Vestavia Hills resident set to compete for national dance title

The Jackie O’Neal School of Dance brought home two title winners at Dance Masters of America Chapter 33, one thanks to a Vestavia Hills resident. 

The dance convention and competition was Feb. 1-2 in Montgomery. 

Ashley Welch was honored to achieve her goal and the title of being crowned Senior Miss Dance Chapter 33 (AL, GA, TN) of Dance Masters of America. 

Her parents are Susan and Wayne Welch of Vestavia Hills. Ashley attends Valleydale Christian Academy. 

She has studied dance at Jackie O’Neal School of Dance since the age of three and has been a Company Dancer competing with Jackie O for 11 years. During the convention, Ashley won the ballet audition, contemporary audition and the tap audition in the Senior Division. She was the 1st place Overall Scholarship Audition Winner in the Teen/Senior Division. 

She performed a lyrical/contemporary piece entitled, I Am Free, choreographed by her teacher, Nealey Towns Alonso. 

Ashley will be competing for the National Title of Miss Dance of America in Anaheim, California, from June 28 to July 5. 

‒ Submitted by Jackie O’Neal School of Dance.