Ashley McQueen - A Creative Force Across Many Fields
When you think about someone who truly embodies a wide array of talents and a spirit for making things happen, Ashley McQueen definitely comes to mind. She’s someone who has made her mark in quite a few different areas, bringing a genuine passion to each one. From the world of dance and artistic expression to the practical side of business and even the sweet art of baking, Ashley has shown that it's possible to do many things well, and to do them with real purpose. Her story, in some respects, is a wonderful example of following various interests and building a life that reflects those different parts of yourself.
It's pretty interesting, actually, to see how someone can move so smoothly between creative pursuits and more structured professional roles. Ashley McQueen has, it seems, managed to blend these different aspects of her working life into a rather impressive personal brand. Her work often speaks to a dedication to helping others, whether that’s through empowering women with her dance company or capturing important moments as a photographer. She really does bring a human touch to everything she puts her energy into, which is quite refreshing to see.
So, if you’re curious about people who manage to wear many hats and wear them well, then getting to know more about Ashley McQueen is a pretty good idea. Her professional journey, you know, gives us a glimpse into how diverse skills can come together. She's a person who shows us that passion, hard work, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact can lead to a truly full and interesting working life. She’s, like, someone who seems to live every day with a lot of zest, too.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Know Ashley McQueen - Her Path and Background
- Personal Details and Bio Data for Ashley McQueen
- What Makes Ashley McQueen a Standout in Dance?
- How Does Ashley McQueen Inspire Women Through Movement?
- Beyond the Stage - What Else Does Ashley McQueen Do?
- Can Ashley McQueen Help Capture Your Memories?
- Where Can You Find Ashley McQueen's Sweet Creations?
- Ashley McQueen's Many Hats in Business
Getting to Know Ashley McQueen - Her Path and Background
Ashley McQueen's journey began with a strong foundation in the performing arts, specifically dance. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from Webster University back in 2011, which, you know, set the stage for her future artistic endeavors. Later, she went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance from Hollins University. These academic achievements really do show a deep commitment to her chosen art form, giving her a solid base of knowledge and practical skill.
Her professional experience in dance has been quite varied, showcasing her versatility. She has been a company dancer and an artistic associate for Amanda Selwyn Dance, which is pretty cool. This kind of hands-on involvement in a dance company means she’s been right there in the thick of things, performing and contributing to the creative direction. It's almost as if every step of her training and early career was building toward something bigger, preparing her for the many roles she would eventually take on.
Beyond her performing work, Ashley McQueen has also been recognized for her creative contributions as a guest artist. For instance, she was part of the Kranzberg Exhibition in 2015, which is, like, a notable achievement in the art community. This particular recognition really highlights her ability to create interesting and thought-provoking pieces. She even choreographed a site-specific piece called "Laune" that involved rideable lawnmowers, which sounds, you know, incredibly unique and quite imaginative. This kind of project shows a willingness to experiment and push boundaries in her artistic expression, which is pretty neat.
Personal Details and Bio Data for Ashley McQueen
To give you a clearer picture of Ashley McQueen, here are some key details about her background and professional life. This information, you know, helps to piece together the different parts of her impressive career.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Name | Ashley McQueen |
Education | BFA in Dance, Webster University (2011) MFA in Dance, Hollins University |
Key Roles | Artistic Director & Founder, Smashworks Dance Company Dancer & Artistic Associate, Amanda Selwyn Dance Global HR Generalist, AMSC Freelance Photographer Owner, Sugar Smash Bakery Project Manager, Salon Owner, Educator, Event Manager, Budget Analyst (Salon Industry) Choreographer, Teaching Artist |
Locations | New York City (Smashworks Dance) Greater Boston (AMSC) San Angelo, Texas (Sugar Smash Bakery) |
Notable Artistic Work | Kranzberg Exhibition Guest Artist (2015) Choreographed "Laune" (site-specific piece) Collaborated with videographer Zlatko Cosic Created satirical dances on political themes |
Other Interests | Capturing memories through photography Baking sweet treats |
What Makes Ashley McQueen a Standout in Dance?
Ashley McQueen truly shines in the dance world because of her wide-ranging skills and her thoughtful approach to movement. She’s known for her abilities in contemporary dance, which is a style that allows for a lot of freedom and expression. But she also has a good grasp of improvisation, meaning she can create movement on the spot, which is, you know, a pretty advanced skill. And, of course, her background in ballet gives her a strong technical base, which is basically the backbone of many dance forms. This combination of skills makes her a very well-rounded performer and creator.
Her experience isn't just about performing; she's also a choreographer and a teaching artist. This means she doesn't just execute dance, but she also designs it and helps others learn it. She has a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry, which, honestly, speaks volumes about her dedication and how good she is at what she does. It’s pretty clear she has a deep connection to the art form, always looking for ways to express herself and help others find their own movement voice. She, you know, brings a lot of different elements to her work.
One interesting aspect of Ashley McQueen's choreographic work is her willingness to tackle big ideas. She has, for example, created an anthology of nine satirical dances that touched upon political themes. This kind of work, which included a solo piece called "Plunge the...", shows that her art isn't just about beauty or entertainment; it's also about making statements and engaging with the world around her. It’s a pretty bold move to use dance to comment on current events, and it really sets her apart as an artist with something important to say, which is very cool.
How Does Ashley McQueen Inspire Women Through Movement?
Ashley McQueen’s commitment to empowering women through the performing arts is, you know, a central part of her work with Smashworks Dance. This New York-based non-profit dance company, which she directs, has a clear mission: to use dance as a way to advocate for women’s empowerment. It's not just about putting on a show; it's about giving women a voice and a platform through movement. This approach, honestly, makes her work feel very meaningful and purposeful.
The idea behind Smashworks Dance is that performing arts can be a powerful tool for social change. By creating and presenting dance pieces that focus on themes of women's strength and experiences, Ashley McQueen and her company help to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. It’s a pretty direct way to connect with an audience and convey important messages, which is something that really stands out. They dance to make a difference, and that's, like, a really inspiring goal.
Through her leadership at Smashworks Dance, Ashley McQueen creates opportunities for dancers and audiences to engage with ideas about empowerment in a unique and memorable way. The company's work helps to highlight the resilience and spirit of women, which is, you know, something that resonates with many people. It’s pretty clear that for Ashley, dance is more than just steps and music; it’s a means to make a positive impact on the world, particularly for women. She, in a way, uses her art to build up others.
Beyond the Stage - What Else Does Ashley McQueen Do?
It’s quite remarkable how Ashley McQueen manages to balance her artistic life with a variety of other professional pursuits. Her skills extend well past the dance studio, showing a knack for organization, leadership, and even business ownership. For example, she has experience as a Global HR Generalist at AMSC, which is a role that requires a very different set of abilities than choreography. This kind of position involves working with people, managing various processes, and contributing to a company's overall operations, which is, you know, a pretty big deal.
Her background also includes a significant amount of time in the salon industry. With over seventeen years of experience in that field, Ashley has taken on many different roles. She’s been a project manager, a salon owner, an educator, an event manager, and even a budget analyst. These roles, honestly, speak to her ability to lead teams, manage finances, and run a business effectively. It's pretty clear she has a good head for business and a lot of practical know-how, which is quite impressive.
This wide range of experience suggests that Ashley McQueen is a person who enjoys learning new things and taking on new challenges. Whether it’s dealing with human resources issues, planning events, or making sure a salon runs smoothly, she seems to approach each task with a can-do attitude. It’s almost as if she thrives on the variety, finding ways to apply her skills in different environments. She, you know, has a really diverse set of talents.
Can Ashley McQueen Help Capture Your Memories?
Yes, Ashley McQueen also has a passion for photography, and she works as a freelance photographer. Her goal is to help people hold onto their special moments by capturing them through her lens. If you're someone who values having beautiful pictures of important events or everyday joys, then, you know, her services could be a really good fit. She really does seem to enjoy creating lasting visual records for others.
The idea of capturing memories is something that resonates with many people. Whether it’s a family gathering, a personal milestone, or just a fun day out, having good photographs can make those moments feel more permanent. Ashley McQueen’s approach to photography seems to be rooted in this desire to preserve joy and connection. She, like, wants to help people keep those feelings alive through images.
So, if you are interested in hiring someone to help you capture some special memories, Ashley McQueen is definitely someone to consider. Her artistic eye, which she clearly applies in her dance work, likely translates well into photography, allowing her to see and frame moments in a way that feels genuine and meaningful. It's pretty cool that she extends her creative talents to something as personal as photography, offering a way for people to cherish their past moments, which is very thoughtful.
Where Can You Find Ashley McQueen's Sweet Creations?
In yet another display of her varied talents, Ashley McQueen is also the proud owner of Sugar Smash Bakery, which is based in San Angelo, Texas. This means that besides her work in dance, HR, and photography, she also has a knack for baking delicious treats. It’s pretty amazing to think about someone who can move from choreographing a dance piece to whipping up something sweet in the kitchen. This, you know, just adds another layer to her already impressive profile.
Owning a bakery is a completely different kind of venture, requiring creativity in a culinary sense, as well as business acumen to manage operations. It shows that Ashley McQueen is not afraid to take on new challenges and that her interests are truly diverse. She seems to enjoy the process of making things that bring joy to people, whether that's through a performance or a freshly baked good. It’s almost as if she finds satisfaction in creating happiness in many forms.
So, if you happen to be in the San Angelo, Texas area, you might just be able to experience some of Ashley McQueen’s sweet creations firsthand. It's a pretty neat example of how someone can follow different passions and turn them into successful endeavors. Her ownership of Sugar Smash Bakery really highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to bring a diverse range of projects to life, which is very inspiring.
Ashley McQueen's Many Hats in Business
Ashley McQueen's business experience is, honestly, quite extensive and shows her ability to handle a lot of different responsibilities. Her seventeen years in the salon industry alone speak volumes about her dedication and practical skills. She's not just a creative artist; she's also someone who understands the ins and outs of running a business, managing people, and keeping things organized. This blend of artistic sensibility and practical business knowledge is pretty unique.
Being a project manager means she can oversee tasks from start to finish, making sure everything stays on track. As a salon owner, she’s responsible for every aspect of the business, from customer service to financial health. Her role as an educator suggests she enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping others grow, which is a pretty valuable trait. And being an event manager and budget analyst means she can plan and execute events while also keeping a close eye on the numbers, which is, you know, crucial for any successful operation.
All these different roles in the business world demonstrate that Ashley McQueen is a highly capable and adaptable individual. She can switch gears from the creative demands of dance to the structured requirements of business management with apparent ease. It’s pretty clear that she’s a team player who also possesses strong leadership qualities, making her a versatile professional in many different settings. She, in a way, exemplifies what it means to be a truly multi-talented person.

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