Today we’d like to introduce you to Madi Cruz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Madi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’ve been dancing since I was ten. I have found myself mostly gravitated toward Hip Hop and Contemporary, but I have learned many different styles throughout the years. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to teach, no matter what the subject was. Teaching helps me to ensure that I’ve fully grasped the concept in front of me that way I can assist someone else. I had always wanted to be a dance teacher. I used to teach dance to anyone who would give me the time of day honestly. I would teach my cousins, children my mom babysat, pastors at my church, even my own mom. I have loved choreographing, every part of it. The process of finding the song, the process of creating the movement, creating the story that’s waiting to be told. Recently, I’ve begun my leap of faith and started teaching my own classes & they have been doing very well. I have also been trying to keep up with my YouTube channel while still getting my Bachelor’s degree in Education, while also being in the process of developing my own website that allows me to sell footage of my classes to a broader audience.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been the easiest road. I have had many a moment where I thought dance was not for me because I kept seeing other dancers my age and younger than me making it and getting their time to shine and it just seemed like the life I wanted so desperately was so far out of my reach. But,I recently realized that what is for me is for me regardless of what is coming to somebody else. I just gotta keep working hard, continue putting out quality content and allowing God to guide my steps to my personal finish line of success. Life is all about running the marathon instead of a race.
Please tell us about B Doll – what should we know?
I am my brand. As an artist, I sell myself in a sense. B Doll is more than just a stage name. It’s my product while also being a major part of my process. I specialize mostly in teaching dance, preferably Hip Hop. In the future, I want to branch out and choreograph for musical artists and even travel to teach my choreography. I’m most proud of my versatility and technique as a dancer and I think that’s what sets me apart. I love to take different genres of dance and fuse them together to create a whole new style. That way nobody can teach a class just like me.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Inclusivity. I love to create a space where anybody can feel welcome and open to learning, whether they are a dancer or not. I want a space where anybody can come in and feel the rush of performing and showcasing their own flavor on top of what they learned from me. I want everybody who walks into my class to feel like they left everything on the dance floor when they walk out.
- Masterclasses are $15
- Workshops are $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youtu.be/FLI197AUyUc
- Email: MadiCruzDances@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JwAUIgnLY/?igshid=1sganhbee53zl
Image credit:
Photographers:
Jennie Modeiros
Faith Vidal-Gobea
Kayla Blackwood
K’Leah McKinnon
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