Melanie-Anne lives near snowy Quebec City, on the eastern side of Canada. She discovered POUND in 2017 while battling depression, trying to find self-care solutions for better mental health. Having an extensive dance background, it was love at first strike. That feeling of badassery, strength & joy, all to the sound of incredible music, was a recipe for magic! Melanie-Anne aims to inspire and educate new Pros by infusing a hefty dose of POUND’s philosophies and values of inclusivity, self-worth, community and respect in every training. She is a talkative extrovert who loves to connect with people.
What superpower would you most like to have?
FLIGHT: From when I was little, saying that I was a butterfly before being a human, to my love of air travel, as well as the occasional skydive adventures, I’d be at peace, soaring through the air.
If you could live in any TV home, what would it be?
I’m torn between 3. I’d love to play a round of True American with Schmidt, Jess, Nick Miller and Winston from New Girl. The geeky nerd in me would love to drift through space on Red Dwarf, and eat chicken vindaloo with Lister, Rimmer & Cat. The Gen-Xer in me wants to swoon over Angel and Spike in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, also, because I want Willow as a best friend and Buffy’s sense of style and badassery.
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Went white water rafting, even though I have a crippling fear of drowning (I can’t even paddleboard on a calm lake without breaking into an anxiety attack)
Whom do you secretly admire?
If I told you, it wouldn’t be secret anymore, would it? Seriously though, I admire Robert Downy Jr so much. He overcame a lifelong struggle with substance abuse and addiction that started when he was only a child. He beat his inner demons when he was at his lowest and ended up being a positive role model for children all over the planet when he took on the role of Ironman.
What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?
My sons. Becoming a mother, nurturing my babies, watching my boys grow up into the incredible young men they are fills me with pride. They amaze me each and every day.
What’s one thing you’d tell your 13-year-old self?
Don’t be scared to be authentically yourself. Fitting in with the popular crowd is overrated. High school popularity status (or lack thereof in our case!) in no way determines your future happiness and success. And, oh, by the way, you DO end up getting the boy… It might take a few years and a few broken hearts, but it’ll make you appreciate what you have so much more, and you’ll have a better understanding of what you want and don’t want in a life partner.