Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley & Whitney Pickett.
Hi Ashley & Whitney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, we were always performing and dancing. Whitney began teaching in 2018 at a local Recreation Center. After our mother, Brenda Pickett passed away in May of 2018, we decided to keep dancing but to join forces together. We formed Line Dance with the Pickett Sisters in 2021, which included both sisters Ashley and Whitney. We went viral on Facebook and YouTube for our line dance called Damage. From there, we just kept dancing and making a name for ourselves. We are currently teaching free line dances classes at Beatty Community Center Mondays at 6 pm.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. We have hosted classes at multiple locations. The issue can be cost or a facility closing down. Sometimes, we have to ask our supporters to pay for classes or we have to pay for the space ourselves. This causes many challenges, but we continue to push through. Our goal is to one day have our own facility. We felt the need to create our Facebook page to keep all of our supporters up to date with everything Pickett Sisters.
Facebook Group Page: Line dance with the Pickett Sisters
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Ashley: Outside of creating dances and teaching, I am in the Education field. I also coach tennis and volleyball. I am very hands-on with my students in the school and the community.
Whitney – Aside from everything line dance teaching and organizing, I work in healthcare. I am an Appeals and Grievance Specialist. I am also very hands-on with my community.
We are most proud of our community work. Each year, we host a Juneteenth cookout for the community. All are welcome. We prepare and cook everything. Our supporters also provide donations, which is always appreciated. We have games for the kids, a DJ, and plenty of food and fun. We are most proud because this is how we were raised. We were raised to always give back, we give back whether it’s volunteering to teach a class or to give back to those in need.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5-10 years, we are hopeful that we will have our own Event Space. We want to create a space where we can have classes parties and also rent it out to others inquiring on rental space. We will continue to create dances and get our names out there. We want to continue to connect with other instructors and dancers near and far. We want to reach as many people as possible through soul-line dancing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Pickett_sisters_
- Facebook: Line Dance with the Pickett Sisters
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wpickett89?si=CB_HHOGvohJWmx7z
