Dance 5-6-7-8 with Old School Hip Hop Instructor Ashley

Meet Ashley Chatman

Ashley is a very passionate, proud and professional dance fitness instructor. She started dancing at a young age and has had training in Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Latin and African Dance. She was awarded “Best Zumba Instructor in Los Angeles” in 2013.

Who got you into dance?

Initially, my mom. She thought it would be a great hobby to keep me occupied, so she threw me in a pair of dance shoes as soon as my little legs were ready. Once I started, I fell in love with dancing and the arts so I decided to keep studying and the rest is history!

What is your favorite part about dancing?

Dance allows me the freedom to express myself without judgement or insecurity. It’s also a great stress reliever, keeps me in shape and gives me an excuse to be the crazy, wild and goofy person I secretly am.

What is your favorite style of dance?

I love African dance because the movements and music make me feel energetic and vibrant. Plus African dance gives me one of the best workouts of my life!

Do you have any dancer role models?

Even though I was never a huge ballet fan, I really admire Misty Copeland and her story of perseverance and breaking boundaries. It’s always empowering to see strong examples of women and diversity within the dance world.

It’s always empowering to see strong examples of women and diversity within the dance world.

Have you had any challenging moments with dance that you can share? If so, how did you overcome that challenge?

My biggest challenge is learning how to rekindle my passion for dancing/teaching dance fitness after doing it for so many years. After a while, I begin to feel stagnant, so the best way I overcome that is by learning a new dance format or genre that challenges me in a way I’ve never experienced before. It definitely works!

What is your choreography process like?

I’m a very visual person, so I like recording myself throughout my choreography process. I’ll also take other dance classes, listen to new music or do something artistic for inspiration.

Many young dancers worry about their body types. What are your thoughts on body types in the world of dance?

As someone who has always been a curvy gal, my belief is that dance and fitness is all about your state of mind and how you feel versus how “skinny” you are. Having confidence and knowing your self worth is more important to me than body type. Don’t be afraid to own your body and werk it!

Having confidence and knowing your self worth is more important to me than body type. Don’t be afraid to own your body and werk it!

What song is your guilty pleasure song?

Selena Gomez “Keep My Hands To Myself“. It’s so damn catchy!

Learn 8 steps with Ashley

Get an amazing workout with variations of old school moves like the Wop, the Alf and Chest Pops! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwNNZZ_XSDE&feature=youtu.be

Old School Hip Hop with Ashley

Want to have a dance party AND burn calories at the same time? This is the class for you! Get jiggy with us and workout to your favorite old skool hip hop beats! Old School Hip Hop with Ashley is featured on our Kickstarter video and we have a Virtual Flashmob of this class just for you! Join in on the fun by watching or dancing to our Virtual Flashmob workout and sharing on social media with #HipShaker. Move with us and help this dance community grow.