South Bend has been a home to my family for generations, it’s given us a place to not only live, but to be a part of a community. I was raised on the south side of town, just a few blocks north of the Scottsdale Mall (yes, you’re old if you remember this place) and on the east side of Mishawaka by Penn High School. I chose to go to school locally at Indiana University South Bend because of the community around me. By the time I started college, the South Bend I was raised in had changed drastically. The city felt alive again, for the first time in a long time it felt like it had a heart beat, and I wanted to be a part of it. 

From childhood tap lessons to competing in Dancing With Our Stars, Melissa’s love for dance has come full circle. The South Bend-Elkhart region offers a thriving arts and dance community, from classes at Forever Dance Studio to stunning performances at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, opportunities abound for learning, performing, and connecting through dance. Join enFocus in celebrating the World of Pop at this year’s Dancing With Our Stars and support an incredible cause.

"Growing up, I couldn’t wait to leave my small town—but life led me back, and I fell in love with the region. From South Bend’s charm to Michigan’s hidden gems, this place shaped my journey. Watching it grow alongside me has been a joy, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be."