Merle trained in South Africa with Mignon Furman for 14 years.
She then went to London, qualifying as a Ballet Teacher at the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.). This three year in-depth program places special emphasis on the safety of young bodies in dance training. Merle taught in South Africa for 15 years relocating to the United States in 1988.
In 1993, The Academy of Dance was founded. Merle trained as an R.A.D. international examiner and was one of eight international examiners in the United States for 14 years.
Merle is a faculty member of the American Academy of Ballet's Summer School of Excellence, a part time faculty member of the Dance Department at California State University, Fullerton and was recently appointed as a judge for the American Academy's Performance Awards program.
In 2003, Merle was inspired to create The Magic Carpet Adventure. This was the beginning of The Magic Doorway Adventures in Dance as you see it now.
Some of Merle's most fulfilling personal rewards have come from the many students she has trained, including those who have achieved success as professional dancers or successful teachers.
