Ashley Berry

BA, BEd., PBACC, PBT & YPAD Certified | Modern, Tap, Progressing Ballet Technique

Dance is a way of life for Ashley who began formal training from the early age of two in Edmonton, AB. Both DanceCo Ltd. and Victoria school of the Arts have set for her a strong foundation in the physical, mental and emotional life of dance. Ashley's dance writing and choreography was used as a model for exemplary achievement by the International Baccalaureate Dance Program in 2008.

Ashley has been assisting in dance classes since the tender age of 12. She obtained her I.S.T.D Advanced II tap with distinction and studied I.S.T.D. Ballet and Modern Theatre. She is a certified PBT teacher and seeks ongoing professional development in all disciplines in the local Vancouver area. Ashley is also YPAD certified to support the whole dancer in their development.

Ashley has choreographed for independent films, arts collectives, and charity events and continues to develop independent work. She has taught at schools across western Canada and has received recognition for her choreography at competitions across western Canada.

Ashley spent two years at Simon Fraser University's contemporary dance program before completing a BA with a minor in educational psychology in 2017. She then received her B.Ed. from Simon Fraser as an elementary generalist in 2020. This past summer she completed her post-graduate diploma in counselling and human development.

Ashley has taught dance for 14 years to all ages from preschool to adult in studios across western Canada. She has run assistant teacher workshops for aspiring dance teachers for the last 9 years. Ashley has taught in a variety of settings including both the public education system and private studios. She has taught kindergarten-grade 4 with the Vancouver School Board for the last 3 years and spent some time teaching secondary dance and child care and development at Windermere Secondary School. This is Ashley's seventh season at Driftwood and her second year directing the DanceStep program for student teachers.

Dance is playground for learning life lessons. Dance is a language. Dance is a way of life for every body.