ac workshops
dance authentically
Go deep in our 2.5 hour workshops. The AC workshops are focused on learning to dance from the inside out and telling your own story through the choreography.
Using different techniques pulled from dance, acting and Inner Alignment, you'll learn how to tap into the emotions living in your body. For The AC Workshops, you are given the choreography in advance so that your brain can work less and you can pay more attention to telling your own story.
At the end, you are given a video as a time capsule keepsake of your work, along with written individual feedback to help you continue to grow as a dancer.
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about classes & events
AUGUST
2nd ANNIVERSARY
MINI WORKSHOP
Sunday, August 27, 2023
4-6pm
Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy
Our deepest thank you to all of the dancers! We want to celebrate together with a $10 mini workshop with every one who has danced with us and anyone who is interested in learning what it feels like to dance from the inside out!
what our students are saying
For the first time I wasn't judging myself while I was dancing. I was just enjoying myself.
- anonymous
Witnessing and feeling the emotions of these beautiful women and learning to express my own through dance was an incredible experience. Thank you so much Cary and Ashlee!
- karen
As a dancer, creative, a human who has something to say, I
think it should be mandatory to take this workshop and then take it again. I have
so much more to learn, sort out, and realize within myself. ~anonymous
This was my first AC workshop and I can’t wait for more. The exercises we did to peel away the barrier layers and reveal ourselves really helped and the support and constructive criticism from Cary, Ashlee, and the other dancers was invaluable.
- meghan
Thank you for the gentle loving push, at the end I came home exhilarated and grateful for the space that was provided.
- sandra
Love love this. Thank you for an amazing experience. Can’t wait for the next one.
- anonymous
This workshop gave me the freedom to express myself through movement without fear of judgment. As someone who tends to be a perfectionist, this workshop provided a safe space to make what I would normally perceive as “mistakes” or “imperfections” and turn them into a beautiful part of my growth experience.
- anonymous
This was not a “dance” workshop that focuses on the physical execution of movement; this is a dance experience that connects the mind, body + soul.
You learn how to listen; listen to the music, listen to your emotions, and listen to the story you can tell through movement. Ashlee and Cary create a supportive environment where everyone feels safe to be vulnerable and tap into spaces that you didn’t know existed.
- gianna
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to take part of the AC workshop! Cary and Ashlee carried me through a journey of exploring emotion through dance. They taught me not just to “do choreography” but to use dance in a way to connect with an audience and draw them in—to give them an artistic performance that makes them feel something.
- karen
For someone who lives in her head more often than not, this workshop offered another way to clue into the feelings within my body. Ashlee and Cary have such a synergy together and to be with them in a room is so moving. It is important to them that you dig deep, that you feel the moves, that your dance is an extension of who you really are. They are accepting of all levels and always make you feel welcome.
- anonymous
The AC Workshop has given me the ability to connect with dance
on another level and tap into deeper purpose for why I dance and has really helped me grow
as a dancer! Cary and Ashlee are not only beautiful and talented dancers and instructors, but truly passionate, loving, and giving about helping and growing others. Their workshops are so satisfying, fun, funny and joyous!
- julia
I had an opportunity to dance and feel and it overrode my desire to“get it right”. The AC Workshop offered a platform to do this and I’m so grateful. If you are looking for other ways to explore who you are and be part of a community, sign up! You won’t regret it.
- anonymous
The AC workshop reminded me to stop dancing in my head and to dance with my full body and just follow the cues from the music. Listening to the one-on-one feedback was invaluable, even though it was specific to each dancer, we all learned from it.
- kelly
I really didn’t judge myself this time and didn’t know that was possible. I was fully open to any and all feedback, I was open and expansive. I think you guys are a
great team and balance humor, juicy bits and difficulties in expression with us so well.
- denise
AC Workshop is a safe place to connect on many levels, not only to other dancers, but also to your emotions, your movement, and your body.
- julia
I was so scared to watch [my video]. Like, so scared. Almost didn't do it. And then I said, screw it, this a tool, just watch it. And woah, am I glad I did. I never thought I would be capable of what I did in that video! I have so much to work towards and learn and improve upon, but to me, that was a freaking WIN! I just accomplished a dream of mine to perform a full minute of choreography and not look like a fool doing it! I was actually dancing! THANK YOU GUYS FOR GETTING ME HERE!
- annika
Thank you for the feedback and video! I had a wonderful time and felt really safe to open my heart up a little more and as much as I love humans and dancing, that is not easy for me to do and for that I thank y'all. Thank you for sharing this special gift with us and allowing me to be a part of it.
- fiona
Thank you! This is a great balance of critique and encouragement which is exactly what I was hoping for. I love these extended times of building skills and changing my old mindsets on being seen, being brave and taking up space. I actively hush the old narratives about dance which made me feel shameful for being too "showy" "sexy" "attention seeking" etc and this space and the environment you build helps with that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your coaching and your love. Honored to call you both friends.
- jess
Thank you so much, Ashlee and Cary! It's hard to put into words how grateful I am for this experience. You two inspire me so much (like all the time), and to be able to take this workshop with you was just so much fun and a great growth experience. Thank you again you two are amazing
- karen
Ladies - your friendship with each other and ease in collaboration was so evident in the workshop. You vibed off one another very naturally and the authenticity of that made for a very comfortable and open environment to be ourselves. Your keen awareness to us as individuals also allowed you to provide customized, constructive, and valuable feedback. Thank you so much!
- traci
Thanks Cary and Ashlee for all the time and intention you brought to the workshop. These exercises in combining emotion and movement and your leadership throughout will help us all grow into more dynamic performers. That was a really challenging day and I feel the reverberations still in my body and mind. Love you ladies and what you are doing here with the AC workshops.
- michelle
It was such a fun workshop! Slowly I’m coming out of my shell and becoming more confident and able to watch myself in class and not criticize my every move.
Thanks for providing a space to help with all that
- piper
Love love love!!!! Thank you girlies for this experience
It felt sooo good on every level- mostly being in y’all’s presence, but also the exploration, the movement, the music, the energy, the humor as well as the raw uncomfortable feels….Let’s keep going! Xoxoxoxoxo
- kate
The AC Workshop fosters the environment that challenges me to dig deep, evaluate, and express raw emotion in its purest form. I will go back to this day over and over again to channel the authenticity in life and on the dance floor.
- jessica
