Former resident performs in touring musical production

By no R m A B. denni S freela N ce writer ndworddesign@gmail.com

From performing the role of Clara in High Point Ballet’s version of the Nutcracker at age 10, to touring in Hits! The Musical at age 19, Madeline Underwood has watched her dream of a dance career steadily unfold.

“Going into the audition for Hits! I realized it would be an opportunity to show my skill set and could serve as a stepping stone for more,” Underwood said. “I was excited to go and see what would happen.”

Hits! The Musical is a journey of 100 popular pop, rock and Broadway hits from the 1960s to present day. The singing and dancing is spotlighted by spectacular costume changes, lighting and sound that elevate the show to a first-class production.

Unique to a show of this quality is the ages of the 29-member cast, which range from 10-22. Thousands of young people in 31 cities nationwide auditioned. Underwood was one of the 10 featured dancers, along with 19 singers, chosen to participate.

Underwood’s love of dance began after seeing a performance of the Nutcracker when she was just 3 years old. Her parents Matt and Stephanie agreed she could take lessons and her interest in the art of dancing continued to grow. By the time she performed as Clara, Underwood had already played several other parts in the well-know production.

As a member of the Starz Elite Dance Center in High Point, she took many styles of dance but her favorites