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.

Allie Wentworth: Dance Instructor

Allie began dancing at the age of seven at Opus II Dance Studio. She continued dancing  at Opus for ten years, joining Ashland Regional Ballet Company at the age of 13. Throughout high school, Allie expanded her dance experience by participating in various choir activities, including Sing and Swing Show Choir, and performing in the dance chorus of Ashland High School’s musicals during her junior and senior years. Additionally, she was a member of the Ashland High School Sweeties dance team in her senior year. In addition to her performance experience, Allie began assisting with dance classes in junior high and continued as an assistant throughout high school. Her passion for teaching eventually led her to the YMCA, where she began teaching independently and further developed her skills. Currently, Allie is attending The Ohio State University, pursuing a degree in early childhood education with the goal of becoming an elementary teacher. She is enthusiastic about continuing to teach dance throughout her studies and beyond, combining her love for dance with her passion for education.

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.