We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley “LA” Ragsdale . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley “LA” below.

Alright, Ashley “LA” thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I believe creatives are always misunderstood or mischaracterized for the most part. My first experiences were within my own family, who didn’t understand why I couldn’t always make it to family gatherings, spoke differently or focused so much on my craft. They often mischaracterized me as “stuck up”, although they were always supportive and came to every show, they could not seem to put there finger on my chosen career path. I now have an understanding for those who are not involved in the arts. The arts is a scary and risky career to make a living from, and it may also seem like so much fun that it doesn’t feel like “work”. When asked by strangers or people close to me what I do for a living and I tell them, I have been asked, “oh that’s all you do?” Or “When will I get a real job?” It is offensive, but those experiences have taught me that people just simply don’t know. It is my job to educate and inform. It is then the person’s job to receive and make their own now educated opinion. It’s beautiful how far a little communication can go.

Ashley “LA”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started dancing at the age of five because my parents signed me up, along with many other hobbies. Dance seemed to be the one craft I always came back to. I then began to train professionally at age fourteen and it was all I knew. I have always studied in arts schools and I did not have any other desires outside of being involved in the arts. When I attended college in New York, I began taking acting classes and fell in love with the craft, it was inevitable since theatre ran in my family, thanks to my Dad and brother. I felt I have found my “why”. Upon returning home to Texas from New York I felt lost about what to do next with my career and in what way would I make a Business or brand myself using my God given gifts. I’m going to be transparent and say it took me awhile to figure out. I became more involved in acting and performed in DFW theatre, where I met wonderful people who have guided me and supported me. Dance never left me and I knew I wanted to create a company where I would not only teach dance but teach the feeling behind it, the story, the acting. Innovate with Ragsdale was born! Innovate with Ragsdale offers private dance lessons for styles such as Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Salsa, Jazz, Musical theatre and more. Lessons are one on one or can be a group of two or more. What sets me apart from other companies is, I educate on the feeling behind the dance style, Incorporating acting. I educate on acting as much as I do dance. I believe if a person knows the way a style should feel when dancing it, they are able to receive the style better and become a more versatile dancer. It also sets me apart that I am able to teach different styles. Making my clients able to branch out and explore their creativity. The relationship we have established makes them feel comfortable to just go for it! I specialize in bringing out a better version of yourself through the arts because I believe the arts saves lives. It has saved mine. I am also a working professional, currently on tour with Dawn Richard. Also represented by the Clutts agency in Dallas, where I have been transitioning into film and TV. It is a blessing to share knowledge I learned and am learning to my clients from being a working professional. It brings me joy to spread the love!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing a non-creative will struggle to understand is the roller coaster that is the art business. For example, An artist may have a two month long project and that project will consume their life, In many ways than one. When the project is completed the artist will probably not have another gig for a week or more. Schedule changes, living life on the fly, not to mention the emotional roller coaster we go through is something that will be hard to understand. They will especially question why we chose this life. Truth is this life chose us and you really have to love it to survive in this business.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have many stories for resilience but one in particular stands out because it has a special place in my heart. When I first began performing in musical theatre shows, I was casted to play the part of Ti Moune in “Once on this Island”. It was the first time I was cast for a lead role in a musical and I was terrified to sing. I just started singing a year prior.. For lack of a better word I stunk. Mostly because I was not confident in my singing that every other aspect followed behind. I came to a point where I wanted to quit, I felt I wasn’t fit for the part and I had no idea why they chose me. I couldn’t connect to the character and I didn’t know why. Once I voiced my concerns to the amazing creative team they took me under their wing and pushed me to my full potential. From then on every rehearsal was a token of resilience. I would be the first one at the theater and the last one to leave. Practicing every line, every song, every choreography. I cried, I laughed I exhausted myself but I kept going. In the end, It was magical. I was recognized in magazines and television interviews on my “powerful” performance. I learned two things from that journey, the team you keep around you is important and never give up no matter what even if you feel you will fail, do it anyway!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ashthekardash @lostwithla
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGWLX6cSoltozeOK_NwGHzg

Image Credits
Alfield Reeves Daniel Cavazos