Music Awards, as well as artists like Pitbull, Maluma, French Montana & Daddy Yankee.
I have been sharing my passion and knowledge of all things dance over the course of my 20+ year career. I am proud of all the projects i have worked on as a Performer, Assistant, Associate and Director. Each one has led me to the next and because my experience is so vast I have a unique perspective as I have worn many different hats. I have had several opportunities with brands such as Walt Disney Imagineering to push creative boundaries and develop emotionally driven and often high-tech content. This is always extra fulfilling to me as I value the influence of using dance and movement to enhance storylines, demonstrate relationships, educate and, most importantly, entertain.
I am currently Directing and Choreographing a new live show for Sesame Place in Pennsylvania and have Associate Directed and Choreographed two tours for Sesame Street Live! (‘Let’s Party’ and ‘Make Your Magic’). I was nominated for a 2022 Leo Award for my work as a Choreographer on Netflix’s ‘A Week Away’ the Musical and have put my touch on a plethora of film and television shows. This includes ‘The Good Doctor’, ‘Charmed’, Motherland; Fort Salem’, and for other notable brands such as Dancing with The Stars, Comedy Central, Hallmark, Honda, Christian Louboutin, AIDS Health Foundation and Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park.
I love all of the creative process from inception to completion. Collaboration and leaving room for the work to breathe/evolve is something I value hugely. I am grateful for every opportunity I have had to create and deliver a moment or memory and to everyone I have ever had the pleasure to do that with. What we do is special.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my view what we can do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem is to fund it! Buy the movie or show ticket, support that friend, share their art, let the world in on what they might not know they needed and go see it for yourself.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Being a creative can often mean going against the grain of societal norms. Some may struggle to understand how you could not have a steady income always, or how you can chase work all over the world. and never really know when, what or where your next job will be. You can get a phone call for a life changing job seemingly out of no where and have to make big life decisions in insanely short amounts of time. Some find that exciting and the result oh so fulfilling. This life style and career path is not for everyone, but for those with the passion and perseverance to be a creative it can be an exhilarating and amazing life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melenarounis.com
- Instagram: @Melenadance
- Facebook: Melenadance
- Linkedin: Melenadance
- Twitter: Melenadance
- Youtube: Melenadance
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2342875/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_2_q_melenarounis MSA Agency: https://msaagency.com/melena-rounis-2/ Pacific Artists Management: https://www.pacificartists.com/home/index.html