Madeleine Ford | Music / Performing Arts

Hey there! My name is Madeleine Ford and I am a contemporary dancer from Mount Maunganui. When I’m not dancing I like to spend my time running, playing hockey and sleeping! I began dancing at a very young age. You could even say “I was a dancer before I could walk”. It has always been my greatest passion and has influenced my values and upbringing in such a major, positive way.

Dance is in no way an easy form of physical activity. The strength and discipline you need to perform is insane. As well as incredible strength you also need to be able to perform with grace and elegance. Throughout my years dancing I have learnt so much about self motivation, discipline, time management and overall well being. While always performing to the best of my ability, I value rest and looking after your own wellbeing. Recovery is just as important as training to achieve consistently high results in all areas of physical activity.

My hard work within the dance community has provided me with so many opportunities such as selection for the New Zealand School of Dance Associates program. I was invited as one of 20 dancers nationwide to participate in this esteemed program for talented kiwi dancers. I have just completed my NZAMD contemporary dance Solo Seal examination, the highest dance examination attainment in New Zealand.

Next year, I will be studying health science at The University of Otago. I then hope to pursue a career in the health profession or physio.