Asha Davis - Artistic Director

 Originally from New York City, Asha Davis started dancing at the age of 3 at a place called Askew dancers. Her love of the arts lead her to attend a performing arts elementary school called P.S. 121. While still in elementary school she began auditioning for extracurricular places to dance and perform like Ballet Tech and Harlem School of the Arts. She made it into both schools with full scholarships. As her journey continued through the world of dance she attended Ballet Tech for middle school and Professional Performing Arts for high school, where she danced at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance. Asha landed a full scholarship into the prestigious fellowship program offered by the Alvin Ailey School. After graduating high school, Asha took a break from dancing to pursue a degree in nursing. She is now a Registered Nurse supervisor for a home health agency, as well as, a performer for two different companies, one called The Fredi Dance Project and other called Dawn Branch Works.

Joanna Rizzo - Instructor

Joanna Rizzo has been dancing her entire life! She is a graduate of Towson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Elementary Education and Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and is a Certified General and Special Educator. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Special Education. She is an Air Force dependent daughter and therefore studied dance all over the country, including in Colorado Springs with the Ormao Dance Company. She has performed in many shows, including the Nutcracker with the San Diego ballet; Maria in a community performance of the Sound of Music; and Gretel in a Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Hansel and Gretel. She has won a number of awards for her dancing, including the All Star Award at a regional Hollywood Connection convention. She taught a wide variety of ages and styles for 10 years before relocating to Florida. She is excited to share her joy of dance! 

Paige Thompson - Instructor

Paige Thompson grew up dancing her entire childhood. She started dancing at the Wright Step School of Dance when she was 2 years old. She joined the competitive team when she was 4 years old. She continued dance all the way through high school and was even on her high school dance team all 4 years. While in high school she was a teacher’s assistant at her dance studio. She became a dance teacher after graduating high school. She loves helping others, especially those who have a love for dance just like she does. After high school, she continued school at Stetson University for her freshman year of college with a major of history. Sophomore year of college, she decided to finish her AA degree at Polk State College. After earning her AA degree, she continued schooling at UCF with a major of criminal justice. She plans to become a CSI shortly after graduating college with a Bachelor’s in criminal justice.

Thomas (TJ) Howell - Instructor

Thomas (TJ) Howell is an up and coming dancer based out of Lakeland, FL. He started his training at the age of 6 at Florida Dance Theater and is currently part of their professional company. He has been dancing professionally since the age of 14 when he started with FrediDance Project Company. TJ is also a founding member of an all-male dance group, The Boyz, where he obtained the skills to walk stilts, do stunt work, break dance, stage combat, comedic acting, choreography, and partner counterbalancing. Professionally, TJ has performed in, With Love Production’s production of “In The Heights” and “West Side Story” as Graffiti Pete and part of the Sharks gang. TJ teaches ballet, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and hip hop. TJ’s goal in life is to become a world class entertainer.