Most people know dance is a form of artful expression, but for one young woman, dance is more than that; it’s the embodiment of who she claims to be.

ÿ”It makes me; it’s a part of who I am,” Amber Madison said.

ÿSince she was young, Madison has danced off and on with a company called Versatility.

She started out dancing just for fun, but as she grew up and began to take it more seriously; she grew to love the art form.

“When I first preformed, I knew it was something I liked,” Madison said.

Sheÿ decided to stay with Versatility, which she is still with, to pursue a career in dancing.

It is her belief that dancing can take her further than many people could have expected.

She does not limit herself to one form of dance but enjoys modern, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and African.

She is also currently beginning to experiment with ballet.

ÿ”I would like travel to New York and do Broadway,” Madison said. “I also want to got to New York and experience the different styles, types of dance there and their vibe versus the Los Angeles vibe.”

Madison also works with a dance ensemble called Oui, Geometer which is sponsored by EC and practices on campus.

Oui, Geometer focuses on technique, effect, different styles, how well one can keep up, and performance.

The ensemble is also a class which teaches students how to act in certain places and events, such as how to hold one’s self at an audition.

ÿ”The practices at El Co are very different from Versatility; (the instructor’s) wants are basic but different,” Madison said.

ÿÿIn addition to dance, Madison balances her daily schedule of school, work, and free time.

Her rigorous dance practice sessions have given her the chance to grow and develop her own style of dance while maintaining the requirements of form from both Versatility andÿ Oui, Geometer.

ÿ”Versatility focuses on feeling, basic technique and your body; everything is unique. It’s different all the time,” Madison said.

As a busy person, she keeps herself motivated with her dance.

She says it is a gateway of venting and relaxation, much like how a painter creates.

Her body is the canvas and music is like paint, which lets her be creative.

“Dance lets me be free and forget about my bad days,” Madison said.

“When you like dancing, you begin to think that these classes are helpful,” Madison said.

At Versatility, instructors will push a student if they feel a student is capable of doing better and has lots to offer as a dancer, Madison said.

“Dance is difficult and really hard to get into; it’s lots of hard work to remember chorography,” Madison said.

Her thought on goals and dreams is: “If you have a dream or goal just pursue it, take risks and believe in God.”

Toward the end of this year, Madison will be in her third EC production with Oui, Geometer. The show will be holiday-themed, and will run from Dec 3-5.