MERISSA
GASSEL

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Merissa Gassel grew up as a competition kid, assisting and touring with conventions from the young age of 14. Her professional career began at 15 when she was given the opportunity to dance as a member of Dee Caspary's IV Dance Company. Soon after she performed as a principal dancer for Justin Giles’ Soulescape, and Tessandra Chavez’s Unity LA. As a young dancer in these three companies, she was given the opportunity to perform coast to coast. Since then, Merissa worked as assistant choreographer to Mandy Moore on halftimes for both the Liberty Bowl and the Orange Bowl featuring "Train". In addition, she assisted on the opening number of Nigel Lythgoe's Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala and Capezio's 125th Anniversary show held at New York's City Center. While living in Los Angeles for 9 years, Merissa performed in many live stage shows as well as television, including ABC's "The Secret Life of An American Teenager"'. After relocating to Nashville, she performed with Jake Owen on this CMT performance of "Real Life" as well as danced in Dan+Shays “Steal My Love” music video. She most recently choreographed Old Dominion's "Memory Lane" and Colbie Caillat’s “Worth It” music videos alongside Nick Bass, as well as assistant choreographer on Carrie Underwood's "Hate My Heart" and Kane Brown's “Like I Love Country Music” music video. Her appreciation for growing up in a dance studio, along with having been given many opportunities at a young age, brought out her strong desire to teach and help mold young dancers. Merissa found her "home" at DC Dance Factory in 2014. She also currently teaches Jazz on Revive Dance Convention, which allows her to travel and share her knowledge, love and passion for movement with students across the country.