Dance | Madison Gaffney Portfolio

I've Always Been a Dancer

Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I took my first class at three and have been dancing since. What began as a childhood activity quickly grew into something much deeper. Dance has been a source of joy, passion, and self expression that I never knew was possible. Dance has always been a significant part of who I am and I am proud to now hold a Bachelor of the Arts degree in it. It has shaped the way I see the world, how I connect with others, and how I express emotions that words can't express. It is such a beautiful, expressive, and vulnerable art form that has truly made me the person I am today. Dance continues to always be my creative outlet, my grounding force, and a lifelong love.

Accomplishments

Earlynn J. Miller Scholarship

Issued by the JMU Dance Program 2024

One of three senior dance majors to receive this award due to high involvement and leadership within the JMU dance program.

School of Theatre and Dance Performance Award

Issued by the JMU Dance Program 2025

One of three senior dance majors at James Madison University to receive this performance award for exemplary and excellent performance quality on stage throughout all four years of college.

Carnegie Hall Performance

New York City March 2025

One of ten students chosen from the JMU dance program to perform at Carnegie Hall in collaboration with the JMU choir and percussion students.

Spain Study Abroad Performance

Madrid, Spain October 2023

One of eighteen students chosen from the JMU dance program to perform at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, Spain in collaboration with JMU music students and American artist Ben Shahn.

Carnegie Hall

I had the once in a life time incredibly special opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. I was one of ten students chosen from the JMU dance program to perform a piece titled “Where Once We Stood” choreographed by the Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, Rubén Graciani. This project was in collaboration with the JMU choir and percussion students to a piece of music titled “Triptych” composed by Tarik O’Regan. This performance debuted on March 22, 2025 at Carnegie Hall in New York City and was fully funded by James Madison University. Extensive rehearsals and preparation began in January of 2025 and lasted until the end of March. This experience was truly one of the most rewarding performances and accomplishments I have completed in my life. I will always be grateful to have had this unforgettable opportunity.

Spain Performance

I was one of eighteen students selected through an interview, audition based process to perform a piece choreographed by Rubén Graciani, Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at JMU. This piece was performed at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, Spain in collaboration with JMU music students and American artist Ben Shahn. Shahn’s art exhibit is located in the museum titled “De la no conformidad" and the choreography was inspired by his artwork. I participated in a three month long research period and rehearsals from August to October. In October of 2023, we spent a week and a half in Salamanca and Madrid, Spain where we performed four times in the museum’s outdoor courtyard. This experience was truly one of a kind and my first time outside of the country.