What was the best part of attending the School of American Ballet this summer?

My dream job is to one day dance for New York City Ballet. Being at SAB felt like I was one step closer to reaching that goal!  There is just something magical about the environment, studios, and of course being in New York City.  Just the thought of training in the same place as Tiler Peck and Sara Mearns gives me chills! Then of course being surrounded by truly talented kids from all over the world was pretty cool. I made so many new friendships while there, too!

Rhilee Photography

What keeps you motivated every day?

My teachers are great motivators.  They all care and only want the best for me, so that really inspires me, but also my faith in Christ.  I feel blessed to have been given such a precious gift as dance and I don't ever want to take that for granted. I try to live every day in the moment, reflect on my blessings, and make everyone proud. 

What's your favorite source of healthy energy between classes?

I always pack A LOT of fruit every day, and I always get smoothies with fruit and peanut butter from the local cafe in our studio's neighborhood, too.  Between those things, I have enough energy to get me through the day! 

What is something you struggle with as a dancer?

Unfortunately, pain is something I struggle with on a regular basis. I have a chronic achilles issue that sometimes flares up.  It is called Plantar Fasciitis. I have to stay on top of specific exercises and stretches to help eliminate the flare ups, but when my hours of training increases for either a performance or competition, the pain is inevitable. I go to physical therapy to help when the pain is severe but I think this is something I will deal with for a long time. 

Who has been your most influential teacher and why?

I have three teachers in my life that have all played a HUGE role in helping me become the dancer I am. Jacqueline Porter saw something in me when I was just eight years old.  She has taken me under her wing and laid the strong foundation of ballet for me!  Her time and attention to detail has been a crucial part of my training.

Ms. Clair Culin is my contemporary coach and her positive and uplifting spirit is so important to me. I know I can count on her to help me tackle hard challenges and obstacles.

Finally, Ms. Olga Pavlova has had a huge impact on me. To learn from someone who not only was a professional ballerina but became one of the best of her times is very inspiring. I hope I continue to make all three of these teachers proud as the years go by. 

What do you do to your Russian Pointe shoes to prep them for performance?

The great thing about Russian Pointe is that there is not much I have to do to them! The only two things I am sure to do is hit the box a few times on a hard surface to make them a little quieter and step on the vamp to help them mold to my metatarsals. Other than that they fit great and hug my feet in all the right places.

What do you like to do outside of dance?

Dance takes up a HUGE majority of my time so I don't have too much time for anything else. If I have any downtime, I love catching up on my Netflix shows or just hanging with my family. We hardly ever have time to just be together so we will try to spend as much time as we can as a family. 

What's something not many people know about you?

I have a half sister but I'm the only child at my house.  

Anything else you'd like to add?

This year I will be dancing as The Snow Queen in The Dallas Conservatory's Nutcracker.  I will be the youngest to have danced this role for our company so far.

Photo Credit: Rhilee Photography 

Follow Madyson on Instagram here: @madyson_grobe_official