MADISON
HACKEL
Hey, I'm Madison :)CATHARSIS CURATOR
CHOREOGRAPHER
& TEACHER
My movement brand Move the Mood creates music-driven dance experiences, fusing my love for dance, Pilates, HIIT, electronic music, the voice and writing; all modalities that have played a part in my own healing journey. Fun!
for me,movementis the channel I use to process emotions,
musicmeets my mood and gives me permission to feel my emotions,
breathing+ cryingis how I release; to really let something go is to let it move
writing is how I integrate it all, finding greater compassion for myself & humans in general.
Curious to learn more?
PlaylistsWhere my ppl at??!! As a dancer, music is my biggest inspiration.
this one is collaborative :)
more about Madison
One day during lockdown, it was almost as if I had no choice but to move. I felt like I had something to say that I couldn't explain or process, so I turned to my body. It’s always been my favorite form of communication.
I put on a song that met my mood and I was able to move through the feelings. Sometimes tears would come. It felt like a release, like when you scratch an itch, or cry, or journal, or vent to a friend… or even orgasm… it was a clarity and inner peace that felt so damn good.
Growing up dancing, there’s a vivid memory of my teacher, Jen Pinard, introducing the song we would be dancing to for our annual recital. The song started and I screamed, smiled, and expressed with my entire body how much I loved and FELT the song. Still, when I hear a song that tickles me, reminds me of a memory, a loved one, or a fleeting feeling… I have to move.
When I work out, I aim to feel like that memory I just shared. Getting lost in the rhythm, the sound, the feeling.
I’ve struggled (and still struggle) with hormonal issues, acne, navigating a late diagnosis of ADHD, PMDD, and the intensity of living in NYC. Even as someone who connects easily to her body, I am naturally a very heady person.
When COVID hit my senior year of college, I was drinking a lot and vaping… and not moving my body aka not taking care of myself. This lead to more acne flares, depression & anxiety, further isolation, and honestly, spiraling. I remember weeping to my parents on the phone saying things like “what’s the point?” Very existential. But it felt like the feeling wouldn’t go away. Like I was in a storm.
Because of this I knew I had to dig deep and face myself in a very intimate way, the only way I truly knew how—through movement. My body told me I needed to transmute my itchy energies into motion. So I threw on a song and I moved, reconnecting with myself from the safety of my room, moving my body with no plan or destination.
The catharsis I felt from just 5 min of movement was overwhelmingly powerful. It was in that moment that I realized I had to teach movement and its healing powers. It's my own medicine, and I wanted to share that medicine with others.
So, I stayed in New Orleans for three years, laying the foundations of my career: teaching dance and strength based classes at various studios, performing for the New Orleans Pelican’s dance team, completing my Pilates certification, nannying, and working retail.
The next move was NYC—a city I always resisted but felt called to. I've had so many ebbs and flows… with movement being a constant through a lot of trial and error of figuring out who I am in this city. But it always comes back movement, music, my breath, my voice, and my words. Alchemizing emotions and the beauty they hold, and sharing that with people who feel disconnected or are going through tough times in their life, whether that be in their relationships, in their own identity, etc.
In the many places I’ve taught I always find myself speaking to people after class, talking about life. Dance has never felt performative to me. It's been about how healing it is to move, to play and dance for the sake of dancing. I love choreographing in a way that’s accessible to all levels, I love coaching people through movement and helping them connect back to the home that is themselves.
At the same time, I crave methods beyond movement. I was craving touch when Reiki fell into my lap. I’m certified and frequently practicing, and it's been a great confirmation of my role as a healer.
I consider myself extremely observant, aware, loving, compassionate, and empathetic. And I take all of that from my own lived experience, the inspiration I get from music, from the people that I've crossed paths with, and the art that I observe and make; curating experiences for people to express their authentic selves.
My greatest gift is my ability to connect with people and I’m excited to connect with you!
Experience
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Reiki I — Nanse Kawashima | 2026
a gentle introduction to traditional Usui Shiki Ryōhō Reiki, a Japanese healing practice that supports balance, self-awareness, and connection through life force energy
600hr Classical Pilates Certification — Real Pilates NYC | 2023
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Redefining the Breath — Matt Phippen | 2026
exploration of the breath, how if affects our nervous system, our emotions and behavior
Somatic Intuitive Leadership Training — Jules Bakshi | 2024
a somatic-based leadership training rooted in movement, community building, intersectional feminist philosophy, and embodied intuition
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Ritual Moves — NY | Current
Good Move — NY | Current
guide students through Beyond Pilates — Good Move’s format that honors classical Pilates while infusing the artful and embodied nature of dance
Good Time Pilates — NY | 2024
group fitness instructor guiding students through Pilates flows that are equal parts feel good and challenging
Equinox, Private Pilates Instructor — NY | 2023-24
1:1 Pilates training to help clients find balance in their body and meet their personal goals
*reformer trained
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Good Move — NY | Current
instructor for adult beginner dance class and hip hop where we take the intimidation out of dance and teach people how to move from a place of curiosity, play, and joy
Body Shoppe — New Orleans, LA | 2023-25
lead choreographer for their tempo dance cardio program
created all levels, beat-driven, fun, and accessible choreography that helps build endurance and brings a ton of joy to working out
Pelicans Dance Team — New Orleans, LA | 2022
Move Studio — New Orleans, LA | 2021-2023
contemporary & hip hop instructor
directed by Maggie Dewitt
Joanne Langione Dance Center — Newton, MA | 2001-16
where my love of movement began
studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary
performed in annual recitals and competed in national competitions
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Lead Instructor, Good Move — NY | Current
responsible for maintaining the quality and consistency of teaching across all formats at Good Move as well as training new staff
Lead Instructor, Body Shoppe — New Orleans, LA | 2022-2023
supporting the teaching team and leading new instructors through onboarding of all formats
“From the moment I step into Madison’s class, I feel completely welcomed exactly as I am. She’s a genius at creating both safety and playfulness—her cues are clear, her musicality is impeccable, and I trust her completely to guide me through every movement. What sets her apart is her authenticity. She shows up as her full, genuine self, and that gives you permission to do the same. You arrive in the room as you are, you get a killer workout, and somehow you walk out having grown in your self-trust and confidence.
Before Madison, I never considered myself a dancer. I was always too intimidated. But through her instruction and movement, I discovered that I actually know how to move and listen to my body. She’s one of the most beautiful dancers I’ve ever seen, and her artistry is matched only by her skill as a teacher. She’s the full package—and anyone who gets to learn from her is truly lucky.”
Artistic Director, Crescent City Stage— Liz Newcomer