Meet the Dancers: Miles Ashe’s Homecoming

From Saint Louis Dance Theatre's "Meet the Dancers" series.

Coming home means that I can reflect and grow stronger as an artist. East St. Louis raised me. The Center of Creative Arts (COCA) shaped me. Juilliard challenged me. And now, in my first  season with Saint Louis Dance Theatre, I get to bring everything I've learned back to the community that gave me my start.

Miles Ashe

I began taking dance classes at COCA at age 10, and after just a year, I was invited to join their pre-professional company. That early training opened doors I didn't even know existed, summer intensives at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The School of American Ballet, and eventually, a spot at Juilliard. But no matter how far I traveled, St. Louis stayed with me. Most of my family is here. This city is in my bones.

Contemporary dance is my favorite style because there's so much room to infuse yourself in the form. There are dynamics to explore and play with, and it's rewarding overcoming a challenge in contemporary dance. At Juilliard, I had the privilege of working with choreographers  Justin Peck, Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schraiber, Sidra Bell and Yin Yue. Each of them taught me something new about what my body could do and who I could become as an artist.

One piece of work that stands out above the rest: Fugue in Crimson, choreographed by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber. Performing that piece was an experience I'll never forget. It was a language that felt familiar and unique at the same time. I learned to give myself grace in the choices I chose each performance. I learned a different sense of partnership with peers.

When people ask what influences me as an artist, I always say: other artists. Watching interviews of people I admire  really helps inform who I am as an artist. Film and music also influence me. I'm a huge cinephile,I love camera work and anytime I can get my hands on a camera, I'm experimenting. I'm also a huge fashion geek. Some love languages that keep my heart flowing are sharing music with others, giving movie recommendations, physical touch, making people laugh and giving styling advice.

As for challenges? Honestly, both the mental and physical demands can be taxing because I'm such a perfectionist. But it's worth it in the end result. The best advice I've gotten that has stuck with me is simple: "Just be present.”

When I need to recharge, you'll find me at AMC Esquire catching a film or walking through Forest Park. My favorite memory from my dance journey? Graduating and earning my BFA in dance from Juilliard. I really got to finally feel everything that I experienced in my four years there.

Now I'm here, back in St. Louis, dancing with a company that represents everything I love about this city.

There are two ways to support dancers like Miles. Donate today or subscribe to experience this season's world-class productions.