Valley Dance Theatre Names New Director

Valley Dance Theatre, entering its 35th year as the Tri-Valley’s ballet company, announces that Madison Burgess Adkins has been named head of its Children’s Division.

Ms. Adkins is a graduate of San Diego State University and earned a Master of Arts degree from San Jose State University. While in college, Adkins studied dance with the San Diego Ballet and Malashock Dance. In the summer of 2013, she participated in the Summer Intensive Program at Joffrey Ballet School in San Francisco, Calif.

Adkins brings 20 year’s ballet experience to her new position. Her dancing career began atValley Dance Theatre where, as a young student, her first roles were as a mouse and a rosebud. She progressed to pointe at age 10 and eventually performing soloist roles such as Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Black Swan. She has been on the school’s faculty ofValley Dance Theatre since 2006 teaching in the children’s division and choreographing forValley Dance Theatre’s company productions.

“Maddie is a conceptual artist who values education and the art world,” says Valley DanceTheatre Founder and Director Betsy Hausburg. “She is enthusiastic about everything she does and strives to go above and beyond what is expected of her in every aspect of her life. We are delighted that she has brought her creativity and energy to the leadership of the Children’s Division at Valley Dance Theatre.”

The Children’s Division offers classes in traditional and contemporary ballet girls and boys ages 2 ½ -12 years, including Discover Dance, Pre-Ballet, Ballet 1 and Ballet 2. Students present a Showcase performance in the spring and are invited to audition for children’s roles in Valley Dance Theatre’s annual production of The Nutcracker and Spring Rep. Class descriptions and registration information are available at www.valleydancetheatre.com.

“The studio is like a second family to me,” says Adkins. “I love being able to be part of the students’ lives from their earliest experiences with dance through their high school years and then see them off to college. It brings everything full circle. Being named the Director of the Children’s Division is wonderful because I can help encourage the students and provide them with the knowledge and love of dance that has inspired me.”

—Information submitted by Valley Dance Theatre

Photo: Screenshot of Valley Dance Theatre Facebook page.