Meet Madeline Massingill: Professional dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madeline Massingill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madeline, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the most important factor behind my success up to this point in my life would truly tie into my self worth/respect. I know what I am capable of and I’m willing to work for it as well as knowing the value and quality of the work I put into everything I do. There have definitely been times that I was scared when shooting my shot (trying to make my dreams and goals reality) but asking myself “why not me?” has really changed my perspective on what I am capable of accomplishing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional dancer/choreographer and I absolutely adore what I do. Growing up I pretty much lived at the dance studio. My mom owned the studio and it was truly my favorite place to be. I was breathing, eating and sleeping dance. My mom gave me my first opportunity to choreograph and teach my own class at 12 years old, which looking back now was a really big leap of faith on her part. It was a class of six 4 year olds and they were absolutely adorable. I took teaching really seriously even at 12yrs old and having my own class really sparked my interest for teaching and choreographing. By 14 I was teaching larger class sizes with older kids and I was really exercising my choreography muscle. Looking back I think those first few years of teaching really molded who I am as a dancer and choreographer today. I just finished up my 5th season as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader where I was lucky enough to be a leader for 3 years. Grateful to have grown so much from the opportunities I have been given within the organization. From getting the chance to choreograph sidelines for my team to getting the once in a lifetime chance to dace with Queen+Adam Lambert. The sky is truly the limit with opportunity and you never know what incredible experience you’re going to get next with the Dallas cowboys cheerleaders. As far as choreography I have gotten to work with a few Universities, countless high schools and so many incredible dance studios around the country and I hope to continue to get to do what I love, which is helping dancers find their passion and work ethic in the realm of dance, to help elevate them in the ways my dance teachers did for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas is such an incredible place to be and there are just so many thing to go out and do and endless places to eat. When I have family or friends in town there are a few spots that I cant let them leave without hitting up. For something picture worthy you have to hit Paradiso in bishops art district (their food is delicious as well) and then take a little stroll next door to Emporium pies for some “cloud 9 pie” (its seasonal and hard to come by because its always sold out, so if its on the menu don’t hesitate, take it and run.) Movie nights in the summer at Klyde Warren park are and absolute blast and if you’re feeling super motivated on a Saturday morning they offer yoga in the park as well which is so refreshing. Another outdoor attraction that I adore is the Dallas arboretum. It is stunning and always the perfect place to get a good walk in with the most breathtaking landscape your eyes could wish to see. There is a whole kids section so a good place for the whole family. If it’s a rainy day here in Dallas but you have the kids going stir crazy stuck inside = the perfect indoor family attraction is the Perot museum. Hands on learning for kids and who am I kidding I have fun learning there as well. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In these last few years I have had the incredible opportunity to work with the Down Syndrome community on a city level as well as a national level. Getting to know individuals and families with and extra chromosome in their life has been a game changer in my own life. My connection to the cause started in high school when I met Matt who would become my best friend. After he passed away in February of 2018 I was so heart broken to have lost him but wanted to keep his legacy alive. With being given the opportunity to work with local adults and children with Down Syndrome connecting over social media or in person. Then I got to work hand in hand with the National Down Syndrome Society to raise money at their annual auction, helping me to continue to advocate for those with Down Syndrome, hopefully making Matt proud. It’s the most incredible community and I’m just so grateful to have met the people I have so far and I am thrilled to be able to continue to do so in the future. I have a few big project on the horizon highlighting some of my homies with extra chromies so keep your eyes peeled for love, laughter and so much goodness coming so soon.

Website: ndss.org
Instagram: @madeline_massingill
Linkedin: Madeline Massingill
Twitter: @dcc_madeline
Youtube: Madeline Massingill
Other: tik tok: madeline_massingill

Image Credits
Amiel Orpiano individual photo of me in blue off the shoulder top Matt is in the black and white photo with me. My mom is hugging me just for reference for story. Me in all black hugging a young women at the national down syndrome society gala in NY, NY. not sure if these were all necessary but thought descriptions might be helpful to piece them together with the story.