Joel Melendez

Joel Melendez
Joel Melendez, Co-founder of the touring duo Matica Arts, has traveled the Americas performing and learning. He is a gifted performer known for his unicycling, clowning, juggling, improvisational and acrobatic skills. Joel is a "physical artist" who loves exploring the vast capabilities of the human body. He is co-founder of Matica Arts and Thrive Movement studio. He is on the Hartford Performs artist roster with his innovative Capoeira program. He also is the Capoeira director at Plus 1 Defense in West Hartford and a teaching artist for Oddfellow's Playhouse in Middletown
Joel is also a musician, Capoerista. Joel sees the arts as a vehicle to inspire, connect and transport the audience to a mystical world free of inhibitions where all is possible.



We seem to keep crossing professional paths with Heidi and Joel of Matica and every project has been such a pleasure. Each time we collaborate it's completely different and they never cease to amaze us with the depth of their many talents. Their energy is adventurous and fun.

Craig Norton, Playtivity