Who we are

Brittany Wentworth: Founder and Instructor

Brittany began dancing at the age of three and continued her training throughout childhood at several studios before joining the Ashland Regional Ballet Company at Opus II Dance Studio in Ashland, Ohio. After graduating from Ashland High School, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Adolescent to Young Adult Integrated Social Studies, along with a minor in Dance, from the University of Akron.

While completing her degree, Brittany began teaching ballet, modern, and jazz at Opus II Dance Studio and continued there for approximately seven years. She also taught at local private schools, applying her education background in the classroom. Brittany later relaunched the dance program at the Ashland YMCA, where she instructed a variety of dance styles and led community dance outreach initiatives.

Brittany is the founder and director of the Ashland Arts Center dance school in Ashland, Ohio. Her mission is to reimagine the way classical ballet is taught while fostering a love and passion for dance throughout the Ashland community and its schools. She remains an active contributor to the local arts scene, including choreographing for Ashland High School’s annual musical. Brittany and her husband, both Ashland High School alumni, reside in Ashland with their five children.

Abbi Brooks: Dance Instructor

Abbi’s passion for dance began at the age of 7 when she started her training at Opus II Dance Studio. She later joined the Ashland Regional Ballet Company, where she continued to develop her skills. Although her own dance career came to a close during high school, her love for dance has remained unwavering. With 4 years of experience working in childcare at the Ashland YMCA, Abbi has cultivated a deep appreciation for sharing her passion and knowledge with young learners. She is excited to continue inspiring and teaching the benefits of dance to children in her role as an instructor at Ashland Arts Center.

Ryanne Hunt: Dance Instructor

Ryanne trained at Opus II Dance Studio in Ashland, Ohio, for 10 years from the age of 6 to 16, gaining experience in ballet, tap, modern, and jazz. At 13, Ryanne became a member of Ashland Regional Ballet, further expanding her ballet expertise. During high school, she was a dedicated member of the AHS Sweeties dance team for four years, serving as captain in her senior year. She also performed in Sing and Swing and participated in musical productions for three years. Currently, Ryanne attends Ashland University and is a member of the Ashland University Dance Team, pursuing a major in psychology with a minor in social work.