A dancer-choreographer who has shared the stage with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Pitbull, and who has worked with iconic entertainment names from Disney to Dancing with the Stars, is doing choreography for the opening ceremonies of the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games on July 18.
Melena Rounis is a choreographer, director and performer who has been sharing her passion and knowledge of all things dance over her two-decade career. She has worked extensively in film, TV, and live performances and shows.
Much of her career has seen her working in the U.S., but Rounis is also a Maple Ridge resident who bought a home here in 2013. She grew up in Coquitlam, but her father ran automotive businesses in Ridge. Her roots in the city are growing.
"I'm very excited to connect with the community," she said, noting that she is choreographing an approximately 10-minute performance that will involve more than 130 dancers from local studios.
She's doing the work pro bono, to represent her community and start the games off on the right foot.
"I want to give the audience a really entertaining show, that they're proud of," she said.
She is working with performers from local dance studios Fabulous Feet, Dance FX, CentreStage, 5678 Dance, and Blue Crane Contortion. The studios will be busy learning their moves, and then they will get together with their accomplished choreographer for rehearsals next month.
"They're really exited for their kids to be part of something like this – they could have 8,000 people watching them," said Rounis of the show, which will be presented at the Albion Sports Complex.
"I'm happy to be part of it – it's nice to give back," she added. "I'm excited about this. Maple Ridge is going to be in for a treat."
Rounis got to know Taryn Stephenson, the Games director of ceremonies and special events. Rounis filmed the video Christmas Isn't Canceled during COVID-19, and it was set in the downtown, and in Stephenson's store Once Upon a Tea Leaf. The two women became friends, and Stephenson tapped Rounis for the opening ceremonies.
"It's pretty remarkable that there's someone with her talent and skills living in our community, and she's passionate and willing to get involved," said Stephenson.
Rounis has lent her choreographic touch to higher profile film and TV productions for Netflix, ABC, Comedy Central, Hallmark, HBO Max, and others. She has collaborated with renowned brands such as Disney, Dancing with the Stars, Honda, Kmart, AIDS Health Foundation, and Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park. Her expertise has also been showcased in productions such as Sesame Street Live! tours, serving as the associate director and choreographer, and groundbreaking research and development initiatives for Walt Disney Imagineering.
Her talent has graced prestigious stages, including Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour and The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas. Her work includes the Grammys MusicCares, Latin American Music Awards, America's Got Talent, American Idol, and Next Top Model.
The BC Games come to Maple Ridge July 18-21.
