When Madison first walked into TheGifted Arts (TGA) in sixth grade, she had just stepped away from her aspirations in gymnastics due to an injury. The transition was anything but easy—her confidence was low, and the challenges she faced in school only added to her hesitation. Yet, her mother, determined to keep her daughter engaged, took her to the African American Festival in downtown Raleigh, where Madison first saw a group of dancers performing. Little did she know, that moment would set her on a path that would shape her future in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

From Hesitation to Growth: Finding a New Passion at TheGifted Arts

“I wasn’t really good with change,” Madison recalls. “When I first started at TheGifted Arts, I wasn’t confident in myself. There were things going on in school—bullying, self-doubt—but as soon as I walked into TGA, I was welcomed by [CJ] Morgan, Miss Nicholé [Morgan], and [Tish] Carnes. They made me feel like I belonged.”

Despite her initial reluctance, Madison quickly found herself immersed in the world of dance and performance. Within a month, she was preparing for her first fashion show with TGA, an experience that pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her begin to rebuild her confidence.

In eighth grade, Madison participated in TheGifted Empowers, a pilot program that focused on helping students plan for their futures. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “That program really made a difference for me. I always wanted to dance as a career, but so many people would say I couldn’t do it. But at TGA, they didn’t just dismiss my dreams—they showed me how to make them a reality.”

Setting Her Sights on UNCG

As Madison continued to grow as a dancer, she set her sights on the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), a decision she made as early as eighth grade. Reflecting on that time, she shared, “Once I heard about UNCG, I just knew that’s where I wanted to go. Dance was my main focus, and sociology was my backup plan.”

Her dedication paid off. Madison worked with TGA’s technique teacher, Shadidja Parker, to prepare for her college audition. “I was so nervous the day we filmed my audition tape,” she recalls. “We spent two hours perfecting it, but it was worth it. I was accepted into UNCG’s dance program before I was even accepted to the school.”

Now a student at UNCG’s School of Dance, Madison continues to build on the foundation she developed at TGA. “I’ve definitely grown as a dancer, especially in terms of technique and working with different people. The skills I’ve learned at UNCG are helping me become the dancer I’ve always wanted to be.”

A New Opportunity: The AMDA High School Conservatory in LA

Madison’s journey took an exciting turn when she received a text from Tish Carnes, TGA’s Program & Operations Manager, about an opportunity to work at the AMDA High School Conservatory program in Los Angeles. “Tish simply said, ‘Apply,’” Madison laughs. “At first, I was skeptical. LA seemed so far away, and I wasn’t sure how it would all work out. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

With Tish’s encouragement and the assurance that she would be there alongside Madison, she decided to take the leap. Despite initial concerns about the logistics and being so far from home, Madison applied and was accepted as a junior counselor.

Once in LA, Madison embraced the challenges and opportunities that came her way. “I had to figure out a lot on my own—taking Ubers, navigating a new city, and balancing work with the chance to take classes from some of the best in the industry,” she says. “It was tough, but it showed me that I can be independent and take initiative.”

Meeting an Idol: A Dance Class with Nat

One of the highlights of Madison’s time in LA was the chance to take a hip-hop dance class with one of her idols, Natalie—better known as Nat Bat on social media. “I had followed Nat on Instagram and TikTok for years. Her dance videos inspired me during times when I felt discouraged,” Madison shares. “Taking her class was surreal. It was one of those moments where I realized why I’m doing what I’m doing.”

Madison vividly recalls the emotional experience of meeting Nat in person. “After the class, I went up to thank her, and I could feel myself tearing up. Seeing someone who has inspired me so much right in front of me was overwhelming. It reminded me why I’m pursuing dance and how far I’ve come.”

The Challenge of Jared’s Hip-Hop Class

Another memorable experience was taking a hip-hop class taught by Jared, a teacher who quickly became known for his challenging choreography. Madison and another TGA alumni, Jeremiah, who was also a junior counselor, decided to take his class twice—each time pushing themselves to the limit.

“The first time we took Jared’s class, we were struggling,” Madison admits. “I wasn’t as confident, and the choreography was challenging. But three years ago, I would have given up. Instead, I kept going, even when it was tough.”

Returning to Jared’s class a second time, Madison and Jeremiah were determined to approach it with a new mindset. “This time, we were more confident,” she says. “We knew what to expect, and we focused on having fun rather than getting everything perfect. It made all the difference.”

A New Perspective: What’s Next for Madison

Madison’s time at AMDA not only strengthened her dance skills but also gave her a new perspective on her journey. “I learned to say no and set boundaries, something I’ve struggled with in the past,” she reflects. “I’ve realized that it’s okay to prioritize my own needs and goals.”

As Madison looks to the future, she is more determined than ever to make her mark in the dance world. “I’m so grateful for the experiences I’ve had at TGA and AMDA. They’ve prepared me for what’s next, and I’m excited to keep growing as a dancer and as a person.”

Madison’s journey from a hesitant sixth grader to a confident, ambitious dancer is a testament to the power of arts education and the support of a community that believes in her potential. Through TheGifted Arts and AMDA, she has not only discovered her passion for dance but also honed the resilience and determination needed to pursue it at a collegiate level. Now in her third year at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), Madison continues to build on the foundation laid by TGA, proving that with the right support, dreams can become reality—no matter the obstacles.