Madalene Macera, affectionately known as Maddy, is a captivating dance artist whose journey has been marked by a profound passion for movement and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
Maddy’s dance odyssey began in the picturesque setting of Mount Gambier, where she first discovered her love for dance. Her relentless pursuit of excellence led her to Brent Street Studios in Sydney, where she refined her skills, setting the stage for her remarkable career. She later graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) from Adelaide College of the Arts in collaboration with Flinders University, solidifying her status as a dedicated dance professional.
In her inaugural year at university, Maddy graced the stage in the highly acclaimed production of Glass Trilogy: Satyagraha, presented by the State Opera South Australia. The choreography by Leigh Warren provided a glimpse of Maddy’s innate talent and marked the beginning of her illustrious career.
The year 2017 saw Maddy become a part of Jérôme Bel’s ground breaking production, Gala, which was a significant highlight of the Adelaide Festival. Later in the same year, she lent her talents to the music video of Australian indie-pop sensation Sheppard’s hit song Edge of the Night, choreographed by the illustrious Larissa McGowan.
In 2019, Maddy collaborated with fellow South Australian artist Daniel Maley to create her first full-length contemporary dance masterpiece, Abyss. This enthralling work made its debut at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and earned Maddy the coveted Fringe Weekly Dance Award, a testament to her creative prowess.
Maddy’s artistic journey then took her across the seas to the vibrant dance scene of London. As a freelance dance artist, she had the privilege of collaborating with renowned choreographers and artists such as Anton Lachky, Theo Clinkard, Emanuel Gat, and Alice Robinson. Her performance in Robinson’s immersive production, Does It Matter In The Dark?, during its London premiere, further solidified her reputation as an artist of immense talent and versatility.
Returning to her roots, Maddy joined the esteemed Restless Dance Theatre, where she became an integral part of their groundbreaking productions. She mesmerized audiences in Guttered at the Adelaide Festival (2021), Brisbane Festival (2022), and the Sydney Festival. Her portfolio with Restless also includes remarkable performances in Seeing Through Darkness, Exposed, and Shifting Perspectives alongside the incomparable Michelle Ryan and the Restless Company Dancers. Additionally, Maddy’s collaboration with Emmanuel Jouthe brought forth Ecoute Pour Voir, captivating audiences at WOMADelaide and Flinders Medical Centre.
As we move into 2023, Maddy continues to illuminate stages around the world. She is set to captivate audiences in Shifting Perspectives for Illuminate Adelaide and Exposed at Melbourne’s FRAME: a biennial of dance festival, followed by a regional tour to Mt Gambier and Renmark. Her journey culminated with performances at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Theatre Royal Hobart, and Seoul, South Korea.
Madalene Macera’s dedication to her art, her boundless creativity, and her ability to seamlessly bridge cultures through dance make her a true luminary in the world of contemporary dance.