Madeline Deavenport, originally from San Diego, CA, started her ballet training at the California Ballet School. She moved to Philadelphia, PA at 16 to continue her training at the Rock School. She went on to dance for two years with North Carolina Dance Theater as an apprentice. She moved to New York City in August of 2007 and has performed with Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet NY and Rebecca Kelly Ballet. This is her fifth season as a member of New Chamber Ballet, where her roles include parts in Arachnophilia, Cascade, Sonatine, Viduity, Echoes, All the Rage, Pas De..., Allegretto Innocente, Chamber Dances, 104 Fahrenheit, Five Songs for Piano, Night Music, and The Game.
INTERVIEW:
Madeline Deavenport in conversation about dancing at New Chamber Ballet.
When did you start dancing?
I started taking ballet lessons when my older sister did. I was about four years old. When I first started, I was really into playing dress up, so I loved dressing up like a ballerina.
Where did you train?
From age four to sixteen I trained at California Ballet School in San Diego, CA. My last two years of high school I trained at The Rock School in Philadelphia, PA.
Who were your most inspiring teachers?
Paul Koverman and Denise Dabrowski at California Ballet School were two of my first teachers that really made me want to dance. Later, Chris Flemming at the Rock School and Mark Diamond at North Carolina Dance Theater pushed me to my limits and allowed me to explore new ways of movement. Also in North Carolina, Patricia McBride was incredibly inspiring to me. She is such a beautiful person, and was always really encouraging.
How did you find and join NCB?
My good friend Emery [LeCrone] was already dancing with NCB, so I had heard about it. Miro Magloire saw me in class at Steps. He needed someone to fill in for an injured dancer, and later asked me to join the company.
How is NCB different than other companies?
I think the size of NCB, and the work that we do is different than most companies. There are less than ten dancers, so we get to dance a lot. The style of contemporary ballet is also unique. I love that we always dance to live music; it really helps me as a dancer to connect to the musicians. It has been great to learn about different composers as well. I also love the closeness of our company, and the incredibly talented dancers I get to collaborate with.
What do you love most about being a dancer?
I love being able to express myself through my dancing, and the excitement of performing.
What do you love least about being a dancer?
It never gets any easier. I wish there was more appreciation and funding for the art so more dancers could have jobs, and be able to make a living doing what they love.
Do you have a favorite piece to dance?
So far, at NCB, I have most enjoyed performing my solo Sonatine. It is an extremely challenging piece, but I love all the different ways I can express myself throughout the ten minute solo.