Mélissa "Melly Mel" Flérangile

Catching up with  Melly Mel...

Mélissa "Melly Mel" Flérangile

LOHH : Tell Us about yourself? 
I'm French Canadian with Haitian & Native roots. I'm a lover of life seeking the beauty in all things and beings. 

MEL: Where and when did you first discover dance?
In my mothers belly. Later trained in the kitchen with my father blasting some Latin music while cooking my favorite meal (sweet plantains, rice & beans, red snapper)... 

LOHH: Did anybody help guide you along the way? 
MEL: Of course. My parents, my crew, my tribe, the youth I teach, the random people I meet around the world... Being an artist allows me to connect with a community of creative divine beings that assist and elevate me throughout my journey.  I always say that I would most likely be a beach bum if it wasn't for them. 

LOHH: What do you enjoy most about dance?
​MEL: It allows me to taste the ecstasy of my light.

LOHHF: What do you connect with/love most about Hip-Hop culture?
MEL: This will sound super cheesy but Hip Hop saved my life! Being a little dramatic but I was bullied a lot in my youth due to being mixed race. When Hip Hop became popular I became the coolest kid on the block. 

LOHH: Do you feel any limitations being a girl/women in Hip-Hop? 
MEL: I work for a Bboying Dance Company and the Artistic Director, Crazy Smooth, has never made us feel like gender mattered. It's also been the case with my crew. We elevate each other without any room for discrimination. Although I know some women feel differently about the matter in my universe it's never been an issue.

LOHH: What are you working on right now?What do you have coming up?
MEL: I'm currently on tour in the UK working with a Swedish/Canadian Dance Company called Tentacle Tribe. After this I go back on tour with Bboyizm Dance Company then I plan to work on various projects with my movement called Melly Mel Inspires. My purpose is to empower youth through Dance.  

LOHH: What part of Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival are you looking forward to the most? 
MEL: I look forward to it ALL!!! I enjoy being around dope, fresh, creative woman. I feel humble and blessed to be part of this movement. Can't wait to inspire,build and play!!!!!