Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Molly began her training under the direction of her mother, Beverly Misgalla. Following her passion she went on to major in dance at Point Park University studying with Douglas Bentz, Judith Leifer-Bentz, Jodi Welch and Ron Tassone, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts. While at Point Park she was a swing for the Pittsburgh Playhouse Production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall. After graduation she danced with the site specific, modern-based Mary Miller Dance Company and with the Philadelphia-based jazz dance company ‘Waves’ under the direction of Shimon Braun.She performed in the feature film “Living Out Loud” starring Holly Hunter, Inatoriso Cabaret Show in Tokyo, Japan and in numerous industrials and commercials for companies such as Glaxo Smith-Kline. Molly is a Philadelphia-based teacher and choreographer renowned for her innovative jazz and contemporary technique. Her style blends a solid dance foundation with a unique interpretation of musical and cultural influences. Her passion for jazz dance shines through in her work, showcasing her characteristically bold yet fluid use of movement, unique interpretation of music, and creative staging with large groups of dancers.
An assistant professor of dance at the University of the Arts since 2000, Molly is a prominent choreographer and guest instructor working regionally, nationally and internationally. Teaching engagements include Jacksonville University, DeSales University, Pennsylvania State University and the Manhattan Dance Project. Molly was an artist-in-residence at Ecole de Ballet and Just Move Dance in Luxembourg. She has also taught Master classes in Luxembourg, Paris and London, as well as studios and conventions throughout the US. Molly has choreographed nearly 20 original premiere works on stage as well as in concert venues including: Oops Office (rooftop performance) Brooklyn, NY, Philadelphia Film Society/Phl International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Six Flags/Great Adventure featuring recording artist; Aeryanah Von Moi, Pennsylvania Presbyterian Medical Center, DeSales University as well as a premiere ballet for Eleone Dance Theater “For Always and For Ever Luther” celebrating the late Luther Vandross. Molly has fostered strong links with the professional dance community through both her own experience as a working dancer and as a teacher and mentor. Molly maintains a direct connection with MSA Dance Agency in New York, and is a frequent panel member for dance scholarship auditions such as A.S.H The Workshop Experience, and Jazz Dance World Congress. She has been a professional representative to “National Dance Week” celebrations and has produced many “Celebrate Philly Dance” performances. Molly continues to study and develop her own technique and experience of dance, recently travelling to Tel Aviv, Israel where she attended an immersion program in ‘Gaga Technique’, under the direction of Ohad Nahrain and the Batsheva dancers.