Let’s continue our adventure of meeting our Season 6 Associate Artists!! Up next, Marissa! Enjoy learning more about Marissa and stay tuned to meet our last Associate Artist before the season is over!

Name: Marissa Thomas

Age: 25

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Favorite Color: Pink 

Favorite Style of Dance: Contemporary (special shout-out to Cunningham technique and Countertechnique)

Favorite Choreographers: Kyle Abraham, Crystal Pite, and Robert Battle

When did you start dancing?: I started dancing when I was 5!

College: THE Ohio State University

Siblings: Kayla (my younger sister)

Why do you feel passionate about dance?: Dance contains so many multitudes, and I feel like I can always find what I am looking for through this art form. Dance can be my research and an exploration of physical limits. It can also be my voice and a way to connect with others.

If you weren’t a dancer, what career would you choose?: I also studied environmental science in school and in an alternate reality, I think I would probably really enjoy a career focused on ecosystem restoration. 

If you could do a duet with one person, who would it be?: I am really interested in the intersection of art and technology, so I think it would be really cool to create a digital duet and work with someone who can motion capture and animation.

Favorite place you’ve traveled: Hong Kong

Favorite food: Ice cream 

One word to describe yourself: blooming 

If you had a dance move that described you, what would it be?: Maybe a balance? I feel like I’m pretty good at balancing as both a dance skill and a life skill.

Fun Facts: (1) I love going to music concerts – if my favorite artist is in town, you will find me at their concert. (2) I collect albums, fortunes from fortune cookies, and skeletons (like the party-city Halloween kind!) (3) I enjoy cooking and baking and like trying out recipes I see on TikTok.