OUR TEACHERS

Aisha Wand has been instructing dancers and choreographing shows in Ashland for the past 20 years. 

Creative DIrector and Owner of Ashland Danceworks she has produced 16 productions for Ashland Danceworks as well as choreographed for Childrens Musical Theeater (CMTO) & Oregon Childrens Theater productions of The Wizard of OZ, Grease, West Side Story, and FAME. 

At the age of 10, Aisha found her passion in dance. She began her studies in Ballet and Jazz in Honolulu, Hawaii and soon found herself emerged in it, training in multiple dance styles such as: Jazz Funk, African, Hula, Tahitian, and Hip Hop.

Aisha began dancing professionally in Hawaii at the young age of 17 performing in off Broadway musicals, local shows, conventions, and commercials.

She performed in Hawaii Theater as a dancer and back up singer in Dreamgirls, West Side Story, and Grease. After graduating she moved to LA to continue her dance education and professional career as a dancer in LA and NY. Studying at the Edge Studios, Broadway Dance Center and performing in MTV & VH1 music videos, commercials, as well as stage performances with various recording artists such as Prince, Morris Day, The Boys and Expose, in the early 90s.

As well as technique and a strong foundation, Aisha continues to provide her students with a true appreciation for dance in a positive and professional environment.

Hanna grew up locally and studied with Aisha at Danceworks for 7 years! She knew her passion for dance at a young age, and went on to study Dance Performance and Choreography at Elon University.

In college she focused on Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, and Jazz. When she left college, she dove into the dance world, teaching classes to all ages and performing with various companies on the west coast and in New York City. She received a certificate for a 200 hour yoga teacher training and further pursued dance pedagogy. She booked a tour with Music Producer “Troyboi”, in 2017, as a dancer, aerialist, and violinist, and toured with him for 2.5 years.

Hanna’s experience and passion for teaching will provide the groundwork for a well rounded class of technique and performance critique, and of course lots of fun!

Bella grew up in Ashland Oregon, she has been dancing at Danceworks since she was 9 years old. She has always loved hip hop but has also experienced so many different styles of dance including contemporary, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre all thanks to Danceworks.

She has been in many spring showcases but also performed with Danceworks in various venues such as Disneyland, local Halloween, Christmas and 4th of July parades, OSF Green Shows, as well as MLK Jr. Celebrations.

This is Bella’s second year stepping into a teacher role at Danceworks. She is extremely excited to pass on her love of dance to other kids. As well as teaching dance this year, Bella will continue her studies at Southern Oregon University. 

Lili (she/her/hers) is a writer, producer, director, choreographer, and actor based in Los Angeles.

She created, produced, and starred in Complete Works, an award-winning indie comedy set in the world of a collegiate Shakespeare competition that premiered on Hulu as a 5-episode, half-hour mini series for Shakespeare’s 450th birthday.

Since Complete Works, she’s been developing new ideas for television and film with her writing/producing partner (and husband!), Joe Sofranko.

In 2021, Lili and Joe had a baby girl. :). 

Lili was born and raised in LA and received her BA in Theatre from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts. She was a 2005 YoungArts Winner in Theatre and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts Nominee.  http://www.lilifuller.com/

Ashreale is a native of St. Louis, MO. She discovered her passion for dance at Central Visual and Performing Arts high school and was awarded a pre-professional scholarship to the Center of Creative Arts (COCA). 

She has had the wonderful opportunity to work with artists such as Alicia Graf (Alvin Ailey), Antonio Douthit-Boyd (Alvin Ailey), Kirven Douthit-Boyd (Alvin Ailey), and Leonard Cruz (Bill T. Jones). As a teenager she performed in AIDA and High School Musical at The Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor theater. She has performed in The Wiz and The Black Nativity with The Black Rep of St. Louis. Ashreale has also studied and performed in Italy. 

Ashreale embarked on her new journey in life as a mother. Her and new family moved to Ashland back in November 2022. Since then she has had the wonderful opportunity to step back into dance and is excited to continue her dance journey in the Rogue Valley! Learn more at http://ashrealemcdowell.org/