For Berkshire’s Dance Program Director, Madison Bagby, dance has always been a central part of her life. To her, it’s a language; it’s how she tells a story, expresses her emotions, and builds connections with others.
“I started dancing when I was two at my school,” she says. “I joined a studio when I was five and started ballet, tap, and jazz.” Eventually, she started to compete and go to conventions when she was seven years old. During her teenage years, she trained with several pre-professional dance companies such as Excel Dance Productions, Xtreme Dance Force, and Nouveau Dance Company. These experiences shaped her as both a dancer and a person; she says, “I learned so much from my teachers and met dancers from all over—seeing where dance has taken people is very inspiring.”
A defining moment came at the end of the dance season each year. “My mom would always ask if I wanted to keep dancing or try soccer, which was a big no,” she laughs. “Dance was always a given.” However, it was in high school that Ms. Bagby realized dance was truly for her. It was her way of communicating, her passion, and her artistic outlet. She reflects on a moment where she was reminded of this: “Every year in high school, I had a solo, and performing it reminded me how much I love dance, storytelling, and sharing my lived experiences through movement.”
Ms. Bagby continued dancing throughout college while attending DePaul University in Chicago, where she studied Sociology and French. She danced with CODA and Puzzle League, performing in competitions like World of Dance Chicago and Prelude Midwest. Balancing coursework, internships, and a leadership position in her sorority wasn’t easy, but it taught her a valuable lesson. She reflects, “Dance has always found a way to be present in my life. Even when I danced less, I valued its role in my life just as much. You can have many passions— your identity isn’t just one thing.”
In the classroom, her energy as a dancer shines through. “I’m pretty animated,” she admits.
“Sometimes I’ll literally jump into the shape of an ‘X’ when explaining explanatory variables.”
Through both teaching and dance, Ms. Bagby emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and confidence. “Nothing worth having comes easy,” she exclaims. “Whether it’s on stage or in life, you have to trust the work you’ve put in and find confidence from within.”
