In the world of dance, Hilary Melbourne stands out as a talented performer and mentor, driven by passion and dedication. From her early days as a young girl in weekend dance classes, Melbourne’s journey has been shaped by perseverance and creativity.
Her love for dance began at age five. Despite trying various activities like gymnastics and tennis, dance became her true passion. “I eventually settled on dance and gymnastics,” she recalls, marking the start of her deep commitment to the art.
After beginning at Noble Dance Studio, she moved to AP Performers and later attended The McDonald College, a performing arts school in Sydney. She also trained at Brent Street Academy and Brent Street Performing Arts, focusing on honing her skills. Melbourne reflects, “I was always drawn to how music could evoke emotions, and dance became my canvas.”
Her style, a fusion of classical technique and contemporary innovation, has made her performances unique. Melbourne’s choreography emphasizes storytelling, which has led to performances at major events like the Miami Heat games and the Sydney Paralympics. “Performing in front of large crowds gives me an incredible rush,” she says, describing her love for embodying characters through dance.
Training has always been essential to Melbourne’s growth as an artist. From her time at Brent Street to earning a BA in Theatre Performance from Florida International University (FIU), she has consistently worked to refine her craft. “Training is the foundation of mastery,” she notes, constantly pushing herself to improve.
Beyond her own development, Melbourne is passionate about teaching. “I’ve worked with aspiring young dancers and taught children who initially weren’t keen on dance but grew to love it,” she shares. She strives to instill values like confidence and teamwork in her students, helping them see dance as a lifelong journey. Melbourne’s teaching experience includes workshops, masterclasses, and collaborations with renowned choreographers like Paula Abdul and Paris Goebel.
Her performance experience is equally impressive, with appearances at high-profile events like the NBA Miami Heat games and the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. Melbourne has also worked with professional companies, such as Locreado Dance Company, and has received numerous awards, including ‘Dancer of the Year Finalist’ and ‘Top 10 Soloist’ at Showcase.
Melbourne’s dedication and talent have earned her admiration from peers and mentors. Michelle Burgos, Dance Captain of The Most Bad Ones, praises her for being “kind and caring in all aspects of her life,” adding that “Hilary is always the first to arrive and the last to leave the studio.” Burgos highlights her positive energy and generosity, traits that make her stand out in the dance community.
Daniel Mitan, a former professor at FIU, also speaks highly of Melbourne’s dedication. He recalls her time as his teaching assistant, where she demonstrated techniques and provided feedback to students. “I admire her courage and the fact that she goes after what she wants,” he says, acknowledging her quick learning and physical skill.
Rebecca Covey, an associate professor at FIU, adds, “Hilary brings a level of calm professionalism to her work. She is easy to work with and always prepared at the highest level. Her physicality and ease added groundedness to her work.”
Despite her accomplishments, Melbourne remains humble and committed to growth. “There’s always more to learn and discover in dance,” she reflects, looking forward to evolving as an artist and collaborating with others. She aims to explore interdisciplinary collaborations and continue mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Hilary Melbourne’s journey through dance is marked by her innovative approach to choreography and dedication to teaching. As she continues to inspire audiences and young dancers, her influence on the dance world will leave a lasting legacy. “I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t quit, who kept going,” she says. Her determination has driven her from the back of the dance studio to the front, with no plans of slowing down.
For Melbourne, dance is more than a performance—it’s a source of joy and energy. She believes that dancing, whether for a high-profile artist or at a sports event, enhances the atmosphere and increases the audience’s enjoyment. “I want to bring that joy to every stage I step onto,” she says, ready to continue sharing her passion with the world.