Chester Valley Dance Academy is thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of CVDA alumna, Madison Gaffney! Madison was one of ten students selected from the James Madison University (JMU) dance program to perform in a prestigious production at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The performance, titled Where Once We Stood, was choreographed by Rubén Graciani, Dean of the JMU School of Visual and Performing Arts, and was a unique collaboration between JMU’s dance, choir, and percussion students. The piece was set to Triptych, a composition by Tarik O'Regan, creating a breathtaking blend of movement and live music.

Madison and her fellow performers dedicated months of intensive rehearsals, beginning in January and continuing through March, leading up to their debut on March 22, 2025. This unforgettable opportunity was fully funded by James Madison University, allowing the students to showcase their talents on one of the world’s most renowned stages.

Congratulations, Madison, and we can’t wait to see where her dance journey takes her next!

Madison Gaffney, CVDA ’21, JMU ’25

Cast of “Where We Once Stood”

CVDA Alumni Claire, Heidi and Stephanie watched from the audience in NYC