Melody has been studying and performing Middle Eastern dance since 1992. She was Introduced to the dance in Northern California where she first studied with Kathy Guthrie, and became a member of Troupe Al Ama, performing Egyptian Folk, American Tribal, and Belly Dance. She also studied with Sage Hobin (formally of Habi Ru) who taught the art of Raqs Al Seif (sword dancing) as well as other forms of folkloric and belly dance.

In 1996 Melody moved to Los Angeles, where she continued her studies with the legendary master teacher and ethnologist Aisha Ali to learn Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, Ghawazee, Tunisian, and Moroccan dance stylings. Her studies with Ms. Ali emphasize the historical and anthropological aspects of the dance as well as performance and technique. She is currently a performing member of the Aisha Ali Dance Company, and also appears as a soloist,performing Raqs Sharqi  at many clubs, restaurants, hotels and social events in the Los Angeles area. Melody also performs with fellow dance company member Jaynie Ali Aydin Ph.D. who along with Ms. Ali, produces ethnographic films that explore oriental dance performance in Turkey.