We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Calligan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind our businesses success is happy dancers. It is our goal to provide a well-rounded dance education, but also to make sure the dancers are having a good time while they are learning.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up dancing and wanted to dance professionally more than I wanted to teach. But life throws curve balls and I realized that although my body couldn’t dance any longer, that didn’t mean I had to remove dance completely. I honestly believe that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and I am forever grateful that my life took this path. If I can help inspire, guide or challenge a dancer to make them a better person, then this job is worth it.
When Ryan and I purchased our business in 2019, we were ready for this new adventure. However, we were not ready for what happened in 2020. A global pandemic that threatened our livelihood was the hardest challenge we have faced. Thank goodness we live in area that because of its size, we were able to stay open and function when a lot of the world was not.
It is because of this community that dance thrives. It is because of our dancers and families that dance thrives. It is because of our amazing staff that dance thrives. As the only dance studio in our valley, we are beyond thrilled to be able to continue providing quality dance education to our dancers, now and for years to come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question! We have friends and colleagues visit a lot and we love showing off our community.
Some of our go to restaurants are The Drunken Goat, Craftsman, Sato, and Zino in Edwards. Since our students perform at The Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, we usually show our guests Beaver Creek and The Vilar. If we have enough time, we venture into Vail and go to Matsuhisa, Bully Ranch and Loaded Joes. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is also a favorite spot as that is where Ryan and I were married.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are two people that I would like to recognize who have been guiding forces on this path. First and foremost, my husband, Ryan Calligan. We entered this adventure together and as co-owners, we have had to learn how to work together and run a business through the ups and downs of life. Of course, it hasn’t been easy, but through this process we have become closer and are constantly pushing one another to grow and make our business better and better.
The other person I want to recognize is, Joanne Whitehill. She is the Owner and Artistic Director of Burklyn Ballet Theatre, and my best friend. She has supported me and my endeavors for so many years. She is a source of guidance, advice, ideas and support. The dance world is small and it makes a difference to have good friends supporting each other.

Website: https://www.vvad.net

Instagram: vailvalleydance

Facebook: Vail Valley Academy of Dance

Yelp: Vail Valley Academy of Dance

Youtube: @vvaddance8960

Image Credits
Brian Maloney

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