Faculty
Michael Crawford
Founder / Artistic Director
B.FA
Michael Crawford has been training in dance since the age of five. At the age of six he was asked to join a competitive dance team, where he won several awards for his performances. When dance became a serious venture for him, Michael started attending every workshop he
could in Toronto and abroad, where his passion and love for dance was ignited further.
Over the years, Michael has had the pleasure of working with esteemed choreographers from Toronto and New York including Mindy Cooper (Dracula, The Musical, Wrong Mountain, Law and Order: Criminal Intent) and James Kudelka (National Ballet of Canada’s Nutcracker, Cinderella, The Man in Black). Michael has a knack for detail and is quite passionate about performance and choreography. His performance credits include: How to Succeed, A Des McAnuff Tribute (2011) choreography by Mindy Cooper, The Nutcracker with the National Ballet of Canada (2012) choreography by James Kudelka, Heart Strings A Canadian Original Musical (2013) choreography by Yui Ugai, Look Up (a solo piece) own choreography, and several
performances with York University’s productions of York Dances and Dance Innovations (2012-2015). Michael has also been an individual artist performing as b-boy Flawless with urban dance crew Unity Defines Creativity (UDC) in Toronto and the GTA.
Michael continues to refresh and broaden his scope of dance through workshops and conferences held throughout North America. Michael graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in Dance Education. Michael is also a certified acro dance teacher through Acrobatic Arts. Now an Owner and Artistic Director of Made 2 Move Dance Company, Michael is humbled to impart his knowledge, love and passion of dance to inspire young dancers in the GTA and surrounding areas.
Melissa Crawford
Founder / Artistic Director
B.FA, B.ED, BATD
Melissa Crawford has many years of dance and teaching experience in various styles of dance. She has been involved in the dance community since she was six and has competed and performed many times throughout her dance career. She is currently a high school teacher in the Durham District School Board teaching dance, physical education and special education. Melissa is also working with Autistic students through Ohana IBI/ABA Services.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours in Dance (York University)
- Bachelor of Education with Intermediate/Senior Qualifications in Dance & Physical Education (York University)
- Additional qualification in Special Education
- Teaching qualifications in tap and jazz dance (B.A.T.D)
- Certified Acro teacher through Acrobatic Arts
- Working towards her teaching qualifications in ballet (B.A.T.D)
Work Experience
Melissa is currently working with Ohana IBI/ABA Services as an Instructional Therapist. She works with autistic children between the ages of 3 and 9 using ABLLS and PEAK programming geared towards improving literacy, numeracy, social skills, and fine and gross motor skills. Melissa previously worked at Allison Darling Dancers for 8 years teaching various ages and styles. She has won numerous choreography awards and overalls for her dance pieces at competition. Melissa has a passion for creating dance pieces that allow all of the dancers to shine and allow them to embrace their individuality in class or on the stage.
Melissa had the pleasure of working and performing in the dance industry through many different mediums. She was able to work with world renowned artists such as Allen Kaeja and Everett Smith. Some of her works include: ‘Heart Strings: The Musical’ directed by Reynold Nathaniel (2017/2013), Dancehall Domine Music Video by the New Pornographers (2014), ‘Lights & Sound, Tap Water, and Tap Love Connection’ at Burlington Performing Arts Centre with the Bringing Tap Back Company directed by Everett Smith (2013), , 'A Day Through Rhythm and Sound' at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre with the Bringing Tap Back Company directed by Everett Smith (2012), 'Ricochet' at Pulse Ontario Youth Dance Conference with Allen Kaeja (2012), 'Creating Monsters' at The Living Arts Centre with the Bringing Tap Back Company directed by Everett Smith (2011), Starlight Children's Foundation Gala (2011), and Girl Guides of Canada 100th Anniversary (2010).