2022 Princess Grace Honoraria
Nominated by: BalletX
Ashley Simpson is originally from West Palm Beach, Florida and trained at A.W Dreyfoos High School of the Arts and School of Ballet Arts. In 2016, Ashley became a Young Arts Winner and went on to the Ailey/Fordham school as a Dance major and Communications minor, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During her time in college, Ashley performed the works of such choreographers as Dwight Rhoden, Alvin Ailey, Bradley Shelver, Nijawwon Matthews, Janice Rosario, Troy Powell, and Hope Boykin. While there, Ashley was awarded the Denise Jefferson Memorial Scholarship. Additionally Ashley joined XY Dance Project, a dance company led by Nijawwon Matthews, performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and was a trainee/apprentice for Complexions Contemporary Ballet, performing with the company during their Joyce season. During her senior year at Ailey/Fordham, Ashley joined Collage Dance Collective and was able to work professionally while finishing her last year of college. While in New York, Ashley was part of the dance ensemble for the movie production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, and did promotional dancing for Elaine Welteroth’s book More Than Enough. To supplement her training, Ashley 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. In 2020 she joined BalletX and is immensely grateful for all the performances, festivals and outreach opportunities she has been exposed to.
