Fernando Rocha
Assistant Director
Fernando is a native Houstonian, who began his teaching journey at thirteen.Over time, he has garnered a unique style of dance that includes various elements of multiple dance techniques that challenge and provide growth in dancers' musicality,strength, and movement.Fernando has won numerous awards,recognitions in both the dance competition/concert circuit.Fernando has current industry experience as a dancer/adjudicator/teacher who travels nationally and internationally teaching and learning to enhance his studies to help dancers achieve the necessary tools to find their passions and be career ready! Fernando also believes in creating healthy technique practices through kinesthetic/anatomic approaches to further dancers' knowledge in body awareness that help with longevity in dance. Fernando currently is involved in a many areas of dance from being a full time dance teacher and company director at Sunset Highschool in Dallas, Tx, Dancing professionally, and setting choreographic works!
Ashley Armstrong
Director
Ashley grew up in Richardson, Texas, and fell in love with dance at a very young age. She received the bulk of my training at Talent 'N More Dance Center. Competing with this studio gave her the flexibility to also be involved in dance at her middle school and high school. In high school she was a member of the Bandolera Drill Team at L.V. Berkner High School. She lettered three years at Berkner, and served as line officer her junior and senior year. Being a Bandolera provided her the opportunity to perform at the Dallas World Cup, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Good Morning America. After graduating high school in 2004, she continued her dance education for two years at Collin County Community College. In 2006, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina to complete her under graduate degree at Columbia College. Residing in Columbia she performed in debut and repertoire dance works with the Power Company as an apprentice dancer. As a collegiate dancer she served on the Columbia College Dance Company Board, as the Historian and Producer. Ashley was also chosen to represent the company at ACDFA her senior year. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography in 2009. Upon returning to Texas, Ashley continued her passion for dance. She was reunited with Dallas Dance Company where she held the position of Artistic Director. Previously, she performed as a principal dancer with Dallas Dance from 2004-2006. Being back in her home state she has been humbled and blessed with the opportunity to instruct, choreograph and adjudicate for numerous studios and schools in North Texas. She has a passion for teaching and helping kids gain knowledge and confidence so they can become successful individuals. She currently resides in the North Dallas area with her husband, Jamison and two sons, Tripp and Jett. In her spare time she continues to teach in studios and schools requesting lessons, choreography and adjudication. Ashley is beyond excited for her first year with Sunset High School Dance Department!
