Meet Ashley Walker | Professional Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I definitely would say dancing is one thing I could not live without. Everyone has that what if mentality at some point but my thing is, I have stopped dancing before. One of my biggest regrets but I had to stop because I would not be here now with the mindset of “this is it, this is my safe place”. Nothing compares to how dancing expresses what my heart feels, so this why I do not give up. The journey isn’t easy but easy doesn’t make it fun.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I honestly feel like what sets me apart is my work ethic and drive to dance. I know this is cliché but, I have been through a time in life where I was told I may not be able to walk so I honestly thought dancing wasn’t in the picture anymore. If people knew me from a young age I was always a quiet person and to myself. Dancing is where I stood out and became a whole different person when I stepped onto a stage or studio. I have been through a long list of injuries while pursuing this dream and no the comeback has never been a tad bit easy. Like I said before if it’s easy it not fun. I invest into my craft with trainers, massage therapist, and even privates. You never done with it comes to your journey always more to learn as the years pass.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has all the hotspots! We would definitely kick off the week with Breakfast at Barneys because I love to eat! Showing her around downtown because everyone loves the city. Grab a few drinks at the Moxy rooftop bar because they have the best drinks. My must gos would be piedmont park because its such a beautiful place and peaceful. Trap music museum because we know pretty girls love trap music. Huge fan for City Winery and they have the best comedy shows! Ponce City Market will always hit for me! Food, vibes and all! I am big Mexican food person so I definitely would take my best friend to Botica and lastly check out the Braves stadium and just eat or drink the day away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to definitely shoutout The Washington Ballet at THEARC campus. The instructors built my foundation and my love for dancing. Wouldn’t be here without them. Big shoutout to Explicit dance works and my amazing instructors! Lastly I would shoutout Cerdafied dance studio and the greatest variety of instructors. Especially Destiny Vaughn for introducing me into the heels world and becoming a confident woman on the dance floor. This is my personal favorite shoutout Vinnie Calautti who is my trainer who keeps my body strong and healthy to be able to dance!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsashley__/?hl=en

Image Credits
Images with afro/Shot by: Kyra Liverpool IG- @phnx.images Images with straight hair/Shot by: Yahaziah Brown IG- @yahaziahbrown