Franchesca Marisol Cabrera

Franchesca Marisol Cabrera is a Columbian-Mexican American performing artist, choreographer, educator and arts education advocate. She received her B.A. in World Arts and Cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles and her M.A. from New York University in Arts Education. Her dance training is primarily in the styles of Classical Spanish, Flamenco, Baroque, Ballet and Mexican Folklorico.

She received dual diplomas in Danza Española and Flamenco while studying at the private conservatory ACADE in Madrid, Spain. Her performances have taken her to London, Mexico, S. Korea, Spain & Hong Kong. While she resided in NYC, collaborations included Jacques d' Amboise ART NEST, appearances with Siren Baroque, five seasons with Company XIV and two seasons at the Metropolitan Opera. She is a co-founder of the all female trio ensemble, Les Sirènes dedicated to the intimacy of voice, classical guitar and dance.

She has been a guest choreographer and instructor featured on Sesame Street, the Juilliard Dance Department and was on faculty at The Ballet Hispánico School of Dance teaching Spanish Dance and Flamenco for over 8 years. Currently, she is a member of Baile de California.

Marisol is very excited to be joining and dancing with Vanessa and the Vanessa Isaac Dance Company.  

Melanie Johnson

Melanie Johnson grew up in a small town near Yosemite, where she studied and performed, in several styles of dance, and competed throughout California. These styles included jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop. 

She studied modern dance, ballet, and choreography at California State University, Long Beach and UC Santa Barbara, earning her Bachelor’s in Dance. In addition she has also studied and performed West African dance with Cape Verde dance artist Leida Tolentino.

Melanie has trained with Vanessa Agle Isaac in Contemporary Afro Brazilian Dance for many years. She has performed Vanessa Isaac’s several dance works. Now she is returning as an official member of The Vanessa Isaac Dance Company for the Spring Season 2022.

She has performed and choreographed for Nectar, Palm Dance Collective’s “Dance for Montecito,” and New Works/Kinesis. Melanie has also worked as a parade performer/dancer for the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks.  

Melanie has been working with kids in preschool-12th grade for 15 years, teaching dance, yoga, and creative movement. Her experience includes dance studios, theater groups, schools, summer camps, and after school programs.

Her background also includes certifications in yoga, nutrition, & health coaching.