Meet Ashley Ware of Nashville/Hermitage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ware

Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Dance Fitness has been a part of my life for about 11 years. I started taking dance classes at the Donelson YMCA in 2010, here and there, but in 2014, I started taking them consistently and fell in love with them. Growing up, I struggled with my confidence and never had a particular hobby to tap into until I started taking dance fitness classes. The more I attended classes at the YMCA, my technique and confidence improved. I became a front-row regular and became friends with the instructors and participants. Over the next few years, I expanded my network in the dance fitness community by attending numerous classes and dance fitness events in the Nashville area, creating lasting relationships and connections, and cultivating my style of dance and technique. My dance style is primarily hip-hop, with some jazz and Latin influences. 

In the summer of 2019, I received a text message from one of the associate pastors at my church (Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church) asking if I would be interested in teaching the church’s first dance fitness class. At first, I was hesitant because I had never taught a class before and had no choreography. I confided in a few friends and family members, and they encouraged me to take the opportunity. Although nervous, I took a leap of faith and chose to ACCEPT! I started teaching my first class in September 2019. I didn’t know how or if I would brand myself at the time. I focused more on servicing my community with a safe space to dance. I started using choreography from dance fitness instructors in the community before creating my choreography and adding my unique style to my classes. 

The following year, COVID-19 hit, causing my class to be canceled indefinitely because of the global pandemic.
A few months into the pandemic, I created my YouTube channel, started teaching virtual classes, and created more choreography. Once the COVID mandates were lifted, I began noticing a decline in participation in my virtual courses, so I stopped teaching then. 

Fast forward to January 2022, I decided to brand myself and start teaching again at a local gym (Grid Fit). My best friend, Trinity, helped me come up with some potential names and helped me figure out my WHY. We eventually came up with smASH Dance Fitness, representing my name (Ashley) with the word smash, meaning a word of encouragement to remove any barriers or obstacles in your life that would keep you from achieving your goals. Whatever keeps you from living your best life, “smASH it!” It is such a powerful phrase that exemplifies strength and empowerment!! 

In July 2024, I started teaching classes monthly at my church (Mt. Gilead). At this time, classes are on a hiatus. However, I plan on teaching again soon.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been smooth. The dance fitness scene in Nashville has grown exponentially throughout the years. Most of my friends are instructors or participants, so gaining my own following has been challenging. Because I do not teach at a corporate gym, I am not guaranteed steady participation in each class, so I have to be creative and more consistent with my marketing and advertising. Also, creating choreography that I love and that my participants resonate with can be challenging. As an instructor, I must be mindful of all dance levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). I have to ensure that my class has a balance of all levels to accommodate everyone so people won’t feel ostracized. I long for people to feel challenged but not defeated.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently work in Health Information Management for an insurance company. I have an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology and a Bachelor in Health Information Management. I just received my Masters degree in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Leadership and Management.
I am most proud to have earned my master’s degree. I honestly was not planning on returning to school. However, I feel more accomplished and anticipate moving up in my career. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA.

My tenacity sets me apart from others. Working a full-time job while returning to school has been very challenging. My small business, smASH, was on a hiatus for a couple of years while I finished my degree because I wanted to prioritize my education. With years of self-development, I realized I can accomplish just about anything when I put my mind to something.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to run half marathons and small races for a couple of years before I got into dance fitness, and I can also sing well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_smashdancefitness_?igsh=N3ltNDdicmltNmk0&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashleyware82?si=oKWS4OcvejaK4j9v

Image Credits
Personal Photo-Jas Taylor