Maddie's Ballet Journey

My story . . .

Hi! My name is Maddie Goodman.  I am 17 years old. I grew up in New Bern, NC, but I am currently an Advanced student in the Professional Training Program at Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, NC. My full schedule of classes, rehearsals, performances and competitions, in addition to school work, keeps me very busy. This is my second year at CBC, and I live in a host home during the week. It is hard being away from my family, but as often as possible my mom drives the five-hour round trip to pick me up on Saturday evening after rehearsals and then drives me back to class on Monday morning. My family has been very supportive of my career and has made many sacrifices to fund my ballet training. 

Here is a video from the YAGP competition of my solo from La Esmeralda .  I won 2nd place Women's Senior Division Classical Ballet Solo in the regional competition and was invited to finals in New York in April 2018.


My opportunity . . .

On March 9, I was thrilled and excited to receive notification that I have been invited to the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition! This elite competition is only held once every four years and the audition process is highly selective. I feel blessed to be one of only 119 dancers from around the world invited to compete in what has been called the Olympics of ballet. The invitation states “I would like to take this opportunity to formally invite you to Jackson, Mississippi, in order to represent your country in this prestigious competition.” The competition includes classes as well as performances and lasts almost three weeks (June 6-23)! IBC provides accommodations for participants, but I need to raise money to fund the other aspects of the event, including:  

 - Travel to Jackson, MS (mom will drive me)
 - My coach’s travel and accommodations (for 19 days)
 - Costumes (I will need 4 professional tutus)
 - Pointe shoes (at least 5 pair - $100 each)
 - Coaching and choreography fees for my variations 

Here is a video link to one of the variations I used to apply.


I am thankful to my parents for continuing to pay for my ballet training as well as housing, travel, entry fees, and other costs associated with reaching my goal of becoming a professional ballerina. The 2018 USA International Ballet Competition will be a major opportunity to further my training and make connections with national and international teachers, coaches, schools, and ballet companies. I would be so grateful if you would contribute to help me to attend this competition as a representative of New Bern, Cary Ballet Conservatory, North Carolina, and of the USA!

I was selected as a 2017 Winner in Dance by YoungArts.

More about me . . .

I am the third of four children with two older sisters (one is married and expecting a baby!) and a younger brother.  My parents have been married for almost 35 years!  I love my family and miss them all the time! I am a Christian and enjoy my church family -- especially the babies!  I met my best friend, Olivia, when I was 3 years old and she was 5.  I adore my long-haired Dachshund, Max.  I like to craft and make gifts for my friends and family.  My mom and I have a booth in a shop where I sell crafts that I have made  to help fund my ballet training. 

I am thankful for my family, my friends, my teachers, and for the opportunities I have had to fulfill my dream.  I am thankful for any support you can give – funds or prayers. 

Follow my journey on Facebook - Maddie’s Ballet Journey

Follow me on Instagram – maddie_grace310

Thank you for your support!!! 

Love, 
Maddie <3