I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown
{Week Fourteen of Fifty-Two}
“We are just sisters gathering in a field, and we shell run and dance, dance until the end.”
Our small community truly does have some amazing women in it. Going through my list of weeks to try and get caught up and arrange meeting I am amazed in how many are walking among us. This week I got to spend some time with a young woman who has a true gift. She is smart, graceful, amazing with children, and has the sweetest soul. Week fourteen of fifty-two goes out to the graceful Ashley Reed of Shattos School of Dance.
Jan Shatto opened the dance studio in 1976. Shattos School of Dance has been in business for over 40 years. I asked Ashley what called her to be part of this program “I’ve always loved dancing. I started dance when I was two and started helping when I was 13. By the time I was 14 I was teaching classes.” Ashley said. Ashley took over the studio when she was only 17 and says it one of her greatest accomplishments. Now Jan Shatto still teaches a few classes. She teaches her granddaughters classes, a 3 year old Ballet and Tap class and a Kindergarten Ballet and tap class.
The studio is currently teaching 80 students from 2 years of age, to 18. “I teach Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Pointe. My favorite is Tap but I love to teach Ballet.” Ashley said. Ashley recently quit her second job to have more time teaching at the studio, running classes Monday through Friday. The dance studio puts on two dance recitals a year, one in the Fall and the other in the Spring.
I found this quote and loved it “Dance is music made visible.”
My girls have been going to dance with Miss Ashley since they were four and they love it. They started with Ballet and now do Ballet and Hip Hop. When I asked them what they loved the most about their classes they both said “Our teacher Miss Ashley is so sweet.” This program has given to so many children through the years. I was truly thankful to have found this program for my girls, as Douglas is so small and this gives them something to do.
Getting to know Ashley….
What is the greatest blessing or most rewarding from this program….I am very close with my students. We are like a family. My intermediate class helped raise $1,000 for CAJAC Orphanage in Africa.
What is your biggest fear….I don’t really have any. If I am worried about something I just give it to God. I know He will help me through anything.
What is your greatest accomplishment….Taking over the studio when I was seventeen.
What is one thing on your bucket list….To teach dance at an orphanage in Africa.
What is something you want the public to know about you that they may not know….We do a yearly fundraiser for Wren’s Song. My sister in law started Wren’s Song when their daughter they were adopting in Africa passed away.
What is your favorite quote…. “We are just sisters gathering in a field, and we shall run and dance, dance until the end.” Lisa Shannon-A thousand Sisters.
Who inspires you and why….Amanda Peak, my dance teacher and Sarah Witbrod my sister in law for all the work she does to help the children in Africa.
One word to describe “Ashley” and why she inspires you…..
“She is an inspiring person because she is patient. She loves the kids she works with and they love her back. She helps these kids bring out their talent for dance and they enjoy every minute of it. She takes the time to teach them their beautiful dances and makes sure they enjoy it while doing it.” - Alma Monrreal
“Fun and a great dancer. I love to dance!” –Madison Renstrom
“She has a quiet, gentle way about her. She seems to do a great job with the kids, & I really appreciate that!” - Rebecca Kleemeyer
“Motivating! We love watching Ashley share her knowledge and elegance with all the dancers! She's very driven, but so soft and gentle. Our daughter Haley looks up to her so much and just loves her!” - Tosha Robbins
“Caring! She inspires me because she is a genuine person. She has a kind heart and is someone that I have always looked up to. Ashley will always listen to what we have to say and really cares about our wellbeing. She's passionate about dance and has been a great teacher.” - Lisa Townsend
“Loving and a great dancer.” –Allison Renstrom
“She is always willing to go above and beyond for her family and the girls in her dance studio. I would describe her as caring.” –Sarah Witbrod
“Graceful! She is able to take a roomful of wild 2 year olds and redirect their energy and get them all to dance in a unified motion. Therefore turning it into a beautiful dance with only 30 minutes of practice once a week for just a couple of months. She has the patience of an angel!” –ManDee Moore
Shatto School of Dance
1954 E Richards St.
Douglas WY. 82633
307-359-2325
http://www.shattoschoolofdance.com/
The Spring Recital will be held Sunday May 22nd at the Douglas High School Auditorium. Please come watch all these amazing little dancers and show your support for a wonderful dance studio and teacher!
Thank you Ashley for letting me tag along in your classes for the day! You are truly an inspiration!
