faculty spotlight

Marissa Cassayre (Guest artist/Festival teacher) is a 2022 Chapman University alumna and former Chapman University Tap Ensemble 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 Chappy Tappy Show. Through her efforts, CUTE successfully completed a virtual C.U.T.E. experience during the 2020 pandemic, 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 Starbound Nationals. Since 2019, she has been employed by Varsity Spirit as a Head Instructor for the National Dance Alliance and now contributes to running and judging national competitions. 

Now, she lends her experience to advanced tap teams in local studios through teaching and her choreography of highly ranked routines, and is a part of competition staff. Marissa has also twice guest performed at the Happy Chappy Happy Show as well as the Hollywood Tapfest. Her passion is to give back to other young dancers through the gift of tap, wherever her shoes may take her.