Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carter.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my dance journey at 10, praise dancing in church and talent shows at school. Later, I started training at Tarrant County College with Lacreacia Sanders and Amy Jennings in ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop.
For a while, I put my dance training on hold to focus on pursuing my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Management.
I returned to dance when I discovered Hip-Hop Heels by Geena Driven at Centre for Dance.
From there, I began dancing again and I meet Pamela Wilde who is the Head Coach of the Advanced/Intermediate Hip Hop Company Teams at Centre for Dance and I was asked by her to become her assistant coach.
In between training and coaching I decided to take my dance journey further and create my own dance business The CweensGuard Step and Dance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. I come from a corporate background so being an entrepreneur is foreign to me. It was a challenge learning how to put into practice all those years of studying. Some obstacles that I have had to face were advertising, insurance, and finding the right location/time for my students. But every challenge became a great learning tool and made my victories that much sweeter!!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a dance instructor. I specialize in the art of heels, hip-hop, and step. I teach ages 10yrs old all the way to 60!!
I have a passion for the novice dancer. My favorite accomplishments are always watching my students grow in dance and build confidence in themselves.
One thing that sets me apart is my teaching style. I like to really break things down so that people can understand. Most of the time when I teach, I like to use practical words instead of the actual terminology. For example, when I want my students to get into first position, I ask them to stand like a duck. By using the words “stand like a duck” instead of first position, this ensures they get in the position I am asking but also, they don’t overextend themselves by trying to get in a position their body is not used to. Once they are in the desired position, I can adjust them to get into the correct alignment and posture.
I gain the most joy when I see my students master a challenging move or see their inner child smile when they find their love for dance again!!!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love my city for our southern hospitality.
I don’t like how there are not enough activities or fun stuff to do in my city.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecweensguard.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecweensguard?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/The-CweensGuard-Step-and-Dance/100064898414068/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCweensGD?t=d763CCIGa4xqgB3WDXNZbA&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCE41zBXLwi6dv0WskvV36PQ
Image Credits
Luis Martinez
Jane Shnatman
Apricot Lane
Tarnisha Hayter
