Marissa Woo is a bold and articulate Company Artist with Ballet 5:8, known for her seamless blend of classical refinement and contemporary range. Since joining the company in 2022, she has become a standout performer and an essential voice behind the scenes—serving as Social Media Manager and helping extend Ballet 5:8’s mission through thoughtful, mission-driven digital storytelling.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Marissa received her formal training at Ballet California (formerly South Bay Ballet), where she studied under Diane Lauridsen, Jerry Kokich, and Nancy Hebson. She performed in full-length classical ballets including The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppélia, Peter Pan, and The Nutcracker, while also dancing lead roles in contemporary and original choreography. Marissa has worked with renowned choreographers such as Eva Stone, Vicky Lambert, Ron Cunningham, and Heather Grey.

She also participated in Regional Dance America and The Ballet Alliance, earning a scholarship to Oklahoma City Ballet’s summer intensive and being named an Emerging Choreographer at The Ballet Alliance Festival.

Marissa began her Ballet 5:8 career as a Second Company Artist in 2022, performing principal roles in Second Company productions and touring with the main company. She was promoted to Company Apprentice in 2024 and Company Artist in 2025.

Performance highlights include performing the roles of Maria and Emma in Beyond the Nutcracker, Malena in La Llorona, Tía in Mi Familia, and dancing the Eros Pas de Deux from Golden Sessions. She has been featured in repertory works such as Celestia, Wind, 4501, The Space in Between, Lost Women of Juárez, and Día de Los Vivos.

Marissa continues to contribute to Ballet 5:8’s artistic and public presence—onstage with authenticity and depth, and online with strategic clarity and heart.