I had the chance recently to ask Maddison some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with incredible elegance and beauty. Her passion for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 1 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe since I was 10… So 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Energetiks Stella pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My grandmother owned her own dance studio and ballet has just been passed on through the generations from there.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation would have to be the third shades variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the NYCB in the future

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favourite memory from ballet was when my previous ballet teacher asked if I wanted to do full-time ballet

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Misty Copeland is a big inspiration to me and I’ve read all of her books

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

The best advice I’ve been given from a dance teacher is to dance for myself and no one else.

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

I would give my younger self advise to not take opportunities you are not sure of or the first one that pops up if it isn’t what you truly want.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballet dancer is being able to express myself in a way that others can’t, through art!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

I think the hardest thing about being a ballet dancer is the diet culture and unrealistic body… Standard for young girls

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Of course it’s a hard career path and I’ve doubted myself many times but I’m glad I never gave into those thoughts

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu all the way!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have broken my toe which kept me off pointe for almost a year, I required surgery but we didn’t go ahead with it, lucky it’s healed pretty well now though.

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like spending time with my family and got out to have fun with my friends when I have free time