Michelle Morast was born in Valdosta, Georgia into a military family, which allowed her to experience life around the world from an early age. In 2006, at the age of 10, she moved to Japan and spent seven years living on Yokota Air Force Base in Fussa, Tokyo.

Her passion for music and dance was clear from a young age, but it wasn’t until high school that she began to pursue dance more seriously. Michelle trained weekly at Boogie Zone Utopia in Shinagawa and took part in workshops and masterclasses through Izumi Dance Company, learning from internationally renowned choreographers. She performed in showcases throughout Tokyo, working with artists such as Keita McGee, Tony Tzar, and Minami Doi.

After graduating in 2013, Michelle moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where she still resides. A year later, she began teaching Hip Hop and acro classes and has now been an instructor for over nine years. Her performance credits include In the Heights with Glow Lyric Theatre (2018), and the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, where she performed under the choreography of Dejah Hector alongside Christian Hip Hop artist Anike. Most recently, Michelle was a backup dancer for Alex Jean during The Golden Tour and was featured in his latest music video, “Stand Firm, You’ll Win.”

Michelle currently teaches weekly Hip Hop classes at Arts Academy of the Carolinas and English Theatre Arts, and as well as at The Ballroom Lab, working with students of all ages and skill levels. In addition to her teaching experience, she has trained in a wide range of dance styles including Hip Hop, salsa, contemporary, flamenco, and commercial choreography which has shaped her into a versatile and dynamic performer she is today.

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