About Me

Marissa Waitlevertch (she/her) is a dance artist from Pittsburgh, PA. Waitlevertch is a 2024 summa cum laude graduate of Point Park University where she received her B.F.A. in Dance and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. While at Point Park, Marissa was featured in works choreographed by Kiesha Lalama, Pearlann Porter, and Danny Herman, as well as many student stage and film works. Waitlevertch was also featured as a soloist dancer in the inaugural year of the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s production of Artfully Uplifting. The production included a sensory-friendly show bringing the arts to everyone, no matter their differences. 

 

Waitlevertch has had the opportunity to dive into her voice as an educator at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy. She has taught from ages 3 to adult in various styles including ballet, jazz, and tap. She previously was the Education Intern at the Academy under the direction of Jim Scriven and Patty Maloney. From her opportunities at the CLO, Marissa has blossomed into a greater teacher and artist and has been able to work toward her goals of creating a more positive and uplifting dance training atmosphere.

 

Currently, Waitlevertch is continuing to follow her dreams with Whirlwind Dance located in Columbus, Ohio under the direction of Joshua Manculich. She is beyond excited and grateful to continue swirling with Whirlwind for a second season as a Mover/Maker.

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Marissa is also very passionate about political activism and female empowerment as she served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair and mentor of the Point Park chapter of Strong Women Strong Girls, planning inclusivity events for the club and around campus, as well as mentoring third to fifth grade girls in Pittsburgh schools. From her activism work on campus, she was a finalist for an Outstanding Student Award (Outstanding Contribution to Campus Inclusivity) in 2023 and 2024.