Energetiks talks with Ashleigh Ross
Last week Energetiks welcomed talented dancer, singer and actress (you may remember her as Scout in Season 1 of Dance Academy!) Ashleigh Ross, to our Head Office for an exclusive interview and photoshoot! It was a fantastic day with lots of laughter, fun, and photos. See what Ashi had to say below, and check out some of the gorgeous shots taken by our talented photographer Tracy Nicholas.
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Energetiks: Hi Ashleigh, welcome! First of all, how did you get interested in dancing and what age were you?
Ashi: I was 3 years old when I took my first dance class! I followed my sister who was 5 years old at the time. I loved the first lesson! I remember laughing and being so excited that I could pointe my foot out into second. But apparently when I went in for my second lesson I wouldn’t get out of the car. Mum told me that I was screaming and yelling because I didn’t want to go back to class, because I said I was ready to go on stage and I didn’t need any more lessons. My mum decided to take me out of classes. When I was 4 I started horse riding. My mother used to train and breed horses. Then 1 day when I was 5 years old I found out that I was allergic to horses so I decided to give dancing another shot.
Did you always want a career in the performing arts, or is that something you decided later on?
I wasn’t sure at the beginning. I just did dancing to go and see my friends and have a good day, I never really took dancing very seriously. When I was around 11 years old I started to really stretch and practice all the time. I fell in love with dancing, and from then on I have been practicing really hard, but also seeing all of my amazing friends while having a great time.
A lot of our readers will know you from your appearance on Dance Academy, how did you hear about that and what was the audition process like?
Ashi with fellow Dance Academy cast member Alicia Banit.
I got contacted by my agent about auditioning for a show called Dance Academy. It sounded like something I really wanted to be a part of. In the description they stated they wanted a dark haired girl who was really into hip hop, but we decided to go just for the experience. In the audition we had to read a script and perform a hip hop dance that you had choreographed yourself. So I made up my own routine and learnt the script. I went in and had the best time ever and to my surprise I got the part. I was so excited and so grateful that they had given me this opportunity.
Obviously acting and singing are other talents of yours! Do you have a favourite of the three, or are you equally passionate about each of them?
I love singing, dancing and acting. These three things make me who I am. I love them all so much and I really don’t know which one is my favourite. I love the different little qualities about them that just makes them so interesting and so much fun to do.
You've already done a wide variety of things, from Musicals to TV, where are you hoping to be (and what do you hope to be doing) in a couple of years time?
I hope when I’m older I will still continue to do what I love, performing and being around my friends and family. Performing just helps with everything in my life. It helps me express myself through movement and through my voice.
What's been the biggest highlight for you as far as performing/dance goes?
I seriously couldn’t name one thing that I have loved while performing more than another. I have been lucky enough to travel over to America this year ( in October ) and meet so many incredible and inspirational people. I wouldn’t change that experience for the world.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love hanging out with my amazing friends and family. My friends mean so much to me. They are all so supportive with everything I do and I couldn’t thank them enough for always being there for me. My family are my everything. I love them so much and they are always so kind and caring. I couldn’t imagine life without the beautiful people around me today.
This year and last year you starred as Jemima Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Musical, what was that like?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was an incredibly insane experience. It is one of the best things that has happened to me. I got to meet all of these incredible and inspiring performers that I love so much.
Your sister Danielle is also very talented, do you guys like to encourage and motivate each other?
Right now my sister has been training to become a makeup artist. You wouldn’t believe how many incredible things she can do. She can do really amazing special effects makeup and make it look so real. Its insane!! Then she can do very beautiful model-type makeup which is just stunning. My sister supports me with everything I do and I couldn’t thank her enough. She always helps me when she can and I always try my hardest to help her out with her makeup!
Ashi (left) with older sister Dani.
Modelling one of Dani's make-up designs
If you could meet anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anybody in the world it would be Ariana Grande. She is such an incredible singer and her acting is amazing as well. She stands up for herself and is always so sweet and kind to others. She is the perfect role model. For dancing there are so many incredible people I would love to meet. There are so many incredible dancers in the world trying to inspire others. I’m definitely inspired by all the beautiful dancers around the world.
Do you have any pets?
YES!!! I have 2 little maltese x shitzu doggies. One of them is 7 years old and his name is Oscar. I got him for my birthday when I was little and he has been with us ever since. My other little puppy is called Milly. She is a teacup and she is so tiny she is around 7 months old and has the cutest little face.
Are their any habits you wish you could get rid of?
Sleeping…. I sleep in so far into the day if nobody wakes me up. I would sleep forever!! I really just love sleeping, and it’s a pretty bad habit. I wish I could wake up earlier!
What’s your favourite Musical?
I’m not quite sure what my favourite musical is! There are so many amazing musicals I have seen before! But my top 5 are Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, King Kong, Wicked and Phanton Of The Opera.
What's something you're really looking forward to in 2014?
I’m looking forward to the year in general! There are so many exciting things that are happening next year that I can’t wait to do, and I can’t wait to tell people what is coming up!
Lastly, do you have any advice for our readers who are aspiring to be professional dancers or performers?
To all performers; Stay strong and believe in yourself. You are a shining star and you have to believe it. There is someone who is looking up to you so don’t let them down by giving up! You are incredible! SO keep it up and stay inspired!
