In this episode, I’m opening up about what it’s really been like dancing through motherhood — the beautiful moments, the unexpected shifts, and the ways God has been redirecting my steps. I thought my journey would look one way, but becoming a mom humbled me real quick. Between the lack of sleep and trying to choreograph while holding my toddler, God has been reminding me that His plan is better than mine anyway. This is my honest inside scoop on releasing my old expectations, laughing at the crazy moments, and trusting God with this new season.

To connect:

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

IG: @messyrootsstillgrow

@aorichy

Website: www.arichdance.com

Let’s catch up. I’m sharing why I shifted from Purpose Chats to Messy Roots Still Grow, what it means to slow down and just be, and how God’s been growing me through it all — mess and all. 💃🏽🌿

Hey Dance fam!

On this episode of Purpose Chats, I will be giving some tips for Nationals!

It's that time of year and it's my hope that these tips help you perform your best and have the best experience ever!

I'm also breaking down my dance intensive Summer of Purpose- The EXPERIENCE and the heart behind it.

You don't want to miss out! So get some snacks and tune in!

XOXO, Ashley

To connect with me:

Website: www.arichdance.com

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

Instagram:

Podcast- @purposechatspodcast

A. Rich Dance- @a.richdance

Personal page- @arichy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a.richdance/featured

Summer of Purpose- The EXPERIENCE 2023:

Dates: July 28-30th

Location: NYC

Ages: 14 and up

Level: Intermediate/Adv

Styles: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern

Plus: Video shoot on day 3 at a cool NYC location!

Check out more info here: https://arichdance.com/summerofpurpose2023/

Don't miss it!

Hey Dance fam!

On this episode of Purpose Chats, myself and my special guest, Katherine Iheke are chatting about her dance journey and how dancers can own their individual dance journey like a boss!

We tackle comparison, doubt, and how to find gratitude in where you're at in your journey! This is a good one! You don’t want to miss it!So get some snacks and tune in!

XOXO, Ashley

To connect with me:

Website: www.arichdance.com

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

Instagram:

Podcast- @dancechatspodcast

A. Rich Dance- @a.richdance

Personal page- @arichy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a.richdance/featured

To connect with Katherine:

Email: katherineiheke@gmail.com

Instagram: @katherineiheke

Youtube: @katherineiheke

Facebook: @katiheke

Summer of Purpose- The EXPERIENCE 2023:

Dates: July 28-30th

Location: NYC

Ages: 14 and up

Level: Intermediate/Adv

Styles: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre

Video shoot on day 3 at a cool NYC location

Check out more info here: https://arichdance.com/summerofpurpose2023/

Don't miss it! Apply today!

Hey Dance fam!

On this episode of Purpose Chats myself and our special guest, Katie LaDuca are doing a 2023 dance competition wrap up! You'll hear our take on the things we loved this comp season and the things we hope we can improve upon as a dance competition community as a whole.

As a special bonus we share our biggest lessons from our year of teaching! You don't want to miss this episode!Go get some snacks and tune in!

XOXO, Ashley

To connect with me:

Website: www.arichdance.com

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

Instagram:

Podcast- @dancechatspodcast

A. Rich Dance- @a.richdance

Personal page- @arichy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a.richdance/featured

To connect with Katie LaDuca:

Website: Katieladuca.com

Email: katieladuca@me.com

Instagram: @Katieladuca_

Tik Tok: @Katieladuca_

Links to preview Katie's Teacher training series on Tik Tok:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRKFT8Pv/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRKFst1c/

Summer of Purpose- The EXPERIENCE 2023:

Dates: July 28-30thLocation: NYC

Ages: 14 and up

Level: Intermediate/Adv

Styles: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern

Video shoot on day 3 at a cool NYC location!!!

Check out more info here: https://arichdance.com/summerofpurpose2023/

Don't miss it!

*Teacher group mentioned during the episode:

Teachers on PURPOSE Band app group: Hey, join our 'Dance Teachers on Purpose' group on BAND - The app for groups and communities!https://band.us/n/afa79bE5zd1ft

Hey Dance fam!On this episode of Purpose Chats, this is part 2 of a discussion how to navigate race within your dance studio! I will cover tips about hair, make-up and costumes and how to make sure all of your dancers look their best! I mentioned this on my last episode and want to add this again, I know the topic of race can be awkward, but it will continue to be awkward until we discuss it and normalize extending grace when we do discuss. I do not claim to know it all or to have all of the answers, but I am drawing from my real life experience so I hope that you can sense my heart behind every word that I speak. I truly want to help the dance community and with that though in mind, I hope this episode truly helps! So get some snacks and tune in!

XOXO, Ashley

To connect with me:

Website: www.arichdance.com

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

Instagram:

Podcast- @purposechatspodcast

A. Rich Dance- @a.richdance

Personal page- @arichy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a.richdance/featured

To connect with Tiana Hester:

Website: www.praysweatslay.com

Email: themovementproducer@gmail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tianahester

Tik Tok: @tianahester

Summer of Purpose- The EXPERIENCE 2023:

Dates: July 28-30th

Location: NYC

Ages: 14 and up

Level: Intermediate/Adv

Styles: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern

Added bonus: Video shoot on day 3 at a cool NYC location!

Check out more info here: https://arichdance.com/summerofpurpose2023/

Don't miss it!

Hey Dance fam!

On this episode of Purpose Chats, this is part 1 of a discussion how how to navigate race within your dance studio! I will cover tips and advice that I hope normalizes the topic of race in your studio, and share insight to ensure that your studio is a safe and inclusive space for any and all dancers who might enter your doors.

I want to add that I know the topic of race can be awkward, but it will continue to be awkward until we discuss it and normalize extending grace when we do discuss. I do not claim to know it all or to have all of the answers, but I am drawing from my real life experience so I hope that you can sense my heart behind every word that I speak. I truly want to help the dance community and with that though in mind, I hope this episode truly helps!

So get some snacks and tune in!

XOXO, Ashley

To connect with me:

Website: www.arichdance.com

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

Instagram:

Podcast- @dancechatspodcast

A. Rich Dance- @a.richdance

Personal page- @arichy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a.richdance/featured

Recommended resources:

Books:

"Rooted Jazz Dance: Africanist and Equity in the Twenty-First Century"

https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Jazz-Dance-Africanist-Twenty-First/dp/0813069114/ref=asc_df_0813069114/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564807226538&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16181693694642435927&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007784&hvtargid=pla-1303775632263&psc=1

"Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches"

https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Dance-History-Roots-Branches/dp/0813061296/ref=asc_df_0813061296/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312030486371&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16181693694642435927&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007784&hvtargid=pla-464189452062&psc=1

Other resources:

1. https://youtu.be/dpCBMwAweDI

2. https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/music-entertainers/15-black-dancers-who-changed-american-dance/?fbclid=PAAaZRT5N6bhWK1Z95I2QOaRo0sSwIuk2Dbqbl1jzvW7jdVPEeG9sbZNcommI

3. https://youtu.be/yrzmeewdj3o

4. https://youtu.be/ER_ZbijB6Rw

5.

Hey Dance fam!

On this episode of Purpose Chats, myself and my special guest, Tiana Hester are chatting about why having diverse dance teachers is a game-changer.

We will be sharing about the two teachers that we had who helped us become who we are today, and why representation matters in dance. You don’t want to miss this episode!

So get some snacks and tune in!

XOXO, Ashley

To connect with Ashley Rich:

Website: www.arichdance.com

Email: ashley@arichdance.com

Instagram:

Podcast- @dancechatspodcast

A. Rich Dance- @a.richdance

Personal page- @arichy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a.richdance/featured

To connect with Tiana Hester

Website: www.praysweatslay.com

Email: themovementproducer@gmail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tianahester and www.instagram.com/praysweatslay

Tik Tok: @tianahester