How much do you guys love quirky and fun-loving Melanie on Bunheads? Did you know Emma Dumont, the talented dancer and actress who plays Melanie, has been dancing since she was three?! Keep reading this Q&A to learn more about her and all-things dance!

At what age did you start dancing?
I was three when I started ballet and tap.

What’s your favorite type of dance?
I love ballet, as it is the basis for a lot of dance styles, but my favorite is a draw between contemporary and tap. I love the emotion and fierceness of contemporary and I have several floor-burn scars that I cherish. I love tap because it’s so precise and when you improvise you can create your own "music"!

What’s your favorite dance move?
I love kicks and my favorite is a fan kick!

What's your favorite song to dance to?
Anything by Lady Gaga really.

What is your favorite post-workout snack?
I don't eat directly after dance class - just like you wouldn't eat right after you work out, but my fave food is spaghetti.

What are three interesting things you want fans to know about you?
1. I play roller derby and I'm also a big fan.
2. I'm a classically-trained violist and I've played in several orchestras.
3. I'm on a robotics team and love science, math and programming.

There's always the debate: are dancers athletes? To us, it's clear. YES! But can you tell someone that doesn't know a lot about ballet, the types of strengths and skills that make this art as hard as any sport?
Ballet and dance require almost daily training. It's amazingly physical, and ballet dancers in particular are trained to not show exertion. To anyone that is a skeptic I would suggest they take a dance class which is the best way to prove the point.