You Should Know: Madison Penney

Madison Penney’s pristine technique and natural stage presence have earned her a place at the top of the ballet competition world. She began her ballet training at age 8, at Master Ballet Academy in Scottsdale, AZ, and quickly racked up a list of accomplishments as jaw-dropping as her extreme extensions. In the last two years alone, the 12-year-old scooped up the 2015 Gold Medal at the World Ballet Competition and the 2016 Youth America Grand Prix Hope Award, and was the co-recipient of the 2016 American Dance Competition | International Ballet Competition Grand Prix.

“I don’t have a favorite part of ballet class because it’s always challenging me in different ways. But I do love that hard work pays off.” —
Madison Penney

Fast Facts

Age:
12

Birthday:
April 16, 2004

Hometown:
Mesa, AZ

Studio:
Master Ballet Academy

Coaches/teachers:
Slawomir and Irena Wózniak

Favorite dancer:
Svetlana Zakharova

Favorite foods:
Pepperoni pizza and Caesar salad

Go-to stress reliever:
Hot bath with bath bombs

Dream company:
Bolshoi Ballet

Dream role:
Kitri, in Don Quixote

Her dancing in three words:
Strong, precise, passionate

Non-dance hobby:
“I love to decorate!”

Advice for
Dance Spirit readers: “Stay humble and believe in yourself.”