Melissa Williams is the CEO & Founder of Let It Out Performing Arts (LIOPA). She is a native of Ward, South Carolina.  She is a choreographer, liturgical dancer, and dance instructor.

For 13 years, Melissa has managed the creative vision at LIOPA. She has also instructed dancers in ballet, tap, creative, and liturgical dance. Additionally, she has taught all ages at child development centers, recreational parks, churches, and has provided private lessons.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education/Sport Communication from South Carolina State University as well as her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. 

In her pre-teen years, Melissa sparked a passion for dance. This passion grew stronger in high school & college where she began to choreograph liturgical dances. Thereafter, she studied liturgical dance in Minister Gail Glover's Order My Steps Courses, where she received her Certified Liturgical Dancer Certification. 

For 23 years, Melissa has choreographed countless liturgical dances for several organizations, as well as ministered in dance at celebrations, church events, college productions, festivals, library events, luncheons, school functions, and many other occasions. A few years after founding LIOPA, Melissa later started a Daddy Daughter Ball.

Melissa's passion and professionalism throughout her dance career have built self-confidence in her students, which has inspired them to pursue their own love for dance. Above all, she believes the art of dance is fun and is an individual's unique expression put into a creative movement.