ASHLEy ZAGST

Group Fitness Instructor- BALLET BODIES

Ashley Zagst is a Portland based choreographer, performer, and teacher as well as the Co-Director of Anomalous Dance, a project based company creating and performing in Portland and San Francisco.

Ashley began her dance training at The Joffrey Ballet School in New York City where she worked closely with Meg Paul, Trinette Singleton, Eli Lazar, and John Magnus. After completing the trainee program at Joffrey, she performed with The Joffrey Studio Company then moved on to dance with Michael Mao Contemporary Dance and Octavia Cup Dance Theater. 

It was after the beginnings of her professional career that she made the decision to attend the University of Oregon and pursue her degree in dance. Ashley choreographed, taught, and performed at the UofO where she was the recipient of the Lotta Carl Scholarship, Diversity Excellence Scholarship,  and Ethel & Laverne Stone Scholarship before graduating Magne Cum Laude with a B.S. in dance. 

During her studies at University of Oregon, Ashley also dedicated time to attending choreographic workshops with companies BODYTRAFFIC and RANDOM DANCE as well as studying with and learning works by Maurya Kerr, Alex Ketley, Doug Letheran, Shannon Gillen and more.  

Currently Ashley teaches Ballet Bodies at Steelhead PDX and is in the middle of a movement research project, Somewhere in Between, involving improvisational workshops (for dancers and non-dancers alike) addressing and abstracting the socially constructed binaries of gender and sexual identity.

 BALLET BODIES- Tuesdays 6PM

BalletBodies is an all levels fitness classed based in the technique of classical ballet with a little contemporary twist. This class is meant to challenge and develop strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and confidence. There is no barre, no equipment. Just you, your body, and your desire to move. 

No dance experience is needed in order to enjoy the benefits of this class.

Side effects of this class are standing taller, moving more confidently, increased flexibility, and occasionally showing up your friends on the dance floor. Come ready to move, sweat, and have fun! 

Attire: Don't worry no leotards and tights required ;) Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in and be sure to wear socks.