Biography

Ashley Ellis, from Torrance, California, is an American ballerina who just stepped down from the stage as Principal dancer with Boston Ballet to take on the role as Associate Director of The Dallas Conservatory's Classical Training Program.

Ellis trained at the South Bay Ballet under the direction of Diane Lauridsen, other influences included Alicia Head, Mario Nugara, Charles Maple, and Kimberly Olmos. During these years she attended intensive programs at the San Francisco Ballet, School of American Ballet, and three years at the American Ballet Theatre, on full scholarship.  Ellis was the recipient of the Coca Cola scholarship award for two consecutive years, and won the first prize at the Los Angeles´ Music Center Spotlight Award.

Ellis began her professional career by dancing with the ABT studio company and the next year joined the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. After her time with ABT, Ellis moved to Spain to join the touring group, Stars of American Ballet led by Angel Corella, leading her to become one of the founding members of his new company. She danced as a soloist at Corella Ballet de Espana under the direction of Mr. Corella for three years before moving back to the USA.  After her time in Spain she spent one season dancing with the Sarasota Ballet.

In 2011, Ms Ellis joined Boston Ballet as a second soloist, was promoted to soloist in 2012, and assumed the rank of Principal Dancer the following year in 2013.  She has toured with the above companies around the world and made numerous guest appearances in in a wide range of galas and companies.

Ashley is married to choreographer and director George Birkadze, and they have two beautiful children.  She is also the owner of her own dancewear line, RubiaWear.   

Ms Ellis’ principal repertoire includes

Natalia Makarova’s & Florence Clerc’s La Bayadère (Gamzatti & Nikiya)

Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake, The Nutcracker

Sir Fredrick Ashton’s The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Le Rendezvous, The Dream

John Cranko’s Onegin (Olga)

Yuri Possokhov’s The Firebird (Firebird)

Ivan Liska’s Le Corsaire (Medora)

Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias (Marguerite)

George Balanchine’s Coppelia, Serenade (Waltz), Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Who Cares?, Symphony in C, Divertimento #15, Allegro Brilliante, Jewels (Emeralds & Diamonds), Theme and Variations, Episodes

William Forsythe's Artifact (2nd pas de deux), In The Middle Somewhat Elevated, Pas/Parts

John Neumeier’s Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler (4th mov)

Harald Landers’ Etudes

Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free (Pas girl), The Concert (the Ballerina)

Christopher Wheeldon’s Polyphonia (Wedding pas), VIII (Ana Bolena), DGV

Jiri Kylian’s Petite Mort, Wings of Wax, Symphony of Psalms, Bella Figura

Léonide Massine’s Gaite Parisiense (Glove Seller)

Leonid Jacobson’s Pas de Quatre

Jorma Elo’s Awake Only, C to C, Fifth Symphony of John Sibelius

Wayne McGregor’s Chroma

Justin Peck's In Creases

Stanton Whelch’s Clear, Long and Winding Road

Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room

Clark Tippet's Bruch Violin Concerto

Helen Pickett's Eventide

Also works by Hans Van Manen, Petr Zuska, George Birkadze, Angel Corella, Christopher Bruce,  among others.