Meet Ashley Walter of Spotlight Performing Arts Center in Highlands Ranch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Walter.

Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up dancing and performing, as my mom owned a dance studio. I mostly danced, but I also did musical theatre and vocal classes. When I was 15 and my brother was 11, he was hired as John in the Broadway production of “Peter Pan,” We moved, and I went to a tap workshop taught by the director of the Broadway show “42nd Street.” She ended up hiring me, at 15, and without even auditioning! I performed in Broadway shows for the next eight years.

I “retired” from performing at 23, and I joined forces with my mom, Teresa Hill-Putnam, and we opened a new location of Spotlight Performing Arts Center six years ago in Highlands Ranch. She owned Spotlight alone before, and in different locations, so Spotlight is actually celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year!

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not… are any businesses smooth?

My mom got sick when I was 9, and doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her. She couldn’t walk, or even lift her head off a pillow. She was extremely weak. Finally, two years later, she was diagnosed with a rare disease called Myasthenia Gravis. Her symptoms are very controlled now, but it was a rough childhood for sure. My sister also has severe Epilepsy, which has made the ride rough for her as well. I think both of these have brought our family closer together, and have ultimately, made our business the success that it is today. We have learned a lot, and we have had to grow tremendously.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Spotlight Performing Arts Center focuses on dance and tumbling, musical theatre, and vocal. We create “triple threats.” We have had many students go on to perform in Broadway shows, in movies, and in many musicals all over the country. We have a family atmosphere, and we are small, so we know all of our students. We consider our whole business as a family. I am most proud when I have a student applies performing arts to other aspects of life and becomes not only a performer but a good human being.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Denver is a good place for businesses, however, with the high costs of living and rent for commercial buildings (and residential), starting out here now would definitely be tough. Performing Arts has a reputation of not making money. I may not be rich in wealth (yet), but I am definitely rich because I get to do what I love.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6328 E County Line Rd #102A
• Website: www.spotlightperformers.com
• Phone: 720-44-DANCE
• Email: spotlighttalent1@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/spotlightperformers/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpotlightPerformingArtsCenterColorado/

 

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