From Miami to Lincoln Center: Melissa Toogood Appointed Head of Juilliard Dance

Melissa Toogood, a name well-known in contemporary dance circles and a proud alumna of Miami’s New World School of the Arts (NWSA), is stepping into one of the most influential roles in dance education. Beginning July 1, 2025, Toogood will take the helm as Dean and Director of the Dance Division at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City—a milestone that cements her as a leading voice in the global arts community.

The appointment, announced by Juilliard after an extensive search, marks a powerful homecoming of sorts. Toogood’s roots trace back to downtown Miami, where she earned her BFA in Dance at NWSA in 2004. Recruited from Sydney, Australia, by NWSA founding dean Daniel Lewis, she arrived as a promising young dancer with a sharp intellect and insatiable curiosity. Now, she returns to the spotlight as a transformative figure shaping the future of dance education.

“Together with the incredible faculty and staff, I am committed to continuing the development of a program that honors our lineage while embracing curiosity and innovation,” Toogood told The New York Times.

A Leader Shaped by Legacy—and Vision

Toogood’s appointment resonates deeply within the NWSA community. Robert Battle, fellow NWSA alum and former Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, served on Juilliard’s search committee. “Melissa is a unique voice in the dance world,” he shared. “She brings quiet strength, artistic integrity, and a sense of purpose that will inspire generations to come.”

That sentiment is echoed by Juilliard President Damian Woetzel, who praised Toogood’s ability to nurture dancers at every stage. “She’s one of the extraordinary artists of our time,” he told The New York Times. “Her leadership has been evolving in such a compelling and inspiring way.”

At NWSA, Dean of Dance Mary Lisa Burns recalls Toogood’s impact vividly. During a visit as a guest artist, Toogood staged works by modern dance pioneer Merce Cunningham—a mentor whose legacy she carries forward with reverence. “She conveyed that challenging material with warmth, care, and creativity,” said Burns. “Melissa has reserves of skill and curiosity, and she will bring tremendous depth to Juilliard.”

The Making of a Dance Educator

Toogood’s professional journey spans the world’s leading stages. A celebrated performer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and longtime artistic collaborator with choreographer Pam Tanowitz, she is also a master teacher, a Bessie Award winner, and an official stager for the Merce Cunningham Trust. She has worked with major institutions such as The Royal Ballet, The Australian Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Juilliard itself.

But her path as an educator and leader began in Miami. “Dean Lewis said to me that I’d make a good dean one day,” Toogood recalled. “He recognized my ability to balance artistry with practicality. That seed he planted gave me the confidence to step into this role.”

Her time at NWSA, she said, was defined by a spirit of collaboration and community. “It was rigorous, yet experimental,” she shared. “We supported one another across disciplines. That inclusivity and camaraderie still guide me today—and are core values I see reflected at Juilliard.”

Looking Ahead: Elevating the Future of Dance

As Toogood prepares to relocate to New York with her husband and 7-year-old son, she’s already thinking big. One of her early goals: helping Juilliard in its mission to go tuition-free—making elite arts training more accessible for the next generation of dancers. “I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my degree without a full scholarship,” she noted. “Access to education is something I deeply believe in.”

In a serendipitous twist, Toogood won’t be the only NWSA alum making waves at Juilliard. The school also announced that Jamar Roberts—another NWSA graduate and acclaimed former Alvin Ailey dancer—will join as Distinguished Visiting Faculty and Arnhold Creative Associate at Large.

With two NWSA alumni rising to leadership at one of the world’s most respected conservatories, the Miami-based school once again affirms its legacy as a launchpad for dance’s most compelling changemakers.

“Melissa was not only a beautiful dancer when I met her,” said Daniel Lewis. “She was an intellectual thinker. I knew she had what it would take to become a major voice in the dance world.