Teaching

  • “Madison is one of the most grounded dance teachers I’ve been lucky enough to learn from. The way that they engage not just with the ‘how,’ but sometimes more importantly the ‘why’ into intricacies of technique is what really brings her classes to the next level. Additionally, the sense of community she brings to group environments is really special, as they strive to make everyone feel included in the learning process."

    - J. Lokash, BDC Student 

  • “So many dance classes in NYC feel like performances. I often feel a pressure to not make mistakes or ask maybe dumb questions. Madison recognizes varying levels in the room and offers variations. Madison has an ability to listen, care about each individual student, and encourage space for genuine growth and learning. I’m in class to push myself and learn something, and Madison creates a fantastic environment for that.”

    - F. Kim, BDC Student

  • “Madison is the best in the game. Not only from a technical level, the heart and soul that pours from every class makes me a better artist. Their tap classes are so fun and push my limits–but don’t get it twisted, tap isn’t their only strength, they have so many genres of dance in their back pocket and an amazing voice!”

    - E. Goes, BDC Student

  • “Madison always makes sure class is accessible for all abilities, and offers a push at just the right time.”

    - K. Brosnan, BDC Student

  • “In classes and workshops, Madison closely attunes to the individual skill levels of each student. Their instruction and teaching are very clear, and their knowledge of the history of tap dance really adds depth. Leaving their classes makes me feel invigorated to learn and practice more!”

    - A. Swoish, Adult Workshop Student

  • “Started this class saying ‘I honestly hate tap’ and ended it exclaiming that I’ve found a new joy. Madison Hilligoss @bdcnyc is such a wonderful and passionate teacher. I really can’t recommend her class enough.” 

    — E.N. (Absolute Beginner Workshop student at BDC)

  • “If you are looking for a tap class where the tunes are elite, the teaching is clear, there are modifications available at all times, and being taught by a calming sweet talented a** woman, go take her class @bdcnyc!”

    — L. Moore, Voice Teacher & BDC Student

Madison is a NYC–based educator and life-long learner whose teaching practice integrates authentic artistry, responsive pedagogy, and care.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of NYU Steinhardt with a B.S. in Teaching and initial NYS teaching certification, Madison brings a deep understanding of how people learn to the dance classroom. 

As a tap dance faculty member at Broadway Dance Center and guest tap and theatre dance teacher for programs nationwide, Madison is known for crafting inclusive, rigorous, playful, and student-centered learning environments. Madison’s classes are energetic, thoughtfully structured, and musically driven. Whether working with beginners or professionals, they aim for all students to walk away feeling supported, seen, and equipped with the tools and motivation to continue their learning. Madison’s teaching celebrates tap dance as both a technical discipline and first and foremost a living, expressive art form historically rooted in community, connection, and joy.

Teaching Offerings…

Private Lessons

Madison teaches private and small-group lessons to students of all levels and ages in-person in NYC and virtually. Book a Lesson here!

BDC - NYC

You can take class with Madison most Fridays at 10:30a at Broadway Dance Center. They also intermittently teach the Absolute Beginner Workshop at BDC. You can learn from them anywhere in the world through BDC Online On-Demand.

TDC - NYC

You can take class with Madison on Saturdays at Tap Dance Central. They are offering both Absolute Beginner Workshop Series (1:30p) and Advanced Beginner Tap Class (2:45p) weekly on Saturdays starting Jan 24.

Consultation & Content

Madison offers curriculum consultation and custom educational content. Drawing from their specialized study and pedagogy experience, they tailor their work to your students’ specific needs and goals. Inquire here!

Guest Workshops

Madison has taught as a guest tap dance and theatre teacher at multiple dance studios and educational programs in NYC and across the United States. See more about their choreography here. To inquire about Madison teaching, contact Madison here!

  • Madison teaches from the belief that great education is reciprocal—where both teacher and student learn, adapt, and grow together. They strive to create environments where every dancer feels seen, supported, and confident in their ability to learn independently.

    Their classes emphasize:

    • Musicality and clarity – developing deep rhythmic awareness and musical understanding, primarily drawing from Jazz Music

    • Curiosity and individuality – empowering dancers to explore personal style and storytelling through improvisation and choreography

    • Inclusivity and adaptability – teaching through Universal Design for Learning principles so that every dancer, regardless of background or ability, is given tools and varied modes to engage with their learning

    • B.S., Teaching World Language (Spanish 7–12) – NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

    • Initial NYS Teaching Certification

    • Summa Cum Laude | 4.0 GPA | University Honors Scholar | KDP International Honors Society in Education

    • Specialized study in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Teaching Students with Disabilities, and ENL Pedagogy

    • Jacob’s Pillow Tap Program (’21) – dancer and student choreographer

    • Broadway Dance Center – Tap Dance Faculty; Absolute Beginner Workshop Teacher; BDC Online Instructor (2022–Present)

    • A Free Bird – Arts Education Teacher for children affected by cancer (music, voice)

    • Competitive and Recreational Dance Studios across NY, NJ, CT, PA – Guest teacher and choreographer (tap, jazz, musical theatre)

    • NYC Public Schools – Student Teacher: Spanish and Arts educator; designed inclusive lesson plans using a UDL framework

    • Ballet Tech NYC Public School – Interim Tap Dance Teacher

    • NYU Steinhardt – Guest Teacher, Mock Musical Theatre Tap Dance Audition

Learn With Madison

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