Specialties:
Founder & Director • SWDC Artistic Director • Infinity Collective
Ashley is the founder of South Walton Dance Company and the creative force behind its competitive program, The Infinity Collective. Originally from Kentucky, she began her dance journey at the Gail Frederick School of Dance and continued training at the University of Kentucky, where she danced for the University of Kentucky and worked as a Head Instructor with the Universal Dance Association and choreographed for UDA summer camp material taught nationwide for over 3 years while attending college.
Ashley’s professional performance career includes cheering in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals and dancing on stage with artists like Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift. She also performed for several semi-professional teams, including the Lexington Legends, the Houston Astros’ AAA team, and the Thoroughblades hockey team in Lexington, KY. Her training extended to working with renowned choreographer Matt Steffanina and training at Millennium Dance Complex. Her most current choreography is seen by upcoming artist, Sami Thompson and showcased by her studio dancers at her home studio, South Walton Dance Company and local school dance teams.
Today, Ashley is known for her dynamic choreography, inspiring leadership, and dedication to developing confident, versatile dancers both on and off the stage. She re-established the Seaside Neighborhood School Dance Program in 2018, launched the Emerald Coast Middle School Dance Team in 2021, and most recently founded the South Walton High School Dance Team, now entering its second year. Ashley is passionate about giving back to the community and continues to create opportunities for local youth through school-based dance teams and volunteer work.
Instructor for Entry Level & Preschool Dance
Ashley VanVeenendaal discovered her love for dance at an early age, naturally gravitating toward the discipline and artistry of ballet. By middle school, she was attending prestigious five week summer intensives with renowned institutions such as The Boston Ballet and The Joffrey Ballet. At just 15, Ashley advanced to year-round professional training with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and by 17 she was performing full-length classical ballets with the PBT company.
After stepping away from the professional ballet track to pursue her college education, Ashley has recently rekindled her passion for the art form. She is thrilled to share her extensive ballet training, experience, and renewed love for dance with the students of South Walton Dance Company.
Specialties:
Instructor for Tap, Theatre Jazz, Junior Collective Technique
Caroline Garrison brings joyful energy and a vibrant presence to South Walton Dance Company. A former contracted performer as Cinderella at Disney and a dance major, Caroline combines professional experience with a deep love for teaching. She leads our tap classes, theatre jazz, and Junior Infinity Collective technique sessions, helping dancers develop musicality, performance skills, and strong technical foundations.
Caroline was recognized for her exceptional talent with a Tap Performance Award in the Miss Florida Pageant. Her passion for dance and performance makes her a valuable asset in shaping well-rounded dancers at SWDC. A proud mom of two and Freeport local, Caroline is deeply connected to her church community and fully invested in the continued growth and excellence of our studio.
Specialties:
Instructor for Entry Level & Preschool Dance
Elizabeth Morris has been an instructor at South Walton Dance Company since its founding in 2018. With over eight years of experience teaching entry-level and preschool dance, Elizabeth has played a vital role in shaping the foundation for our youngest dancers.
Her passion for dance, combined with her heart for mentorship, makes her an invaluable member of the SWDC team. Known for her patience, creativity, and joyful teaching style, Elizabeth creates a nurturing environment where new dancers can thrive.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Elizabeth is also an active volunteer in her church community and brings that same spirit of kindness and dedication into every class she teaches.
Specialties:
Instructor for Contemporary, Lyrical & Technique
Holly Wright brings a wealth of experience and versatility to South Walton Dance Company. A graduate with a B.A. in Dance from England, Holly has a strong foundation in contemporary and lyrical movement and is highly skilled across all genres of dance.
She offers private sessions for dancers seeking one-on-one instruction and is known for her structured, motivating, and inclusive classroom environment. Holly’s teaching style blends discipline with encouragement, allowing dancers at every level to grow both technically and artistically.
Specialties:
Classroom Assistant – Lyrical Assistant
Mia is a Classroom Assistant at South Walton Dance Company, where she brings talent, passion, and leadership to our lyrical classes. A member of her high school dance team and member of the Infinity Collective as she prepares for college with honors her passion for education and dance builds confidence and strong foundational skills in our lyrical classes.
Mia was named an All American Dancer by Universal Dance Association, recognized for her standout performance quality and technical ability.
Specialties:
Classroom Assistant – Entry Level Classes
Peyton Brooks serves as a Classroom Assistant at South Walton Dance Company, offering valuable support and mentorship alongside our instructors in entry-level classes. A dedicated dancer and leader, Peyton is currently a freshman in high school and has received numerous awards at regional and national competitions.
Peyton was named an All American Dancer by Universal Dance Association, recognizing her strong technique, performance quality, and commitment to the art of dance. Peyton’s presence in the classroom helps create a positive, encouraging environment for younger dancers, and she plays an important role in helping our students feel supported and inspired.
Specialties:
Classroom Assistant – Entry Level Hip Hop
Ella Gray is a Classroom Assistant at South Walton Dance Company, where she brings energy, encouragement, and leadership to our entry-level hip hop classes. A member of her high school dance team and current Sideline Captain, Ella is passionate about helping younger dancers build confidence and strong foundational skills.
Ella was named an All American Dancer by Universal Dance Association, recognized for her standout performance quality and technical ability. Ella’s experience and enthusiasm make her a trusted role model for our beginner dancers and a valued support to our instructional teams.
Specialties:
Classroom Assistant – Entry Level Hip Hop
Charli serves as a Classroom Assistant at South Walton Dance Company, where she supports instructors and helps create a positive, encouraging environment for young dancers. As an active member of her high school dance team, Charli brings strong technique, leadership, and a passion for mentoring younger students.
Charli was also selected as an All American Dancer through Universal Dance Association (UDA), an honor awarded to dancers who demonstrate exceptional performance quality, technical skill, and professionalism.
Her dedication, enthusiasm, and team-first mindset make her a strong role model in the classroom and a valued member of the SWDC instructional team.
Specialties:
Co-Owner
Mike brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership, business operations, and strategic growth to South Walton Dance Company. With a career built on developing strong teams and building sustainable organizations, he provides the operational foundation that supports the studio’s continued growth and success.
As Majority Owner & Managing Partner, Mike works closely behind the scenes to strengthen programs, support instructors, and ensure the studio runs with excellence and purpose. His focus is on creating a well-structured, community-centered environment where dancers and families feel supported and valued.
In addition to his role at South Walton Dance Company, Mike invests in and advises small to mid-sized businesses, helping entrepreneurs build long-term, sustainable growth. His background in real estate and business development allows him to approach opportunities with both strategic vision and practical execution.
Mike is passionate about building meaningful organizations, supporting strong leadership, and contributing to the communities he serves including the vibrant families of South Walton and the Emerald Coast.
Co-Owner
Jennifer Grubbs brings a strong blend of business expertise, operational leadership, and deep dance‑parent experience to South Walton Dance Company. She graduated from Xavier University with a degree in Psychology and began her career at International Knife and Saw, where she spent several years in the accounting department building a foundation in financial operations and organizational systems.
Jenni later joined AirWay Technologies as an Accounting Manager, directly reporting to the CFO. During her time there, she played an integral role in implementing a large‑scale software system, an experience that strengthened her skills in process improvement, cross‑department collaboration, and managing complex organizational change.
As a mother of three and a dance parent for more than 15 years, Jenni understands the studio experience from the family side as well. She has lived the schedules, the rehearsals, the competitions, and the emotional investment that comes with raising dancers, giving her a unique perspective on what families need and value.
Jenni is excited to lead student onboarding and oversee accounting for SWDC, bringing clarity, structure, and a parent‑centered approach to the studio’s operations. Her combination of professional expertise and personal connection to the dance world makes her a valuable part of the SWDC leadership team.
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