Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Keegan Nelsen.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ashley began her dance training at her mother’s studio, the Titusville Ballet and Jazz Center, a cornerstone of the Titusville community for more than 35 years. She later earned a dance scholarship to attend the New World School of the Arts in Miami, where she majored in dance and further refined her technical and artistic foundation.
After sustaining a torn ACL injury, Ashley pivoted academically and enrolled at the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business Management, followed by a Master of Business Administration.
Upon recovering, she returned to the performance world as a professional dancer for the Orlando Magic, where she performed for five seasons as both a Team Captain and member of the Orlando Magic Dunking Dancers. Her career extended beyond the court, traveling internationally to perform on television shows, with recording artists, and in major theme parks.
While in college Ashley began interning with NASA and now serves as the Strategic Communications Lead for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program at Kennedy Space Center responsible for the build, launch, and recovery for NASA’s Artemis missions.
She recently founded the Keegan Performance Center, a dance studio created to honor her mother’s legacy while providing a dynamic and supportive space for dancers, gymnasts, cheerleaders, and baton twirlers of all ages and levels in the local community. In just a few short months, the studio has grown to serve over 200 students and has already expanded into a second unit, an early testament to its strong community impact and momentum. The studio is now an approved provider for the Step Up for Students scholarship to further support our youth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ashley sustained three ACL and meniscus tears throughout her years in dance and gymnastics, the first of which resulted in the loss of a scholarship. While these injuries presented significant setbacks, they ultimately strengthened her resilience and determination.
After successful recoveries, Ashley returned to dance and continued performing professionally. Over time, she redirected her passion and experience toward mentoring the next generation, channeling her energy into opening a studio where she could remain actively involved in the sport and give back to youth in her community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a dance studio owner, teacher, and choreographer, her values are deeply rooted in community involvement and service. Guided by the studio’s motto, “Perform with a purpose,” her mission is to do more than train strong performers, she strives to instill meaningful life lessons that help dancers grow with confidence, discipline, and character, both on and off the stage.
How do you think about luck?
With a combination of hard work, dedication, and a bit of good luck, Ashley continues to pursue her goals while investing wholeheartedly in developing the next generation of dancers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.keeganperformance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keeganperformance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18AnrzcRw9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Ivon Smith Photography
