Spotlight: Ashley Thomson
Ashley and LK
The usual post-show shenanigans.
Immediately impressed with Ashley’s work, I knew our relationship wouldn’t end at the U. The University of Utah, that is. Specifically the dance department. Ashley created a music video for the seniors—yes, edited too!—that was fun, spunky, catchy, and irresistibly charming. Due to Ashley’s talent, hard work, and creative brain, the dance department wisely invited her back for teaching, choreographing, and as an RA during the summer program (and later to set choreography for shows), which is how I got to know Ashley more deeply on a personal level.
Over the years I have watched Ashley grow as an artist and choreographer, honing skills and expanding her tools to become better at multiple crafts. She attended a UX Bootcamp. Worked in marketing and communications for James Sewell Ballet while also performing for the company. Teaching, creating works, and pushing boundaries in the art industry. Y’all really missed out on Ashley’s version of the favorite video game Elemental Alignment brought to life on stage! Check out the mini docuseries here and the full version here.
Ok, so I promise I’m not Ashley’s friend just to be around her greatness. Welllll, maybe a teensy bit. We all need friends to inspire and motivate us. ;-) Anyhoo, Ashley and I enjoy meeting up for sweet treats together around Salt Lake City, such as but not limited to ice cream from Monkeywrench or mochi donuts from Mochinut in Sugar House. Or attending dance performances together and cheering on our friends in a clapping vigorously format. Or chatting over tea about life and how the bitter always mixes with the sweet but we are there for each other no matter what.
Oh yeah! I almost forgot to mention how I poached Ashley for a job too, haha! We had so much fun on a philanthropy committee together. Too bad those jobs didn’t work out for either of us even though we kept everyone entertained. Sooo why connect with Ashley? If you have a teen who wants a lovely competition dance routine, reach out. If you would like cool posters or marketing material or a consultation/advice, reach out. If you would like dance lessons or choreography created for your studio or for you, reach out. Or if you simply want to know more or want someone sweet to connect with, Ashley truly is a kind, gentle soul that you are lucky to meet.
Ashley’s Bio
Communications Specialist, University of Utah
Dancer, Choreographer
Ashley Jian Thomson is a choreographer and dancer with Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative. She has appeared in professional productions with SB Dance’s Curbside Theatre, Art Meets Fashion! Gala (Charles & Ron), JessaKae (Ballerina Collection), James Sewell Ballet, Akram Khan x MN Opera, NIJAD Dance Collective, Festival de Danse Cannes 2019, Nu.topia: Tour the Mystery!, HATCH: Danceworks in Progress, RDT’s Emerge, SACDT’s Sign of Life, Lexus GS Japan’s Kaleidoscope Commercial.
Ashley graduated from the University of Utah with a Ballet, B.F.A. and a Strategic Communications, B.S. She holds certifications in ABT® National Training Curriculum, Progressing Ballet Technique, and University of Minnesota’s UX/UI Design Program and recently served on the DanceMN Steering Committee. She has been teaching faculty for the University of Utah (Utah Ballet, UBSI, IBSI Korea) and for the Ballet West Academy.
Ashley offers industry advice regarding a dance career and/or higher education, private dance lessons and competition choreography for those local to Salt Lake City. Also, she welcomes any questions from families who are wondering about the College of Fine Arts programs and if it's a good fit for their children.
For general contact, email Ashley at brainiacdancer@gmail.com
Or connect on Instagram: @brainiacdancer