A Conversation with Melanie Person

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Melanie Person, Co-Director of the world-renowned Ailey School, who began her foundational dance instruction in Jackson, Mississippi, at age six.

This significant beginning launched a professional journey as a dancer and educator that has spanned over 45 years. For 12 years, Ms. Person toured the world with the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Summer Intensive, performing repertoire by artistic luminaries including George Balanchine, Geoffrey Holder, Agnes de Mille, Glen Tetley, Garth Fagan, and Arthur Mitchell, DTH’s Founder and Artistic Director. Following her stellar performing career, Ms. Person dedicated herself to dance education, serving on the faculty of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and the Ballet Hispánico School. Her remarkable rise in institutional leadership began in 1999 when she joined The Ailey School, a world-renowned educational institution that provides students with the highest caliber of multidisciplinary training while encouraging them to explore their own creative voice. As Co-Director, Ms. Person has achieved one of the highest posts in the dance world.

The conversation will be moderated by David Keary, Artistic Director of Ballet Mississippi, and Rebekah Pleasant-Patterson, Executive Director of GRIOT Arts Inc., focusing on themes of turning Mississippi roots into a career, resilience, and mentorship.

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• Event Start Time: 10:00 am
• Event End Time: 11:00 am
• Is This A Recurring Event?: No
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• Event Website: https://www.msarts.org/events/a-conversation-with-melanie-person/?occurrence=2026-02-28
• Event Contact Name: Jeremy Sollie
• Event Contact Email: jeremy@msarts.org
• Event Contact Phone: 601-581-1550
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