Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Cheatham.
Hi Madison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started dance lessons when I was two years old. Years before I was born, my parents learned their wedding dance from Brenda Cranford. She casually offered them to send their children to her studio for classes one day, if they decided to have any. Eleven years (and 3 children) later, I put on my tap shoes and walked into BCSD as a student for the first time. For a shy child like me, dance class was a great way to express myself and open up to the world. I always dreamt of owning a dance studio because I loved children and the art of movement. I never expected to own the dance studio where I spent most of my time growing up, but I am so grateful that this was God’s plan all along. Inspiring the next generation of dancers in Hartsville has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been easy- learning how to sustain a long-standing business in the community can be challenging in many different ways. Learning how to lead others with grace, understanding, and positivity is something I am actively working on everyday. I have jumped into learning all of the things that come with running a business- in the small business world, being a leader means wearing many different hats. From dance educator, to event planner, to custodian, to problem-solver, I am learning how to handle whatever comes my way!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brenda Cranford School of Dance (BCSD) was founded in 1981 under the direction and artistic vision of Brenda Cranford. At BCSD, our mission has always been to “provide only the best in a positive dance education.” No matter the age or ability level of our students, we aim to uplift, encourage, and inspire all who walk through our doors. We teach various styles of dance such as tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theater. We serve students ages 18 months and up, and offer adult classes in tap and Ballet Barre workouts.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is going on a “Gingerbread Hunt” in kindergarten. I have always been drawn to anything whimsical and magical, and this experience was just that! Our teachers led us on a wild chase around the school, looking for hints of where the Gingerbread Man might be. We found overturned tables, footprints- one of the cafeteria workers even had a flour handprint on her cheek, and told us the Gingerbread Man had hit her! When I think about how much effort and love the school’s staff put in to make such an exciting event for us, I always smile. It taught me the power of love and creativity in education.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bcschoolofdance.com
- Instagram: bcsddance
- Facebook: Brenda Cranford School of Dance
