Meet Ashlee, Our New Dancesport Coordinator!

Hi there! My name is Ashlee Calkins, and I recently started at Ballroom Dance Chicago as the Dancesport/Technical/Competition Instructor & Coordinator. My goal as a ballroom dancer is to master the technique and artistry that is required to be a strong dancer both on and off the competition floor. My goal as an instructor is to inspire that same love for performance and technique mastery in my students. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m not a social dancer; I love social dancing. In fact, the best social dancers make great technical dancers. When one learns to social dance, one learns to communicate with their partner through their connection. Technically-oriented dancers do this and more. Technically-oriented dancers are also concerned with the efficiency and power behind their movement, the quality of their frame, the balance and spatial awareness of their bodies, and their artistic presentation on the dance floor. 

Most people think that technically-oriented dancers are competition dancers, but these two don’t necessarily have to commingle! When I was a kid, I played the violin. I had no desire to become a professional musician, but I craved to be proficient in the skills that would make me an excellent violinist. Ballroom dance is the same for those who want those kinds of skills but may not want to compete. Mastery is a success in its own right.

But competing is great, too! All of the hours that one spends training are put on the dance floor for a roaring audience to see. If I dance just like I practice, then I know that my performance was a success. The sensation is certainly like no other. Plus, the costumes, the makeup, the hair, the jewels… It's all so glamorous.

I am excited to see you at the studio, and I am looking forward to dancing with you!

-Ashlee

We want you to have the chance to experience Ashlee’s passion for technical skills, so through the month of July, anyone can schedule a $99 private lesson with Ashlee in a variety of styles!

Ballroom Styles: Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, & Viennese Waltz

Latin Styles: Bolero, Cha Cha, Mambo, & Rumba

Swing Styles: East Coast Swing & West Coast Swing