Mikayla graduated magna cum laude from George Mason University with a B.F.A in Dance in 2017. There, she choreographed and performed many modern works for her fellow peers and she performed in works by the department head, Susan Shields. Mikayla also received a George Mason University School of Dance scholarship, The Provost Achievement Award, was consistently on the University’s Dean’s List, and was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. When Mikayla is not dancing or choreographing, she may be found using her 8 years of experience as a Social Media Specialist doing headshots and other photography. Mikayla spent 2017/18 dancing with Metropolitan Ballet Ensemble and Company Danzante. In 2019, Mikayla received the first ever sponsorship award from RawArts Dance company. She performed with the company and choreographed a new work that the company performed in July 2019. She continues dancing for RawArts on a project basis to this day. Mikayla also currently works full-time with RTR Pilates as a teacher and marketing manager. Mikayla has been a Principal dancer with Ash and Elm Dance Company since the Fall of 2019 and is thrilled to participate and see the company continue on its path of growth and upwards success! 

Stacey grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and received her early dance training at Mid-Atlantic Center for the Performing Arts and Spotlight Studio of Dance. She graduated in May 2017 from George Mason University with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Kinesiology. During college, Stacey attended Parsons Dance Summer Intensive and studied Afro-Cuban dance abroad in Cuba through George Mason's field study program. In July 2017, she attended Triple Arts Musical Theatre Intensive where she assisted faculty such as Terrence Mann, Mary Ann Lamb, Charlotte d'Amboise, Christopher d'Amboise, and Kelly Crandall d'Amboise in rehearsals and choreographed her own original work. 

Stacey is drawn to storytelling and musicality when she choreographs. Her past works were a collection of eccentric themes such as the big band era and a wild west shootout. In 2022, Stacey choreographed "Pleiades" on Ash & Elm, which was performed at the Richmond Dance Festival, Dance Matrix's "Hope Lives Here" Festival, and Ash & Elm's Astronomy. Stacey is grateful for the space to create and collaborate with her peers that Ash & Elm provides her.

Madelyn graduated in 2018 from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. There, she had the privilege of working with numerous notable creators including: Sidra Bell, Jesse Zaritt, Bobbi Jean Smith, Thaddeus Davis, Kim Bears-Bailey, and Katie Swords Thurman.  Through the University, Madelyn had the privilege of attending “Camping 2017”, a two-week workshop platform in Paris hosted by the Centre National de la Danse. Her professional work includes performing in Meredith Pellon’s “Site Unseen”, and Ryan Bailey’s “This is Momentary”. In addition, she had the opportunity to dance in a music video which was featured in the recent film “Aviva”, directed by Boaz Yakin. Madelyn looks forward to her 4th season with Ash & Elm Dance Company.

Gena is from King George, VA, and grew up as a competition dancer at Power Explosion Studio of Dance. She has trained in multiple styles including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, modern, and musical theater. Gena was a University Scholar at George Mason University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2018 with a B.F.A. in Dance and a Minor in Arts Management. She recently graduated from Arizona State University in 2021 with a B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthy Lifestyle Coaching and Fitness Science. Gena is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She currently works at Life Time Athletic as a Full-Time Personal Trainer.

Gena has performed on the Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage and received the Kevin Campbell Summer Scholarship for continued summer dance training. She has worked with both Capitol Movement Inc. as a Fundraising and Development Intern and Body Wise Dance as a Social Media/Marketing Intern. She has performed locally with RawArts Dance Company and Company Danzante and has taught ages 2 to 18 multiple dance styles in the DMV area for the past 8 years. Gena joined Ash & Elm Dance Company in 2021 and is thrilled to continue dancing with the company for her third season!

Bethany began dancing at age 4 in Flint, Michigan. She started by studying a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. After moving to Northern Virginia, she furthered her training to include Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. She has attended dance intensives from local studios and companies as well as master classes organized by various Broadway shows in New York City, Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Chicago, and Ardent Dance Company. She performed for Prince William County Arts Alive! 2021 representing local dance teachers. Bethany is a certified member of the Cecchetti Council of America, and she has passed her Teacher’s exams through Grade III. She continues to study the syllabus and has been an active member of the CCA since 2019.

Thomas Downey is a 2021 graduate of George Mason University’s Mason School of Dance and Honors College, graduating on the Dean’s List with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Astronomy. While attending GMU, he created 4 choreographic works, 3 of which were presented in performance. Thomas danced in 19 student choreographic works and in Hope Boykin’s Film Project: Running to and Toward. Other artists he has worked with are Tiffany Rea-Fisher & J. Bouey from the Elisa Monte Dance Company summer intensive in Lake Placid NY in 2018, Nicola Monaco, Christine Bonansea Saulut, & Sandra Marin Garcia from the Dance Italia workshop intensive in Lucca, Italy in 2019, and with Millie Parker & William J. Miller Jr. for ICONS Choreographic Institute at the Dance Loft on 14th in DC in spring of 2022. He worked as a summer instructor/guest performer for the Prince William County VA Parks and Recreation Dance Program from 2018-2021, and a Lifeguard and Pool Operator from 2015-2019. He was the Acting Dance Coordinator from September-November 2021 for the PWC Parks and Rec Dance Program and continues to be a Dance Instructor and Program Assistant. Thomas joined as a company member of the Gin Dance Company in May 2022. He joined Ash & Elm as a guest artist in 2022 and became a company member in September 2023.