Ashley Brooks

Founder & Director - SWDC

Artistic Director  – Infinity Collective 

​​Specialties: Team Performance, Team Choreography, Hip Hop, Commercial Jazz, College and Professional Dance Team Prep, and Private Training

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​​​​​​​​​​​​Ashley is the founder of South Walton Dance Company and the creative force behind its competitive program, The Infinity Collective. Originally from Kentucky, she began her dance journey at the Gail Frederick School of Dance and continued training at the University of Kentucky, where she danced for the University of Kentucky and worked as a Head Instructor with the Universal Dance Association and choreographed for UDA summer camp material taught nationwide for over 3 years while attending college. 

 

Ashley’s professional performance career includes cheering in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals and dancing on stage with artists like Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift. She also performed for several semi-professional teams, including the Lexington Legends the Houston Astros’ AAA team, and the Thoroughblades hockey team in Lexington, KY. Her training extended to working with renowned choreographer Matt Steffanina and training at Millennium Dance Complex. Her most current choreography is seen by upcoming artist, Sami Thompson and showcased by her studio dancers at her home studio, South Walton Dance Company and local school dance teams.

 

After earning a degree in business, Ashley blended her passion for performance with entrepreneurship—managing a boutique, dancing professionally, and working with FOX56 TV before relocating to Florida and launching StudioA - South Walton Dance Company on the panhandle.

 

Today, Ashley is known for her dynamic choreography, inspiring leadership, and dedication to developing confident, versatile dancers both on and off the stage. She re-established the Seaside Neighborhood School Dance Program in 2018, launched the Emerald Coast Middle School Dance Team in 2021, and most recently founded the South Walton High School Dance Team, now entering its second year. Ashley is passionate about giving back to the community and continues to create opportunities for local youth through school-based dance teams and volunteer work.

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Elizabeth Morris

Instructor – Entry Level & Preschool Dance
Specialties: Creative Movement, Preschool & Beginner Dance Education

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Elizabeth Morris has been an instructor at South Walton Dance Company since its founding in 2018. With over eight years of experience teaching entry-level and preschool dance, Elizabeth has played a vital role in shaping the foundation for our youngest dancers.

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Her passion for dance, combined with her heart for mentorship, makes her an invaluable member of the SWDC team. Known for her patience, creativity, and joyful teaching style, Elizabeth creates a nurturing environment where new dancers can thrive.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Elizabeth is also an active volunteer in her church community and brings that same spirit of kindness and dedication into every class she teaches.

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Holly Wright
Instructor – Contemporary, Lyrical & Technique
Specialties: Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Private Training​​​​

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Holly Wright brings a wealth of experience and versatility to South Walton Dance Company. A graduate with a B.A. in Dance from England, Holly has a strong foundation in contemporary and lyrical movement and is highly skilled across all genres of dance.

She offers private sessions for dancers seeking one-on-one instruction and is known for her structured, motivating, and inclusive classroom environment. Holly’s teaching style blends discipline with encouragement, allowing dancers at every level to grow both technically and artistically.

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In addition to teaching, Holly is a proud mom and also manages a local upscale restaurant along 30A, where her leadership and organizational skills translate seamlessly into her work with students at SWDC.

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​​Stephen Jackson

​Instructor – Hip Hop, Aero, Contemporary 

Specialties: Choreography, Hip Hop, Aero, and industry exposure​​

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Choreographer and Dancer with years of training in the entertainment industry.  "SJ" brings the energy and creativity into his training.  Stay tuned for more on SJ coming soon! 

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Caroline Garrison
Instructor – Tap, Theatre Jazz, Junior Collective Technique
Specialties: Tap, Theatre Jazz, Performance Technique​​​

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Caroline Garrison brings joyful energy and a vibrant presence to South Walton Dance Company. A former contracted performer as Cinderella at Disney and a dance major, Caroline combines professional experience with a deep love for teaching. She leads our tap classes, theatre jazz, and Junior Infinity Collective technique sessions, helping dancers develop musicality, performance skills, and strong technical foundations.

 

Caroline was recognized for her exceptional talent with a Tap Performance Award in the Miss Florida Pageant. Her passion for dance and performance makes her a valuable asset in shaping well-rounded dancers at SWDC.​ A proud mom of two and Freeport local, Caroline is deeply connected to her church community and fully invested in the continued growth and excellence of our studio.

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Ashley VanVeenendaal 

NEW FACULTY – Ballet Fundamentals & Technique

Bio Coming Soon~

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​​​Mia DeLa Cruz

Instructor and Classroom Assistant – Beginner Lyrical and Aero

Specialties: Lyrical, Ballet, and Acrobatics​​

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Mia’s extensive dance experience and deep love for the art form bring both talent and meaningful instruction to our youth lyrical dancers this season. In addition to her work with South Walton Dance Company, Mia is also an instructor at US Gold’s Gymnastics, where she blends her passion for dance and tumbling in her own ongoing training. Her dedication, versatility, and energy make her a valued part of our teaching team.. 

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Isabella Calasso
Company Choreographer – Pop & Performance Choreography
Specialties: Pop, Performance Choreography, Competitive Training​​​​

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Isabella Calasso serves as a Company Choreographer at South Walton Dance Company, bringing energy, creativity, and competitive experience to our pop classes and choreography sessions. A former South Walton High School cheerleader, Isabella currently dances on the TROY University Dance Line, where she continues to train and perform at a high level.

With a strong background in both sideline and competitive dance, Isabella brings a dynamic style and fresh perspective to our studio. Her choreography is known for its performance impact, musicality, and crowd appeal — making her a favorite among dancers preparing for the stage.

Isabella’s connection to the competitive world and collegiate dance makes her a valuable part of our training team at SWDC.

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Aubrey Morgan
Instructor – Ballet Fundamentals & Technique

Specialties: Ballet and Private Ballet Technique Training

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Aubrey Morgan brings grace, precision, and a passion for classical technique to South Walton Dance Company. She leads our Ballet Fundamentals classes with a focus on proper alignment, strength, and discipline, helping dancers of all levels build a strong foundation that supports every style of dance.

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Known for her calm presence and detailed instruction, Aubrey’s classes are thoughtfully structured to challenge each dancer while nurturing their growth. Her approach helps instill confidence and technical understanding, especially in younger dancers beginning their ballet journey.

A valued member of the SWDC faculty, Aubrey plays an essential role in shaping the quality and consistency of our training across programs.

 

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SWDC  CLASS  ASSISTANTS: 

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Peyton Brooks
Classroom Assistant – Entry Level Classes
Specialties: Student Mentorship, Class Support, Instructor Assistant

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Peyton Brooks serves as a Classroom Assistant at South Walton Dance Company, offering valuable support and mentorship alongside our instructors in entry-level classes. A dedicated dancer and leader, Peyton is currently a freshman in high school and has received numerous awards at regional and national competitions.

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Peyton was named an All American Dancer by Universal Dance Association, recognizing her strong technique, performance quality, and commitment to the art of dance. Peyton’s presence in the classroom helps create a positive, encouraging environment for younger dancers, and she plays an important role in helping our students feel supported and inspired

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Ella Gray
Classroom Assistant – Entry Level Hip Hop
Specialties: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Class Support and Instructor Assistant​​​

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Ella Gray is a Classroom Assistant at South Walton Dance Company, where she brings energy, encouragement, and leadership to our entry-level hip hop classes. A member of her high school dance team and current Sideline Captain, Ella is passionate about helping younger dancers build confidence and strong foundational skills.

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Ella was named an All American Dancer by Universal Dance Association, recognized for her standout performance quality and technical ability. Ella’s experience and enthusiasm make her a trusted role model for our beginner dancers and a valued support to our instructional team.

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