Ashley Simpson

Complexions Contemporary Ballet: Trainee/Apprentice
Collage Dance Collective
BalletX

Ashley Simpson is originally from West Palm Beach, Florida and trained at A.W Dreyfoos High School of the Arts and her local dance studio, School of Ballet Arts. In 2016 Simpson became a Young Arts Winner before moving to New York City to train at the Ailey/Fordham BFA program, majoring in Dance and Communications. During her time in college, Simpson performed the works of such choreographers as Dwight Rhoden, Alvin Ailey, Bradley Shelver, Nijawwon Matthews, Janice Rosario, Troy Powell, and Hope Boykin. In 2019, Simpson was awarded the Denise Jefferson Memorial Scholarship, representing her class at the annual Ailey/Fordham benefit concert. Additionally, Simpson joined “XY Dance Project,” a project-based company directed by Nijawwon Matthews, performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and was a trainee/apprentice for Complexions Contemporary Ballet, performing with the company during their Joyce season. Most recently she was a part of the dance ensemble for the movie production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, which comes out in 2021. To supplement her training, Simpson attended Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Program, Arts Umbrella, Alonzo King LINES, Juilliard, Orlando Ballet, BalletX, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Joffrey Chicago and Next Generation Ballet summer intensives. During her senior year at Ailey/Fordham, Simpson joined “Collage Dance Collective” and was able to work professionally and tour internationally while finishing her last year of college. While at CDC, Simpson performed the works of Kevin Iega Jeff, Amy Hall Garner, Darrell Moultrie, Joshua Manculich, and Kevin Thomas. Simpson is thrilled to be joining BalletX and is excited to experience the City of Philadelphia.