Melinda Bronson

     Chestnut Street Studio represents a new phase for me.... one of deepening attention to embodied practices, experiments, improvisations and contemporary approaches from flamenco.   I am overjoyed to now also be offering yoga and meditation practice which nourishes my life and has supported my well-being. Doing business as Chestnut Street Studio officially happened in 2021, although our studio on Chestnut Street has been an active space of dance and art-making for many years. I am grateful for each and every student that has come into my classroom over decades of teaching. I have learned and will continue to learn from all, as we collaborate, play, study, create, work hard, sharpen our skills, breathe and move! 

     I've loved working in the studio since I was a teen, whether teaching, practicing on my own, rehearsing for performance, collaborating or reflecting.  I was delighted when Tina Ramirez asked me to join the faculty of Ballet Hispánico, NYC, back in 1985 where I taught Spanish Dance and flamenco, for 27 years. I've also had the privilege to be on the faculty of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joffrey Ballet School, NYC, and Barnard College of Columbia University from 2013 to 2021. I began teaching in New Haven, CT in 2006 and formed Melinda Marquez Flamenco Dance Center in 2012.  

     I consider artist and pedagogue Juan Carlos Lérida (Sevilla, Barcelona) an important reference for my current pedagogical approaches and grateful to Fernando López Rodríguez (Madrid), for pointing me in his direction. I am also grateful to my friend, dance artist and researcher, Meritxell Martin Calvo (Toulouse) who joined me in several discussions over zoom, and whose thoughts helped me clarify so many things. 

     I remain dedicated to life-long-learning...In the Spring of 2023, I completed a 500-hr yoga teacher training, which I continue to build upon and in the Fall of 2023, I received the  End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate, from the University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine EOL Doula program. I have a master's degree in Women's Studies from Southern Connecticut State University (2010) where I have also taught Women's Studies. 

     Just a note: I've been known for decades as "Melinda Marquez" in the Spanish Dance and flamenco world. I now prefer only use of my family name, Melinda Bronson although "Melinda Marquez" will still be on the radar.

I'll be adding to this page over time and hope you'll visit again.  Thanks!