Student: Melody Martinez
Melody Martinez has known since she started dancing at age 12 that she wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts.
“Dance holds a beautiful place in my heart, and I know being in this program will propel me forward in my dance career,” she said.
Martinez, who was born in the Bronx, New York, but grew up in Hickory, is a junior majoring in dance with a minor in entrepreneurship.
ECU junior Melody Martinez holds a dance move outside Messick Theatre Arts Center.
“I chose ECU not only for the amazing dance program, but the connection the school has with its students,” she said.
During spring semester, Martinez worked with her ballet professor, Jessica Teague, on a nature-inspired dance film project that was a collaboration with the ECU Department of Biology.
“I represented ‘courage’ and it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Martinez said. “Learning from Jessica Teague is always an honor, but to learn from her and to collab was amazing.”
After graduation, Martinez plans to audition for dance companies around the world.
FAVORITES
Favorite hangout: In my house with all my friends listening to music
Favorite place on campus: Messick
Favorite place to eat: LongHorn Steakhouse
Favorite class: Ballet
Professor who influenced you the most: All my dance professors have given different reasons to never stop
Favorite TV show: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
Favorite band/musician: Billie Eilish
Favorite movie: “8 mile” and all Disney movies
Favorite website: wikihow.com
STATISTICS
Name: Melody Martinez
College: College of Fine Arts and Communication
Major: Dance
Age: 20
Classification/Year: Junior
Hometown: Born in Bronx, New York, but raised in Hickory
Hobbies/interests: painting, drawing, criminology
Clubs and Organizations: National Honor Society for Dance Arts, East Carolina Dance Association, Student Diversity and Inclusion Action Committee
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: Company dancer
Your words to live by: “Happiness starts with you,” “How much you give is how much you get out,” and “DO IT ALL.”
What advice do you have for other students? To live your life to the fullest! Take every opportunity you can to be the best version of yourself!
What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year? All the events that are constantly happening everywhere. I adore how busy this school is. There are clubs, teams, concerts, showcases and much more.