Guest Artist Tumelo Khupe Sets Choreography on Dance Students for Spring Show

April 16, 2026

Guest artist, Tumelo Khupe, visited Perpich in April to set choreography on the dance students. Her work will be included in the spring show in May.

Tumelo Khupe, known artistically as Melo, is a dynamic dance and movement artist and choreographer whose journey bridges continents and cultures. Born in Saint Paul, MN, with roots in Botswana and South Africa, Melo’s artistic identity is shaped by a rich tapestry of influences and experiences. Specializing in the Krump dance form, her practice is guided by four foundational pillars: rawness, discovery, individuality, and spirituality, values deeply cultivated over a decade of artistic exploration and faith.

Guest artist Tumelo Khupe observes as Perpich dancers perform her choreography

As the middle child in a family of three, Melo embraces the role of a bridge builder—connecting perspectives, merging the studio with the street, and weaving together the visible and invisible threads of human experience. Her research continually explores the parallels between movement and inner formation.

Melo currently teaches Krump and Improvisation, sharing her expertise and passion as a Movement Artist and Choreographer. Her international recognition within the Krump community has led her to teach and perform across the globe, including recent engagements in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Toronto, Canada, where she continues to inspire dancers with her unique artistic approach.

Melo’s ongoing journey is a testament to her commitment to artistic innovation, cultural connection, and the transformative power of movement.