Ashley Taravella is a graduate of Wayne State University, graduating with a BFA in Dance Honors in 2020. Before college, she trained at Spotlight Dance Works in Chesterfield, MI under the direction of Liz Schmidt. Ashley has trained at intensives such as Complexions Contemporary Ballet in Detroit, Axis Connect in New York City, BAIRA in Detroit, Molly Shanahan/MadShak in Chicago, Contemporary Now in Dallas, and more. During her time at Spotlight, Ashley had the honor of performing works by Sonya Tayeh, Lauren Adams, Brooke Pierotti, Andrew Winghart, Adam McGaw, and more. At Wayne State, she was able to perform work by choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Meg Paul, and Biba Bell, and her Senior Capstone piece was chosen to perform in WSU’s December Dance Concert at the Music Hall in Detroit. Professionally, Ashley has performed with Take Root Dance Company and at the Detroit Opera House. She has been an assistant to choreographers including Liz Schmidt, Adam McGaw, and Lauren Adams. Ashley is certified as a teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique and Acrobatic Arts (Preschool and Module 1). Ashley has had the opportunity to guest teach and choreograph at various studios in the United States and Canada over the past several years, and she loves to connect with other studios and dancers! She also loves training in Pilates to supplement her dancing. She is currently a recreational instructor, company instructor, and director of the Sparks Company at Spotlight Dance Works.