Experience in musical theater, dance community building and biomechanical understanding from her podiatry career makes Marissa a triple threat we refer to as, “Dancer, Doctor, DJ RISS!”

With a background in performance arts training, Salsa Casino, Bachata and Kizomba, Brazilian Zouk stole Marissa’s heart in 2014. Zouk continues to challenge and bring her the brightest joy today! Dedicated to goal-oriented training, she has learned Lambada, Neo, Rio and Brazilian Zouk from a library of instructors!

In Miami, she ran weekly classes and socials with Ivo Viera Dance Company, choreographed performances, and organized local festivals. Regardless of her locale, the intention remains the same: grow the local Zouk community!

This burning passion drives her to teach, dance, and share music in her own cultural immersion style program, Zouk Army Orlando. Her hope is to inspire others to have fun, travel and Zouk! When she is not dancing, catch her mixing the hottest unheard Zouk tracks from deejays all around the world.

Her advice to new dancers is to find a community of people who are excited to go through the process of learning with you!