Excel Dance Force Directors

• Melissa Plaza

  

  Melissa is the Co-Owner and Director of Excel Dance Force. She grew up competitively dancing and has spent over 20 years studying the art form. Her training includes Montclair State University’s Dance Program, Broadway Dance Center, Steps On Broadway, and Edie’s Dance Factory. She also has Masters in Teaching. In 2014, during her studies at Montclair State University, she founded the Montclair State University Dance Team, who went on to win many national titles for their division’s team performances. Before opening Excel Dance Force, Melissa has taught at other dance studios and  has choreographed award-winning routines for their competition teams. She has won awards such as Most Entertaining Dance and Best Choreography for her work. Melissa was also the choreographer for Wood Ridge High School’s Musicals and has been a guest choreographer for various pre-professional musical theater companies throughout New Jersey. Additionally, Melissa has interned at Dance New Jersey, a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the excellence of dance and dance education. Melissa is fortunate to share her love for children and teaching in and out of the dance studio, since she is a fourth grade teacher, as well. Melissa loves to share her passion of dance with her students, and is excited to help educate them to become the best artists they can be!

• Marion Sher

  

  Marion is the Co-Owner and Director of Excel Dance Force. Marion has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical and has danced competitively growing up.  Marion has studied with various teachers in New York City and has been teaching dance for the past 20 years. After graduating college she was a member of the tap ensemble What’s On Tap. This group performed at many dance festivals throughout the Northeast. Marion has helped choreograph numerous award winning routines with high scores awards, including Most Entertaining and Choreography awards.  She has helped choreograph dance numbers for high school plays.  When Marion is not in the studio sharing her love for dance with her many students she is either at school, as a Reading Specialist, teaching her students how to read or at home raising her two small children.  She is excited to continue showing young dancers how to express themselves through the wonderful art form of dance.