By Lauren Kirchmyer
What is your passion in life? Madison Moonan’s answer is dance, and it was almost taken away from her.
Type 1 Diabetes rapidly took over the seventh grade Maryvale Middle School student’s body in August 2016. As soon as the human body is no longer making insulin, blood glucose levels rise at a fast rate. After being in the hospital, a change in her diet and months of careful observation and strength, Madison was back on her feet dancing again.
“She has been an inspiration and a role model to those around her,” said Rebecca Wind, director of LIV Travel Dance Team, the Williamsville-based travel dance company Madison trains and performs with. “Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious. Her strength and focus inspires me every day.”
Despite her diagnosis, Madison trains 20+ hours each week between LIV and the American Academy of Ballet and she has maintained a successful season. Her solo, which she traveled to New York City for, was choreographed by Emmy nominee Stacey Tookey. She earned first overall in the junior division and was recognized as an outstanding dancer at New York City Dance Alliance in Lansing, Mich. Her duet with Anthony Tette also earned first overall at a competition in Meadowlands, NJ.
“Dance has helped me through my diagnosis because it keeps me motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to stay active,” Madison said.
See Madison and LIV Travel Dance Team perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 in the Drama Theatre in the University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at the CFA box office (716-654-ARTS) or at tickets.com.
