Photos by Jack Thomson

Madeline Squire (she/her) is a choreographer and dance artist based in the UK. She explores how her own experience with disability can stimulate creative approaches to her work. Born in North London where she trained at Highgate Ballet School, Cecchetti Associates, Central School of Ballet Associates and was part of the CAT program at The Place, London Contemporary Dance School. Where she also took part in Sound Moves, a young choreographers and composers collaboration.

She then, at sixteen started at English National Ballet School full time. This is where she developed not only as a versatile dancer, but was also exploring her choreographic development. At seventeen she was a prize winner for choreography at English National Ballet School, judged by Kerry Nicholls.

At eighteen she joined Scottish Ballet in 2014 and began her professional career. In 2016 she was promoted to First Artist. A huge career highlight include working with Crystal Pite, on Emergence for the Edinburgh International Festival 2016.

In 2019 Madeline was commissioned by Scottish Ballet, to choreograph for the Digital Season. Her first digital choreographic collaboration with Digital Artist in residence Zachery Eastwood-Bloom. They created, The Three Graces- A short film based on Greek Mythology. Another highlight, was becoming the first Female Drosselmeyer in Scottish Ballet’s Nutcracker (2021). Breaking the usual traditions of the character being performed by a male dancer. Madeline was also ‘Dancer of the Month’ in The Dancing Times August 2022 issue.

She has also worked with wonderful choreographers, such as David Dawson, Helen Pickett, Javier De Frutos, Marc Brew and many more. She recently performed in the innovative modern retelling of Coppélia, (Scottish Ballet) by Jess and Morgs. At the Edinburgh International Festival 2022. Madeline has also assisted and taught with rehearsal directors at Scottish Ballet, working under the direction of Christopher Hampson.

In 2017 Madeline had a sudden isolated neurological attack. She went from doing a full traditional ballet class to not being able to feel her hands and losing motion in her legs. Through long rehabilitation she was incredibly lucky to regain movement in her legs and return to the stage performing, as well as creating. Some ‘limitations’ remain in her left leg, but rather than looking at these negatively, this has opened her mind to the dance world and the opportunities of how to channel experiences, value and versatility into her work. It has only sparked more creativity. Celebrating the differences in the way we move, walk and think when creating art. You can watch Madeline share her story here. Where she had the wonderful opportunity to work with Emmy nominated director, Fx Goby. Creating a short film called The Shimmering Extraordinary- part of a series where he beautifully retold dancers stories of resilience and strength. Overcoming differences with powerful grit. It was presented in collaboration with Nowness, Nexus Studios and Scottish Ballet.

Madeline as Lady Drosselmeyer. Photo by Andy Ross.

BTS with The Three Graces, Roseanna Leny, Kayla-Maree Tarantolo, Amy Mcentee. Photo by Tony Currie.