UPDATE: Madison Russo is currently a full member of the Corp de Ballet in Houston Ballet’s main company. She was promoted in 2019
BALLET EAST STUDENT SOARS AT HOUSTON BALLET
In June 2015, Ballet East student Madison Russo attended the Indianapolis International Ballet Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. At this event, she was awarded the Jury Award for Contemporary Dance. She was also approached by the former director of the Houston Ballet Academy, Shelly Power, who invited her to visit their training facility.
Madison was offered a full merit scholarship to attend the Houston Ballet Academy in the fall during this visit.
Accepting this incredible offer meant moving away from family and friends to train at Houston Ballet’s $46.6 million Center for Dance. “Moving away from home at 15 was much harder than I thought it would be. I missed my friends and especially my mom and dad when times were tough”, states Madison. “I just kept telling myself it was going to be worth it.”
After six months, Madison was promoted to trainee with Houston Ballet II, the second company to Houston Ballet.
Over the last year, Madison has performed alongside the main company, participated in Houston Ballet’s public relations events, and appeared on the Leapin Leotards 2017 catalog cover.
In January 2017, Madison was chosen by Houston Ballet Academy to represent the school at the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Festival held this summer in Becket, Massachusetts. After auditioning via video submission, Madison was one of twenty-two ballet dancers chosen worldwide to attend and was granted a scholarship.
Jacob’s Pillow was founded by dance pioneer Ted Shawn and has trained many of the world’s most distinguished dance artists. Located on 220 acres, Jacob’s Pillow is a National Historic Landmark. While there, Madison premiered a new work by choreographer Bruce Wells and participated alongside nationally acclaimed companies celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Pillow.
Additionally, in February 2017, perseverance and dedication landed Madison a full contract with Houston Ballet II for the next season.
Becoming a contracted employee will include more company participation, touring and community performances.
Excited about the future, Madison stays focused on receiving a contract with Houston Ballet, America’s 5th largest ballet company. Madison’s debut performance with Houston Ballet II hits the stage September 22 – 24, 2017, in the production of ballet legend Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling.
“The Houston Ballet being such a diverse company with both its repertory and its dancers, is a place I dream of being one day,” says Miss Russo. “I am incredibly thankful for the support of my family, and especially the wonderful training I received while at Ballet East. I know I would not be where I am today without them.”