For Madi Cloward, dance has always been more than a hobby — it’s been home. Growing up dancing at Charisma Dance Studio in Springville, where her mom, Dena Cloward, serves as artistic director, Madi has spent nearly her whole life surrounded by music, movement, and a deep love for dance. However, at age 16, everything changed.
During a ballet class, Madi suffered a severe fall that tore multiple tendons and ligaments in the top of her right foot. What seemed like a typical injury, soon turned into something far more complex. After months of doctor visits, physical therapy, and slow progress, Madi was diagnosed with CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome), a nerve disorder that causes intense and continuous pain long after an injury has healed.
For nearly a year, Madi was unable to walk without pain — and dancing seemed impossible. She missed her entire junior year of competition, an especially tough loss for someone whose life revolved around performing. Still, Madi’s love for dance never faded. Instead, she found new ways to stay connected. While in a boot, on crutches, and even using a peg leg to move around, she began teaching younger dancers at Charisma. She choreographed competition routines and solos, channeling her passion into guiding others.
“She found a way to stay involved,” says her mom, Dena Cloward. “Even when she couldn’t dance herself, she poured her energy into helping her students grow.”
As her senior year approached, Madi refused to give up on her dream of dancing again. Through steady rehabilitation, she regained enough strength and control to return to the stage, performing in multiple company pieces — even as she continued to manage the challenges of CRPS.
Now, Madi has transitioned from student to teacher full-time, joining the Charisma faculty as a young choreographer. She works with the studio’s competition companies and soloists, sharing both her technical skill and her story of resilience.
“Dance gave me something to fight for,” Madi says. “It still keeps me going.”
As November marks National CRPS Awareness Month, Madi hopes her journey can inspire others facing invisible illnesses or long-term recovery to keep moving forward — one brave step at a time.
Charisma Dance Studio, with two locations in Springville (1170 E 900 S and 245 S Main St.) has been serving the surrounding community since 1995. Charisma offers quality training for all ages in the styles of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, ballroom, and children’s combo classes.
Submitted by Tresa Anderson
