Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeleine Beadle.
Hi Madeleine, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I began dancing around the age of six at a local studio where I trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Contemporary. In high school I began teaching at that same studio where I developed my own choreographic/teaching voice (which I’m extremely grateful for!).
During my early adult years, I became tied down with teaching dance.
So much so to the point where I didn’t dance myself much anymore…
Fast forward to when the pandemic hit 4 years ago, and I knew I needed to change something in my life. I knew I wasn’t completely happy just teaching dance and since my routine (and the routine of the world in general) had been turned upside down due to Covid, I decided now was the time to make a much-needed change.
I joined a new dance company called LUME, and even though I didn’t know it at the time, this would be one of the biggest catalysts of my ending up where I am today: dancing and choreographing professionally.
Two of my mentors, Monika Felice-Smith and Maryann Chavez, were two of the first people to believe in me and say, “Yes, you can do it!”
That belief in me has led to me choreographing for artists such as the Black Keys, dancing in music videos for artists such as FINNEAS, and traveling around the states dancing.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think the life of someone who chooses art or identifies as an artist can EVERRR be described as “smooth” at all times. There’s moments that make all the late nights, working multiple jobs, and self-doubt worth it… and that’s why we do what we do and why we keep doing it!).
Definitely, one of the biggest struggles along the way is when people will ask, “But what’s your REALLLL job?”
It can start to wear on and eat away at you making you start to believe that you made a mistake in choosing this path.
Self-doubt is definitely a big struggle us as artists constantly face.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance educator. It’s difficult for me to say exactly what I specialize in, but some of my biggest passions in the dance industry include teaching/mentoring, movement direction for artists, and Tap dance!
I’m definitely known for Tap dance. A lot of my friends always refer to me whenever Tap dance gets brought up and I’ve landed a couple jobs from being a Tap dancer!
I’m most proud of not a singular experience or job but the progress I’ve made as a whole. I definitely have pulled myself out of a number of mental battles that I struggled with.
I think something that sets me apart is that I’ve learned to not take anything too seriously. Not in a sense that I’m unprofessional when I work, but I know people act the best and produce the best results when they are happy/comfortable and working with good people, so I try to be that!
I also would say being a Tap dancer is pretty rare nowadays, so that definitely sets me apart.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to a lot of podcasts, and dance podcasts are great to provide new perspectives/get me out of a funky mindset. Some good podcasts that are highly recommended are The Kinjaz “Movement In The Shadows” and “Words That Move Me” by Dana Wilson. I don’t get a lot of time to read, but when I do, I read pretty much everything from fantasy to biographies!
As silly as this sounds, I also make it a priority to take class. It seems so simple, but it REALLLLLLLY helps get you out of a rut by just learning from someone new or hearing a new idea
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/moves.by.maddy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moves.by.maddy._?igsh=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Jess Alba
Lauren Eve Parker
Carly Mannarelli
Lindsey Rose
