Melanie Rodrigues is a Solo Artist and Costume Manager at Ballet 5:8, known for her versatility, deep musicality, and tireless commitment to excellence both on and off the stage. She had a breakout role in 2021 with Julianna Rubio Slager’s Día de Los Vivos, where her grounded, emotionally resonant performance marked a turning point in her career and established her as a compelling interpretive artist.

Melanie has since originated key roles in La Llorona as Maria and in Bach’s Pas de Six by Seyong Kim, highlighting her ability to bring complex characters to life through movement. Her repertoire includes a wide range of Slager’s works, including Of Splendors & Horrors, Dry Bones, Golden Sessions, Reckless, Butterfly, and 4501.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Melanie began her training at Pontecorvo Ballet Studios under Barbara Pontecorvo and performed extensively with Gem City Ballet, where she danced in works by George Balanchine such as Concerto Barocco, Serenade, and Raymonda Variations, as well as principal roles in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Giselle, Coppélia, La Bayadère, and The Nutcracker.

She continued her training at prestigious summer programs including Ballet West, Miami City Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre’s Collegiate Program. In 2017, Melanie joined Ballet 5:8’s Trainee Program, performing in The Space In Between, Four Seasons of the Soul, and Slager’s Compass series. That same year, she was awarded a cash scholarship at Regional Dance America.

Promoted to Company Apprentice in 2019, Senior Apprentice in 2020, and Company Artist in 2021, Melanie was elevated to Solo Artist in 2025. In her role as Costume Manager, she oversees the creation, maintenance, and coordination of Ballet 5:8’s extensive costume inventory, ensuring that every visual detail on stage supports the storytelling and integrity of each production.

Melanie’s dual roles reflect her rare blend of artistry and leadership, making her an essential part of Ballet 5:8’s creative and production teams.