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 Co-
Founder of Dance Up Dallas Summer Dance Intensive.  Michelle is currently on staff at Kitty

Carter Dance Faculty, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Elite Classical Coaching, Equinox (as a
group fitness instructor) and in her nineth year on Dance Faculty at Booker T. Washington High
School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA).  She has served as Assistant Dance
Conservatory Director and Director of the World Dance Ensemble at BTWHSPVA and is
recognized as a District Distinguished Teacher & Mentor for the Dallas Independent School
District, the National YoungArts Foundation and U.S. Presidential Scholar Program.

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