Ashley Frances Hoffman
Ashley Frances Hoffman began her dance training at the age of 11 at the School of the Salt Creek Ballet near Chicago, where she grew up. She continued her studies at the Virginia School of the Arts and Indiana University. In 2005, Hoffman was invited to perform in Switzerland with Cinevox Theatre, and continued to work with various contemporary choreographers until 2007. Since returning to the U.S., she has danced with the Los Angeles Ballet and appeared as a guest artist with several regional ballet companies. Currently, Hoffman is a company member of Luminario Ballet, and a 2008 Horton Award nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Small Ensemble – for her work with Francisco Martinez Dance Theater. Some of her favorite roles are in ballets such as George Balanchine's Who Cares and Serenade; The Sleeping Beauty, staged by Julie Kent; and Ernesta Corvino’s Antediluvian Dreams. Hoffman is grateful for the generous mentoring of her teachers and the opportunity to share her passion for dance. This is her first season with Festival Ballet Theatre.