My name is Madison and I created CCSD towards the end of 2018. I’ve been line dancing for 8 years and swing dancing for 7. I was in a pretty tough spot in my life at the time that I found dancing, and it became my outlet. The place where I could be free and release whatever stress and pressure I was feeling from my life. I began to meet more people who shared the same passion as I did, and the learning process really began. It involved YouTube videos, lessons, a lot of trial and error, and hours upon hours of practice. I was going dancing 3-4 times a week and trying as many new things as I could. As my passion for dance completely overtook the alcohol scene, the dancing group I was practicing with changed a couple times over the course of the years. I changed dance partners a few times, began learning new moves with new partners, as well as teaching the moves I already knew. I was hard on myself when I couldn’t get something right or I messed up, and I continued to push myself harder. I decided to push myself even harder and I decided to learn how to lead in the summer of 2017. My friends were very sweet and willing to be my test dummies as I trialed being able to switch out of my follow role and into the lead role instead. This was also the time where weightlifting became a huge part of my life and as I got stronger, I felt more confident and more secure with dipping my friends. As time went on, my knowledge of dance grew and I started to really dive into creating my own moves, my own combos, and also how to be a better follower, and leader, overall. The footwork, the grip, the arms, the steps, the frame, pause or no pause, it all had a rhythm and rhyme I had to figure out. Every dance partner I’ve had has taught me something and I will always be thankful for every single one of them (yes, even if it wasn’t a pleasant experience). I've also had my fair share of dance injuries over the years: I’ve been dropped on my head, hit in the face, had bruised ribs, sprained wrist, floor burns, hurt elbows, you name it. It wasn’t always fun, sometimes it was frustrating or painful, but it ALL shaped me into the dancer I am today. I’ve learned to have more patience, I’ve learned to take a deep breathe if something is difficult and frustrating, and I’ve learned that the country swing dancing community can really be a family. I’ve met so many different people from different places in life, and I’ve loved every second. It’s opened my eyes to this world, and it’s even given me another door to my own heart and soul.

I got to the point where all I wanted to do with my life was to share all of this. I want to help others find something that they can do with their friends or significant others, I want to give others a safe and fun outlet, and even if I only change one person's life with dance it'll all be worth it. 

Anyone can do this, you just have to be patient, and like I’ve said before, let yourself be a beginner. It’s okay to mess up (I still do! I will always be learning). Just get out there and try it! You never know who you will meet, what you will learn about yourself, or what you can accomplish. Dance is truly amazing, and if you let it... it can change your life! I can’t wait to work with and teach more people out there who are just itching to learn.

At this time in my dance career (Feb 2023) I have been to many dance conventions, taken countless private and 1:1 lessons with those who have been in this community for YEARS longer than I have, taught students who have taken home first place in competitions, and competed as both and lead in follow in many competitions myself.

I appreciate the support for my small business which is owned and operated by a single mom and Navy Veteran. Please help us grow to help more people fall in love with dance!