Dancing Through Life: A DYNAMIC
DOUBLE-FEATURE!
Two brilliant dancers share their individual journeys - from being on TV to family roots to the obstacles they’ve conquered on their paths to success.
SUMMER 2021
“ We’re all going through something, and it’s ok to not feel your best.”
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Melody Lacayanga, 38, is a bright and bubbly dancer out of Los Angeles, who, ironically is a self-proclaimed foodie and reminds her loved ones of cake and cookies – not things you’d typically associate with a professional dancer. But Melody is not your typical woman. She first gained a strong foothold in the dance world by competing in the initial season of Fox’s hit show “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2005. But that was only the beginning. Melody has since worked for Miley Cyrus and choreographer Sonya Tayeh, made appearances on television shows such as “Glee” and the “Ellen DeGeneres
Show”, and returned to “So You Think You Can Dance” as an all-star mentor for new competitors. She also teaches and choreographs, often with conventions, specifically with the touring convention, Art of Movement. Melody’s career path didn’t start out being focused on dance, although it was always something she loved. “I’m Filipino-American - [My] parents came here to give us better lives. They wanted us to be doctors, lawyers, things that would secure our futures,” she said. Nonetheless, Melody chose to pursue dance. “My parents, I’m sure, were very reluctant about that, but they supported me my whole first year … I was very fortunate.” When discussing relationships between women and empowering one another, Melody pointed out how easy it is for women, including herself, to avoid sharing our struggles so we don’t feel that we’ve become a burden on others, and this has been especially true during the COVID shutdowns. “Everyone is going through their own things. But when we allow ourselves to let it out and let it go and talk to the people [we need to], we find that we feel so much better and that we’re not alone.” She credits many empowering women throughout her life for helping her get where she needed to be. She hopes to inspire others with her own authenticity and the knowledge that “all that’s gold doesn’t always glitter.” “I’m very simple … not so glitzy and glamourous … I think it’s comforting to others to know that it’s not all about being really cool or really famous. It’s enough to be you and enjoy the things you love no matter what.” MELODY’S FAVORITE THINGS: Reality TV show: Top Chef Self-care activity: Yoga or manis and pedis Guilty pleasure song: “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz Movie: A League of Their Own Amusement park ride: Top Gun Board game: Monopoly (especially the electronic version!) Place she’s visited: Palawan, an island in the Philippines Powerful woman: Padma Lakshmi
