WA_MelissaModeling_MAINIf you have had the chance to look through our Winter 2015 catalogue at all, you have most certainly been graced by the stunning photos of dancer and model Melissa Chapski. Chapski was recently at Discount Dance headquarters for a photo shoot and we got the chance to sit down with her and chat about how she balances a blooming modeling career with her intensive ballet training. Here’s what she had to say:

DL: Tell us a little about your background in dance.

MC: I’m originally from Medfiled, Massachusetts. I started my training  at the Connecticut Nutmeg Conservatory, and then moved to the Ellison Ballet, where I am still studying right now. It will be my fourth summer there, and I have one year left. We study the Russian Vaganova method.

DL: How long have you been a model for dance apparel?

MC: I have been modeling for over a year.

DL: Do companies reach out to you, or do you send out head shots and portfolios looking for work?

MC: They reach out to me. I get a lot of my bookings because they find me through my Instagram account! That’s how Laura [DDS Public Relations Coordinator] found me too.

DL: Do you model for companies other than Discount Dance? How do the experiences vary?

MC: Along with Discount Dance I model for two other dance companies. All of my shoots are different and I learn from all of them, but I do need to give you guys a compliment for how organized your photo shoots are! They’re always a great experience for me. There’s obviously a difference between companies in location, too. For the other two I stay on the East Coast, and for Discount Dance I get to travel to Southern California.

DL: We are in love with all of your images from the desert shoot with David Hoffman. How was the experience for you?

MC: It was great! David is really fun to work with. He gives just the right amount of direction, but not too much.

DL: Where do you see the future of your dance and modeling career taking you?

MC: Well first I have to make clear that I never let my modeling overshadow my technique training at Ellison. I could see myself modeling more in the future, but ultimately I want to be a professional ballerina. My dream company is the Mariinsky Ballet Theatre in Russia. Then, looking even farther ahead, I would like to get my Bachelor’s degree in either business or marketing.