Madeleine Gardella , a 13-year-old student at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, is building an impressive portfolio of professional and pre-professional accomplishments.

This year, her contemporary solo won her first place in her division at the Youth America Grand Prix semi-finals in Philadelphia, where she qualified for the New York finals next month. After touring as Clara in 2010's Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Boston and Providence, she was chosen for the 2011 New York season. She and her mother sublet a New York apartment for three months to allow Madeleine to rehearse through October and appear in over 100 performances in November and December (another dancer appeared in the other half of the schedule).

Madeleine began studying at The Rock with a summer intensive at age ten, followed by two years of part-time training. This year, she became a full-time day student, attending from 10:30 AM to 6 or 7 PM and completing her academics through an online charter school.

Her strong feet and technique inspired the faculty to put her on pointe during the summer intensive. "They thought she should be doing pointe, and she got her first shoes the first day," recalls her mother, Ann.

Madeleine is a big fan of Grishko pointe shoes, which "form to her feet and make them look great," says Ann, "and we like the way they break in." She wears 2007 with a Medium shank for class, while for performance "nothing tops the ProFlex" says Ann. "She likes to call them her 'insti-shoes' because they feel great almost as soon as she puts on a new pair. They are quiet too - a bonus!"

Because The Rock's dress code allows any style of black leotard, Madeleine wears many Grishko leotards (as well as tights). In the leos, "I love the high cut, which makes my legs look longer but is still secure, the intricate designs and the fabric. They fit really well - I could sleep in them!" she says.

Madeleine was a competitive dancer for four years in multiple genres, but has focused more and more on ballet and now competes only at YAGP. In addition to her contemporary win, for her classical solo she made the top 12 in Philadelphia and placed third in Denver (where she was visiting her co-Clara, with whom she became close friends during the Christmas Spectacular season).

Her contemporary piece, Requiem, was choreographed by Francisco Gella. "We found his choreography on YouTube and loved it, so I contacted him with photos of Madeleine and he wanted to work with her," says Ann. They spent five days with Gella in California, where Ann took video of his choreography, instructions and corrections for Madeleine to study back home. "I'm so glad he did the choreography," Madeleine says. "He has a unique, dynamic style that is enjoyable both to watch and perform, and it's very fluid and challenging at the same time."

When she's not dancing, one of Madeleine's favorite things to do is to meet the dancers she most admires. She's building a collection of photographs of herself with these dancers, including Royal Ballet principal Alina Cojocaru ("her IDOL!" says Ann).

"I have a burning passion to become a principal dancer in The Royal Ballet," Madeleine says with characteristic enthusiasm. "The dancers there inspire me so much." She loves traditional, classical ballet, and her favorite steps to perform include jumps and turns. "She jumps higher than some of the boys," says Ann, "as if she had helium under that tutu!"

Photos, top to bottom: Requiem, YAGP contemporary solo; as Kitri, in-studio showcase at The Rock; with Alina Cojocaru.