Hello! 👋 I’m Ashley

I have been social dancing, training, performing, and teaching for over 20 years, in particular Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Charleston (20s & 30s), Balboa, Shag, Vernacular Solo Jazz, Blues, and Fusion –– as well as Latin jazz dances like Salsa (On2, On1, and Cuban), Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, Son, Cuban Mambo and Rumba, other Afro-Cuban folklorico dances, Kizomba, and more.

Most recently, I created original choreography for the musical Cabaret at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio.

Born and raised in Athens County, I grew up training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Afro-Fusion at Factory Street Studio…but not before discovering Square Dance in gym class at Amesville Elementary. After college, I moved to San Francisco where I fell in love with partner dancing. I relentlessly explored dozens of dance styles, social dancing and training daily. In the early 2000’s, I was lucky to study, travel, and lead workshops with jazz legend Norma Miller, an originator of Lindy Hop. As part of professional Salsa dance teams, I’ve performed throughout the U.S. and internationally, from New York, Los Angeles, and Vegas –– to Paris, Warsaw, Cuba, and Mexico City.

In 2020 I moved back to Athens, and I’m thrilled to be sharing my passion for social dance with my hometown. I teach privately and at Athens County dance studios (Factory Street Studio, Village Productions) and I am passionate about nurturing a joyful and inclusive social-dance community here in Southeast Ohio.

Contact me with any questions, and join our “Athens Social Dancers” WhatsApp group to learn about upcoming classes and social dance parties, across dance styles!