LINES Ballet's Madeline DeVries Talks Hidden Talents and Bad Dance Habits

Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s Madeline DeVries can move with both liquid grace and razor-sharp precision. A Southern California native, DeVries grew up training at the Santa Clarita Ballet Academy in Canyon Country, CA. She later studied at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s professional division on full scholarship, and spent summers training with Houston Ballet, The Rock School, and The National Ballet of Canada. In 2012, DeVries moved to Germany to become an apprentice with Dresden Semperoper Ballett. She returned to the States in 2013, and danced with Whim W’Him and Coriolis in Seattle before joining LINES Ballet in 2014. Catch her performing during the company’s home season this month in San Francisco, CA—and read on for The Dirt!

Where do you feel the happiest?

The beach by my house is my happy place (especially when accompanied by my boyfriend).

What’s your go-to stress reliever?

A good night’s sleep or a great coffee date with a friend.

What’s your biggest fear?

Letting someone down or spiders

What are you most nervous about?

Showing up at the airport for a tour without my passport. (It’s never happened!)

Who’s your dance role model?

Louise Nadeau, now retired from Pacific Northwest Ballet. She had so much artistry and is such a genuine and kind person.

What’s the most-played song on your playlist?

“Hey Mami,” by Sylvan Esso

What’s your most-watched TV show?

Definitely “New Girl.” Schmidt is hysterical.

What’s your favorite dance movie?

Save the Last Dance

Who can always make you laugh?

Shuaib Elhassan. He’s my clowning-around buddy—never fails to make me laugh, even sometimes onstage!

What foods can’t you live without?

Popcorn and avocados

Do you have any nicknames?

Butter, Koala Bear, Maddie Mad, Mads

Who would play you in a movie?

For sure Kristen Wiig

What’s your biggest piece of advice for young performers?

There’s always more to learn. Criticism is only an opportunity for growth! And never let anyone put out your light. You’re uniquely and wonderfully made.

What are you most proud of?

Performing on the Mariinsky stage in St. Petersburg, Russia

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’ve been so blessed to travel all over the world. I would love to go to Rome, or back to anywhere in the south of France.

What’s the strangest thing in your dance bag?

Six ChapSticks. Don’t ask…ha! I guess I just always want to be prepared.

Do you have any pre-performance habits?

I usually spend some time in meditation/prayer. Also, Beyoncé.

Do you have any pets?

My golden retriever, Olive Joy <3

What non-dance thing would you consider yourself an expert at?

Making popcorn. Also, I’m an aspiring candlemaker.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A secretary. I remember pretending in my mom’s closet with an old dial phone and pens and paper.

Do you have any bad dance habits?

My arms get too high sometimes. Awareness is the first step!

What’s your dream role?

Christopher Wheeldon’s After the Rain pas de deux

What dancer would you drop everything to go see?

Natalia Osipova

If you were a superhero, what would your special power be?

Teleportation. 13-hour plane rides are killer.

What’s your favorite book?

Redeeming Love
, by Francine Rivers

Who’s your dance crush?

Robb Beresford

What would you be if you weren’t a dancer?

Probably a barista, or a shop owner selling crafts and items from around the world.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Eating food with chopsticks. Knitting (especially on winter tour). I love puzzles!

If you could work with any choreographer, who would it be?

Ohad Naharin

What are your pet peeves?

I’m pretty easygoing—but loud chewing can really get to me.

What’s your favorite ballet?

Onegin