Melanie Person

Melania Person is Co-Director of The Ailey School. She began her dance training in Jackson, Mississippi at age 6. Upon moving to Columbia, South Carolina, she continued her dance training at the Calvert-Brodie School of Dance while performing with the Columbia City Ballet. In the winter of 1976, by recommendation of her teacher Ann Brodie, Director Person auditioned for the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Summer Intensive and was offered a full scholarship. Upon completion of that summer program, she became an apprentice to the professional company and, in 1979, became a full member after graduating from the Professional Children’s School. For 12 years, Director Person performed with DTH, traveling the world performing a diverse repertoire.

In 1999, Denise Jefferson invited her to join the Ailey/Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) ballet faculty at The Ailey School and in 2000 Director Jefferson appointed her as the Co-Director of the Junior Division alongside Tracy Inman. Shortly thereafter, Director Person was made Chair of the ballet department and President of the Emergency Fund for Student Dancers. She has served as a judge for the Seoul International Dance competition and Japan’s Grand Prix. In 2009, she was named Associate Director of The Ailey School and most recently, Co-Director with Tracy Inman following Director Jefferson’s passing.

Director Person was first elected as Treasurer in 2022. She was a member of the NASD Board of Directors from 2011–2015, and a member of the NASD Commission on Accreditation from 2015–2022. She serves NASD as a visiting evaluator.

Director Person earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from the State University of New York, Empire State College.