faculty spotlight

Marissa Cassayre is a 2022 Chapman University alumna and former Chapman University Tap Ensemble member/two time Co-President. During her time with C.U.T.E., she took part in Christmas at the Ritz, Winterfest, Tap Camp, Chapman University Homecoming, CDA shows, and the annual Happy Tappy Chappy Show. Through hers and her fellow Co-President’s combined efforts, she successfully completed a virtual C.U.T.E. experience during 2020 featuring online shows, classes, and socially distant bonding. She also partnered with Brandee Lara and the C.U.T.E. exec team to plan, fund, and execute the very first Tap Fest Cali in 2022 complete with star-studded master classes and a performance by the renowned Syncopated Ladies. 

She has also spent copious hours in the studio competition world both as a dancer and a choreographer. After putting on her tap shoes for the first time at age 2 and competing for the first time at age 8, she performed in numerous high placing tap teams, duos, and trios until her high school graduation in 2018. That same year, her jazz team received a perfect score and First Place Overall at Starboard Nationals. Now, she lends her experience to advanced tap teams in local studios through her choreography of two highly ranked routines. 

Since 2019, Marissa has been employed by Varsity Spirit as a Head Instructor for the National Dance Alliance. Her passion is to give back to other young dancers through the gift of tap, whether that be in classes, performances, or festivals.