Faculty/Staff
Madison Darden
Studio Owner/Director
Madison Darden
Studio Owner/Director
Madison Darden has been involved in the dance industry for nearly 25 years. She began her dance training at the age of 3 and began her competitive dance career at the age of 4. While competing, she earned numerous awards including “National Dancer of the Year”, many first place title and overall awards for solos and group performances, selected to perform at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, and was selected to perform in the Opening Number at the “America Loves to Dance National Championship” with Showstopper Dance Competition. She is professionally-trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pom, Tap, Hip-Hop, Tumble/Acro-Dance, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Latin Dance, and African Diaspora.
Madison is a Mooresville, North Carolina native. She is a graduate of Mooresville Senior High School, where she cheered for four years, and was captain. Madison also graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance. During that time she worked with artists, Kim Jones, Rachel Tucker, Tamara Williams, Martha Graham Company, E.E. Balcos, Missy Coyle, Karen Hubbard, Jose Limón Company, Dave Scott, and many more. She was also a member and captain of the UNC Charlotte Dance Team (Gold Dusters), where she danced and performed at Football, Basketball, and Baseball games at the university. She has competed and placed as high as third nationally in Open-Jazz and Hip-Hop with the Gold Dusters in Daytona Beach, Florida. After college graduation, Madison has been fortunate enough to teach dance and choreograph in the Charlotte area as well as local to the Lake Norman area. Her choreography has placed regionally and nationally, in all age groups! She is also the current coach for Mooresville High School Cheerleading Squad, and has been coaching for three years.
Madison’s dream has always been to own her own Dance Studio. She strives to make a difference in each person’s life whom she comes across, and inspire those to chase their dreams. Dance has made such a huge impact on her life, and she would love to provide those same opportunities for others. Dance truly is her passion, and she wants to share her passion and teach children to “Dance with Purpose”.
Instructors:
Grace Kramer
Grace Kramer has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of two, mastering a diverse range of dance styles. A recent graduate of Clemson University, Grace earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Communication. During her time at Clemson, she was a dedicated member and captain of the Rally Cats dance team, demonstrating her leadership and dance expertise.
Her connection to Darden Dance Company began during her college years, where she worked a couple summers, honing her teaching skills and sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages. Concurrently, Grace was a dance instructor at Clemson Elite Dance Center, further expanding her experience in instructing and mentoring young dancers while in college.
Currently, Grace continues to pursue her love for dance as a professional NBA dancer for the Charlotte Hornets, known as the Honey Bees. Her extensive background, combined with her vibrant energy and commitment to dance, makes her an exceptional addition to the Darden Dance Company as an instructor. She is excited to inspire and cultivate the next generation of dancers with her passion, expertise, and enthusiasm.
Jayna Haddox
Jayna Haddox began her dance journey at age 4 and competitive career at age 7. Very early on Jayna knew it would take years of training for her to grow into her confidence on the stage, but with the help of many incredible instructors, teammates, convention staff, and her biggest inspiration (her older sister) she grew to love the artistry of dance.
At the age of 11 Jayna started to assist in preschool dance classes and summer camps, quickly learning that a dance teacher was all she ever wanted to be. By 16 Jayna began to win many overall awards for her self choreographed solos as well as working alongside her sister as a teaching assistant for multiple overall award winning competition routines.
Jayna has a heart for kids and adores guiding young dancers through the basics of ballet, jazz, and lyrical. As well as building a space in the classroom where they will always feel comfortable to ask questions and to never feel discouraged.
In addition to her new teaching career Jayna also works as a substitute preschool teacher and nanny. Getting to be a part of a little one’s learning journey is what fulfills her the most!
Jayna is incredibly grateful to continue to be a part of the Darden Dance Company staff for the 2024 - 2025 season! Go DDC!
Julia Rose
Julia Rose is a recent graduate of Point Park University, and is a dedicated and creative professional choreographer with over 8 years of teaching experience, specializing in jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, progressions, and across-the-floor techniques. Her passion for dance and teaching has driven her to design and implement diverse choreographic styles that not only highlight technical skill but also emphasize artistic expression. She is committed to inspiring and cultivating talent, creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment. She looks forward to bringing her specialized skills and enthusiasm to DDC.
Blake Emberton
Blake Emberton Bio Coming Soon
What People Are Saying
“ Miss Madi is my favorite dance teacher ever!!! She's very nice but still strict. She tells us what we do well and what we need to work on. She makes dance class fun, she even Tik-Toks with us! She is a very talented choreographer, dancer and Tumbler and I love to watch her do her handsprings and tucks. Miss Madi makes me feel safe and helped me to not be scared to do my roundoff back handspring on the floor. Miss Madi has taught me so much and I can't wait to learn more. I love Miss Madi!!! ”
— AVERY S.
“Miss Madi showcases each and every child's talents no matter how large or how small. In her eyes and words, they are all equal in importance. This instills confidence and a sense of self worth in every one of her students. She goes above and beyond, spending her own time creating new ideas. She critiques each dance step that still needs work while still complimenting the steps done well, further inspiring the students to WANT to improve. She takes the extra time to speak to the students on their level where they can understand it instead of it going over their heads. She maintains positivity and compassion at all times while still conducting a strict and orderly class. She stresses team work and encourages the students to have positive team building experiences together. She continues to lead my child to become the best Competitive Dancer and Tumbler that she can be. Ms Madi's creativity, choreography skills, and genuine good hearted personality will take her very far. We love you Ms Madi!! Thank you for taking my shy girl and helping her have the courage to shine and show her true personality on stage. We are so excited to embark with you on this journey and we wish you the absolute best!!!!”
— DAWN S.
“Madison Darden has been teaching my daughter for the past year. Within the last year, she has had a major improvement in dance and tumble. Her choreography is top-notch. Madison dedicates so much of her time to her students, inside and outside of the classroom. I can’t wait to see what is to come, and embark on this journey with Darden Dance Company.”
-SHERRIE C.
“Madison is one-of-a-kind. Her hard-work and dedication to the art of dance is inspiring. I can’t wait to see her deep passion manifest into the dancers at Darden Dance Company. Great things are coming!”
— TYESHA O.