Dancers Turn
About Us
Jason E. Torres
A highly sought after teacher, choreographer and judge, Jason is a former Mr.Dance of New York, Mr. Dance of America Finalist and two-time World Tap Championship finalist. A former soloist with the Empire State Ballet and Guest Artist with the Niagara Civic Ballet he has performed the Miss America Pageants System, Paul Osborne Productions, Hanna-Barbera and numerous musical theatre productions including A Chorus Line, West Side Story, and Chicago. In addition to appearing on stage, Jason has choreographed and staged many shows and events including West Side Story, The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ, Superstar, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Barnum (for which he received the 2003 Destiny Award for Outstanding Choreography), Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly!, Oklahoma!, the opening ceremonies for the New York State Special Olympics, the Mr. & Miss Dance of New York Pageant and most recently Pippin. While currently teaching at several Western New York dance studios, his former students have gone on to win numerous high scores and overall awards at regional and national competitions as well as perform professionally for dance companies, theme parks, cruise ships and Broadway touring companies.
Melissa Torres
The Owner and Artistic Director of Dancers Turn, Melissa Torres is a noted Teacher, Choreographer and Judge. Her students have won numerous High Score and Overall Awards and Special Awards at regional and national competitions and former students have gone on to perform professionally for dance companies, theme parks, cruise ships and Broadway Touring companies. Currently, Mitzi is the choreographer for Level 6 – 10 competitive gymnastics in the Elma area.
In addition to teaching, Melissa has performed and competed throughout the US and Canada, as well as in Bermuda and Berlin, Germany. A former NFL Cheerleader, Melissa performed with the Buffalo Jills for 6 years, where she was a Captain, and choreographed many of the dance routines and cheers, and performed in 3 American Bowl Games and The Superbowl. She was also the Choreographer and Director of the Buffalo Destroyers Cheerleaders and Buffalo Stallions Cheerleaders. Melissa was the Choreographer and Artistic Director for the New York State’s Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program, where her Opening and Fitness Routines were recognized as outstanding and received national honors. In addition to appearing on stage in such shows as Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and Anything Goes, to name a few, she has also choreographed many including The Music Man, Damn Yankees and Pippin.