The Full Story
About
Welcome to ReKindle Dance! We are Melissa Friebe and Matthew Walsh, a couple in life and dance, with over 30 years of combined experience in the dance industry. We met during instructor training class and were dance partners for our first professional competition (see photo below :)
Over the years, we've taught countless students the joy of dance, helping them prepare for weddings, social events, and simply enriching their lives with the magic of movement and now, we're bringing the joy of dance directly to you.
In 2024, we founded ReKindle Dance to make dance accessible, convenient, and personal. Rekindle means - "to excite, stir up, or rouse anew" and that is our mission, to "rekindle" in our students, something....whether that is romance, strength, confidence, fun or their authentic self.
Melissa Friebe
From childhood dances in her living room to prestigious dance competitions, Melissa's journey in dance began with self-taught spins to The Nutcracker and flourished into a celebrated career. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Art and Theater Design, Melissa discovered her passion for partner dancing while working at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Boston. Rising from Administrative Assistant to Manager, she transformed multiple schools with her leadership, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. A five-time finalist in International All Star Teacher competitions, Melissa has excelled in both American Smooth and Rhythm categories. Her deep commitment to personal growth through dance inspired her to co-found ReKindle Dance where she aims to bring dance into homes, helping others explore their potential through the art of movement.
Matthew Walsh
Matthew's dance journey transitioned from the high-energy world of breakdancing in Portland to the refined art of ballroom in Boston. After studying Psychology and Theatre at Wesleyan University, he leveraged his deep understanding of human behavior to excel as a certified instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, earning multiple accolades including the Northeast division's All-Star Specialist. Disenchanted with the industry’s profit-centric focus, Matthew co-founded ReKindle Dance with Melissa to bring personalized dance experiences directly into clients' homes. "Each dance lesson is an opportunity to discover something profound about oneself," says Matthew. At ReKindle Dance, we're dedicated to making every session personal, comfortable, and transformative.
