-Olivia Turner ‘22
“Working with Melissa Brown Guenther helped me to really discover who I am as a dancer and how to feel the dance in my body as it happens. Her classes are seriously so wonderful and the movement in the choreography she creates is so thrilling and fun. Maddie Burnham, on the other hand, was the one to teach me so many of the improvisational skills I have today. I learned so much about the way I move as a dancer and how to push through the boundaries I had created for myself to create movement I never could have imagined. Her classes also helped me to be able to focus on being grateful for my body and care for it while dancing at the same time. Her classes are so grounding and healing - I wish everyone could have that experience. I feel so blessed that I was able to dance with all of the amazing humans that make up the studio for so many years.”
-Tatum Lang ‘17
“I trained with Melissa for 9 years in both ballet and modern. Melissa’s teaching is so thoughtful. She gives wonderful technical instruction and pushes her dancers physically and artistically. Melissa’s teachings helped prepare me to successfully pursue a BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa, and later go on to pursue a professional contemporary dance career in Chicago, where I am now. Though I never trained under Maddie, I was one of her classmates. She was always very focused, driven, and professional. This studio will be in great hands and I can’t wait to see them thrive! ”
-Elyse Doeden ‘18
“I met Melissa Brown Guenther when I started taking Modern classes in middle school. From my first class of Modern with Melissa I truly found my love for dance! During the summer I took classes from both Melissa and Maddie Burnham. Throughout my time dancing, I have learned what I like and dislike but my love for dance has always been constant! ”
-Evelyn Henriksen ‘22
“My name is Evelyn (Evie) Henriksen. I am currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying a BFA in Dance and a second major in Social Welfare. I grew up under the dance direction of many amazing individuals, one including Melissa Guenther. I was her student for 10 years, where she taught me through ballet, modern, contemporary, and improvisational movements. Melissa continuously challenged me through her technique and expressive choreography. She encouraged creative freedom, individuality, and dedication to the art. I always looked forward to the days taught by Melissa because of her warm and positive environment. Melissa creates individual relationships with each of her students and prioritizes their individual needs. I am incredibly thankful for my time under the direction of Melissa Guenther and believe she has guided me to where I am today.
Along with my years under the direction of Melissa Guenther, I was a student of Maddie Burnham for two years. During this time we focused on post-modern, modern, and contemporary concepts. Her classes encourage creativity and exploration through abstractions such as sound vs. silence, site-specific, body mindfulness, and technique. I appreciate how Maddie prioritizes her student’s needs and their relationships. ”
-Carrigan Dock ‘21
“Most kids pick up some interest in dance when young but lose it as they grow older. Melissa is a big reason on why my interest never left. She was able to transform movement and music into an escape. With her constant dedication and compassion towards her students, she not only became my favorite teacher but a lifelong friend.
I am always so impressed with Maddie’s ability to create with those around her. She gives each individual their time to shine and encourages them to explore the movements of their own creation. This freedom really allows you to know yourself better and gain confidence in exploring new territory. She will not only help expand your knowledge of dance but also provide a helping hand. ”
-Abby Baker ‘21
“Melissa is great at connecting with her students and making them feel seen. Her classes are fun and challenging. They make you really think about technique and timing and keep you on your toes. Melissa is a unique choreographer, so you never know what to expect with her dances. She was great at pushing her students while also making everything seem possible. I always looked forward to her classes.
Maddie is great at bringing out the inner artists of her students. Her classes never felt long enough and were very creative. It was during her class I learned to love improv because she taught it so uniquely. Maddie is great at meeting her students where they are and adjusting the movements to the level needed. She is very encouraging and wants all her dancers to have fun.”
-Janelle Lord ‘21
“I was taught by Melissa Brown Guenther for 13 years in modern and ballet, and I always looked forward to her classes. Melissa was such an encouragement to her students. She emphasized the importance of individuality, creativity, and challenged us to develop new skills. She has such a big heart as a teacher and friend, she genuinely cared about building relationships with us. I am forever grateful for my time as her student.
I have been taught by Maddie Burnham for about three years. I first met her through studio classes and later joined her in the 8:20 Dance Company, which I am currently still a part of. Maddie has positively impacted my relationship and understanding of dance. She helped me learn new perspectives of movement and inspiration. She pushed me to find different connections with my body and my surroundings. Maddie also introduced me to a contemporary style of dance called continuum, which has helped me appreciate the fact that there are endless possibilities for movement.”
-Grace Buschena ‘22
“Dancing under Melissa's teaching has always been a pleasure! Over the years of dancing with her I have taken both her modern and ballet classes. She cares about the well-being of her students and truly takes interest in what is going on in their lives outside of class. When I first started her modern class, there were many dancers who had already joined her class well before me. Despite feeling out of place Melissa was very supportive and made me feel like I belonged. Her classes are always enjoyable and helped me find my love for modern dance!
Maddie has always been an amazing teacher to learn from! Her classes help you feel more connected with your body and movement. She helps you improve many skills such as creating your own choreography, floor work, and improvisation. Her choreography is very unique and has influenced my own dance style. Taking Maddie's classes has not only helped me refine my technique in modern but also ballet. It is always a joy to learn from Maddie and much of my general improvement in dance can be credited to her!”
