My name is Madison and I started dancing in the fall of 2016. I picked up line dancing first, too scared to partner dance, until a friend and I went out there together and I instantly fell in love with it. As I hit hard moments in my life, dance quickly became my outlet. It was 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 and the real learning process began. It involved YouTube videos, lessons, a lot of trial and error, and hours upon hours of practice. I was going out dancing 3-4 times a week and trying as many new things as I could. I brought multiple move ideas from different styles of dance together and my creativity easily flowed to create my own style.

I changed dance partners a few times over the years but as leads were rare to find every night of the week, I decided to learn how to lead in the summer of 2018. My friends and I would spend over half the night standing around waiting for a lead to dance with and I decided I could learn to do both, so I did. 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. 

As time went on, my knowledge of dance grew and I started to really dive into creating my own movements, combos, and also how to be a better dancer overall. The footwork, the tension, the settle, the arms, the steps, the frame, pause or no pause, etc. As involved as I was and as much time as I put into it, I couldn't avoid the dance injuries for long. I've been dropped on my head, hit in the face countless times, had bruised ribs, sprained wrist, floor burns, hurt elbows, you name it! It's all part of it!

I’ve learned over the years 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. I know people in countless states and countries that I would have never even knew existed if it wasn't for dance. It’s opened my eyes to this world, and it’s even given me another door to my own heart and soul.

I very quickly got to the point where all I wanted to do with my life was to share dance with everyone I come in contact with. I want to help others find something that they can do with their friends or partners, 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 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. 

I can’t wait to work with and teach more people out there!

**To watch me dance is to hear my heart speak**

At this time in my dance career (August 2024) 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, learned multiple different styles of dance (Foxy (ballroom), Rumba (ballroom), country waltz, two-step, and west coast swing), taught students who have taken home first place in competitions, and competed as both a lead and follow in many competitions myself (Yes with multiple victories)!! My personal dance journey has had me focused on west coast swing as I travel monthly for a competition and trying to improve on a daily and weekly basis here at home.

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

(Feel free to follow along on my World Swing Dance Councel point journey via my name or WSDC number 22906. You will be able to see the current levels I compete at in the west coast swing competitions)

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8/14/2023 REBRANDED FROM CO COUNTRY SWING DANCERS TO INSPIRED MOVEMENT DANCE.

As I've evaluated my dance career over the years and where I'm at now to where I want to be, I've decided that it is time to rebrand CO Country Swing Dancers!!

I've rebranded to Inspired Movement Dance and here's why:

"Inspired": As I continue to dive headfirst into my passions in life and follow my dreams, I want to inspire those around me to do the same. Some have already shared how I have inspired them in one way or another, I have motivated them to strive for something in their life, and I know that I want to keep doing this for more people that I come in contact with. Choose the hard and scary road because even on some of the hardest days and days where you doubt the decision you've made, you can fall back on this underlining JOY that just doesn't go away. "If you got a chance, take it. Take it while you got a chance. If you got a dream, chase it. 'cause a dream won't chase you back."

"Movement": I want to promote MOVEMENT for our bodies which helps with our mental health, emotional health, and physical health. Movement relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, enhances well-being through the release of endorphins, helps emotions move through our bodies, strengthens the connection we have with our bodies, and provides an outlet for self expression!! I could honestly go on and on about the health benefits of movement."

Dance": As I learn more styles of dance even outside of country dance, I've decided I want to be an advocate for ALL styles of dance. I want to spread the love and passion of DANCE in general! I want to expand the dance communities, all of them. Everyone finds a different passion in life and the same happens in dance. Not everyone wants to learn progressive two-step, or country swing, or east coast swing, or waltz. Some would like to learn foxtrot, salsa, or west coast swing, and I want to share my passion for dance and movement to uplift every single one of them along their journey!

Now that I've explained the name, let me explain the thoughts behind the square in my logo: 

Spiritually the square is meant to give us a sense of being grounded and balanced. We are physical beings that need structure, COMMUNITY, and direction. Some of the biggest words of focus in my personal life are grounded, community, and balanced... It only seemed fitting to find something to represent that within my business.

The cow skull is being brought over from the CO Country Swing Dancers' logo which represents strength, endurance, hard work, perseverance, and resilience. It also represents new beginnings which seems fitting again in this new chapter of rebranding!

Thank you for reading this far and taking a deep dive into my new business name and logo with me. Outside of the name and logo, nothing about my business or teaching has changed!