By Steve Sucato
Madison Pineda (she/her) began her dance training in Sacramento, CA and in Keller, TX. In 2017, she received The Fields Ballet Scholarship Award. At age 16, she attended The Joffrey Ballet School’s New York City Jazz & Contemporary Program, and in 2021 she graduated with a BFA degree from New York’s Juilliard School where she also received the Martha Hill Award and the Juilliard Career Advancement Fellowship Grant.
She has also trained at the Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Dance Festival, the Nederlands Dans Theater Summer Intensive, and the Arts Umbrella Summer Dance Intensive. In 2019, she was chosen to present work in Juilliard’s ChoreoComp program, and was Rena Butler’s choreographic assistant for Juilliard’s New Dances: Edition 2021 production. Before joining GroundWorks in 2021, Pineda performed with Barkin/Selissen Project and appeared in the 2021 Warner Brothers film, In the Heights.
The talented 23-year-old is part of GroundWorks’ Social Media Team and produces videos for the company.
How did you get into dance?
I got into dance the moment I could comprehend music and move around. My parents saw that in me and put me in a dance class when I was 2 years old. From then on I had a passion for dance. I tried basketball and gymnastics also as a child, but dance was always the thing that excited me the most.
When did you decide you wanted to make dance your career?
When I was 13 and went to my first Joffrey Ballet School summer intensive in Texas. I had done competition dance for a few years but going to that intensive changed my outlook on what dance could be. I saw that it could be more than a sport you could compete in and win awards for, but an artform appreciated by audiences. When I moved to New York City and entered Joffrey Ballet School’s Jazz & Contemporary Program, I knew then I wanted to make dance my career.
How was it getting into The Juilliard School for college? I didn’t expect to get into Juilliard because I had gotten rejected for their summer intensive twice. I auditioned for the school with no expectations. I feel very lucky to gotten in.
Before choosing dance, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to always say I was going to be a veterinarian when I grew up. Once I found dance and realized that being a veterinarian wasn’t just getting to spend time with animals, I decided dancing and performing was more my calling.
What makes you a unique artist?
I think my background and connection to my Filipino heritage gives me a unique perspective. I also think being around so many different types of people growing up and being able to hold onto all those experiences has inspired me in my life and career.
Do you have a favorite Filipino dish?
The national dish of the Philippines, chicken adobo.
Of the people you have worked with in dance so far, who has been the most influential?
Rena Butler. She was one of the first choreographers I worked with at The Joffrey Ballet School. She is the perfect example of a dancemaker who uses art to inspire her in deep and meaningful ways. I feel connected to that. Having danced in a few of her works and served as her assistant, she has consistently pushed and guided me as a mentor.
What are your impressions of Cleveland?
I really like Cleveland. The people here are really nice and I love the nature aspects of the city such as being close to the lake and having forest trails you can walk on.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to cook and bake. I am definitely a feeder. When I have friends and family over I like to cook things for them. My brother is a chef, so it runs in the family.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
My parents are my best friends.
Photos by Dale Dong