Ashley Dowling started dancing at the age of 3 at the Dalton Ballet Studio in Dalton, MA. She went on to perform lead roles including: Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”, Captain Hook in “Peter Pan”, and the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz”. Upon graduation she continued her dance studies at Dean College School of Dance in Franklin, MA where she received her A.A. Degree. She choreographed many student productions and performed in the community. Pursuing her career Miss Ashley went on to Mount Holyoke College and received her B.A. Degree in dance. There she taught dance in places such as Elementary schools, Nursing homes and Jails. She has taken master classes with performers such as Merrill Ashley, Marta Renzi, Charles and Rose Flachs, Lydia Clarkson, Ethan Steifel and Denise Jefferson. She has studied with Constance Valis- Hill, Rebecca Nordstrom, and Amie Dowling. Her teaching experience has included Pittsfield High School, Dalton Ballet Studio, Terpsichore Studio, Berkshire Pulse, and Flowering Child Performing Arts School and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Miss Ashley also founded the Pittsfield High School dance team, has received numerous dance awards such as the Henry Houston Award, and has competed in the Massachusetts Junior Miss competition as Berkshire County’s Junior Miss, after winning the title Dalton Winter Carnival Queen. She has choreographed many full-scale productions and looks forward to creating many more. Her choreography has received many standing ovations for style, creativity and excitement. She is a member of the Artists for Action council. Miss Ashley and her husband Ryan have a daughter, Kytalin and son, Turner. As of 2008 Miss Ashley is a member of the National Dance Educators Organization. The Alton Dance Academy is proud to be the only studio in New Hampshire that affords students the opportunity to graduate with membership in the National Honor Society for Dancers. Miss Ashley firmly believes dance helps build a strong educational foundation and is excited to encourage her students to pursue NHSD membership.