Thursday, September 30, 2010

07:45 AM - 08:45 AM

(Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts)

BIO

Melinda Ritchie is a professional dancer living in Los Angeles and Seattle, currently touring with Diavolo Dance Theater. With the company for the past five years, Melinda has had the opportunity to perform in nearly every state in the Union as well as South Korea, Italy, Brazil, The Netherlands, Mexico, Canada and Germany. A lifelong patient, Melinda has been engaged in the healthcare community her entire life and is passionate about the role attitude, trust, community and expression should play in healing and wellness. Health/Arts crossover career highlights include a residency with the Arts in Medicine program in Gainesville, Florida, Post-Katrina community outreach in New Orleans, extensive experience with traumatic injury rehabilitation support and practical engagement of managing chronic pain/autoimmune disease in a professional athletic setting. With an eye on the future, Melinda plans to further her unique perspective combining experience from almost every side of the healthcare spectrum into one cohesive blended approach. She plans to begin graduate studies towards a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011.