The dance and cheerleading community is mourning the loss of Ewdin Melendez, a distinguished choreography coach whose influence and talent transcended multiple levels of competitive performance.
Ewdin Melendez's contributions to dance and cheerleading have left an indelible mark, as he was renowned for Ewdin Melendez was a USASF Certified Levels 1-6 choreographer, holding credentials that included a Green Light background check, CPR, and First Aid certifications. His dance career began with an impressive background in hip hop, a genre where he showcased his talent early on. In 2006, he placed in the top three out of 230 dancers in the FAMEus competition, a testament to his exceptional skills and stage presence. Over the years, he accumulated numerous regional and national dance titles in both group and solo divisions, highlighting his versatility and commitment to excellence.
One of the standout moments in his career was dancing with Paula Abdul for the Super Bowl pre-show, an experience that placed him on one of the world's largest stages. His ability to perform at such a high level underscored his technical prowess and artistic flair.
Ewdin Melendez's impact on cheerleading was profound. He founded his own brand of choreography, WINchoreography, which quickly became synonymous with innovation and success in the industry. His work extended to numerous high school and college teams, including Concordia University, Cal Baptist University, El Camino High School, California High School, Van Nuys High School, Notre Dame High School, Centennial High School, and Santa Monica High School. His dedication to developing these teams resulted in impressive performances and numerous accolades.
In 2019, Melendez choreographed the Magic All Stars Fantasy segment for the New Kids on the Block tour in Anaheim, California. This project highlighted his ability to blend different styles and create memorable, captivating routines.
Ewdin Melendez's legacy is also deeply rooted in his work with various All Star programs. He choreographed routines that won regional, national, Summit, and World titles, working with some of the most prestigious teams in the cheerleading world. His collaborations included American Cheer, Pacific Coast Magic, USA Starz, GymTyme, Corona Starz, West Coast Rush All Stars, Stealth All Stars, Fusion Elite, Cheer Extreme, JustCheer, All Star One, Xtreme Athletix, West Coast Fame, ACA, Cheer St. Louis, X-Out Cheerleading (Canada), Center Coyotes (Canada), and Pacific Coast Magic in Costa Rica.
Ewdin Melendez's influence in the cheerleading and dance communities will be remembered for his remarkable ability to inspire and elevate those around him. His innovative choreography, combined with a deep understanding of performance dynamics, made him a cherished mentor and a revered figure in the industry.
His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him and worked with him, but his legacy will continue through the countless routines and performances he crafted. Ewdin Melendez's contributions have shaped the landscape of competitive dance and cheerleading, ensuring that his spirit and passion for the art will endure.