Sherene Melania with artists of Presidio Dance Theatre, at the world premiere of “Unbreakable” at the Herbst Theatre, San Francisco. Photo: Vin Eiamvuthikorn.
Sherene Melania has found a way to overcome boundaries in a world divided.
We face division daily – both physically and culturally. To transcend these barriers, we look to those with a unique ability to unite people through the universal language of art. Sherene Melania is one such extraordinary individual, a global ambassador, speaker, and advocate for human rights through the arts.
Her communications skills and profound passion for dance, coupled with her unique perspective on unity and advocacy, have allowed her to break boundaries, promote inclusivity in the world of performing arts, and emphasize the importance of women’s empowerment and social justice. Her remarkable journey showcases her role as a cultural bridge-builder and visionary advocate for change.
The Language of Unity
It’s easy to talk about promoting diversity in language and culture – but you must remember that communication is key, especially when it comes to understanding unity. Sherene Melania possesses a unique gift—the ability to communicate fluently in three languages: English, French, and Russian. This trilingual proficiency has opened doors and created opportunities for her to connect with people from various backgrounds, transcending linguistic boundaries and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Sherene’s speaking abilities have enabled her to serve as a bridge between different communities, allowing her to advocate for human rights and social justice on a global scale. She believes that art, particularly dance, has the power to transcend language, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect, empathize, and find common ground. This belief forms the foundation of her work as a global ambassador.
The Power of Dance as a Universal Language
Dance, as an art form, holds a unique position in the world of culture and expression. It speaks to the soul, transcending spoken language and reaching the core of human emotions. Sherene Melania’s profound passion for dance has driven her to harness its transformative power as a means of uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Through her signature style of ethno-classical ballet, Sherene has created performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural diversity while conveying powerful narratives of global issues. Her choreography blends the elegance of classical ballet with the vibrant cultural elements of her ethnic dance. The result is a visual and emotional experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Pioneering Arts Education Programs
Sherene Melania’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice extends beyond her performances. She has a rich history of developing pioneering arts education programs that emphasize the importance of diversity and equity in the performing arts. One of her most notable contributions is the creation of the first inclusive ballet curriculum, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making dance accessible to all, regardless of physical ability or background.
These education programs serve as a testament to Sherene’s dedication to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for aspiring artists from underrepresented cultures. Her vision is to ensure that the performing arts are truly inclusive, reflecting the richness of our global tapestry. Through education, she empowers the next generation of artists to carry forward the message of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Under Sherene’s leadership, 280,000 students have benefitted from Presidio Dance Theatre’s community outreach program, DANCEOUT!
Empowering Women and Advocating for Social Justice
Sherene Melania’s artistic philosophy centers around a commitment to women’s empowerment and social justice. “The performing arts can be a catalyst for change,” she says. “They’re a means of highlighting global issues, including the stories and struggles of women who have faced discrimination and inequality.” Through her ethno-classical ballet productions, she has celebrated the strength and resilience of women, giving voice to those who have been silenced.
One of Sherene’s most remarkable achievements is her groundbreaking work titled “Unbreakable: Honoring the Women of Iran.” This powerful production tells the stories of Iranian women and serves as a call to action, supporting Woman Life Freedom. “Unbreakable explores the challenges these women have faced and the indomitable spirit that has allowed them to persevere,” Sherene explains. “The narrative is an homage to the power of art in generating awareness and driving tangible change.”
Sherene Melania. Photo: Cory Weaver
A Vision for a More Inclusive Society
Sherene is a pioneer for advocacy; she envisions a more inclusive and just society where the arts play a central role in fostering empathy, unity, and understanding. Through her role as a global ambassador, she seeks to remind the world that, despite our diverse backgrounds and languages, we share a common humanity.
“Our world is in crisis,” Sherene says. “We are witnessing brutal wars, oppressive regimes, ruthless terrorism, and egregious human rights violations. I often wonder how our technological advancements can be so great, yet our level of humanity so low. None of these barbaric practices should exist in this century! This evil is a cancer to humanity and should be eradicated from our world, ending the vicious cycles of violence and trauma. The ripple effects of these wars lead to increased international divisions and hate crimes. People are currently scrambling on social media to assert whether they’re pro Palestine or pro Israel. While I can’t wave a magic wand and create peace, I can use the arts to remind people that we should all be pro-humanity.”
Global Ambassador, Speaker, Advocate
One person can in fact have a massive impact on the world – and Sherene is doing just that for human rights. Her ability to communicate in multiple languages and her passion for dance and the arts have allowed her to connect cultures, break boundaries, and promote inclusivity in the world of performing arts.
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help empower artists from underrepresented cultures and celebrate the strength of women who have faced discrimination,” Sherene says. While many organizations have recently focused on promoting DEI principles, Sherene has a twenty-five-year history of creating pioneering arts education programs and innovative performances that support her vision for a more just society and inclusive world, through the arts.
In a world often divided by differences, Sherene Melania reminds us that the universal language of art has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. Through her work, she continues to advocate for human rights, social justice, and the transformative potential of the performing arts. Sherene’s journey is a testament to the boundless possibilities that await when creativity, compassion, and advocacy converge on a global stage.Learn more: https://presidiodance.org/
