Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rose Marcum.
Hi Ashley Rose , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was in full swing training to become a professional ballerina at the Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy—top level—and preparing for company auditions when my life took a turn at 18. This was the year 2002.
At 20, my friend Lydia, who had recently taken ownership of a small dance studio in Oxford, Ohio, wanted to travel and asked if I’d teach while she was away. I had a young daughter and deeply missed the dance world, after 15 months of being absent, so I gratefully accepted. A few years later, she decided not to return, and I happily took over the studio.
Alongside my co-owner, Angela, we transformed “Oxford Ballet Studio” into “Flowing Grace School of Dance.” I came from a strictly classical ballet background, and Angela had experience in competition dance—we felt our styles beautifully complemented one another. We wanted a name that reflected the broader range of what we offered: ballet, tap, and jazz. Our mission was to bring dance to Oxford in a warm, welcoming way. We grew from just 20 students to 60 in those early years, and when Angela moved away in 2013, I became the sole owner.
Through it all, I dove headfirst into learning what it takes to run a business. It wasn’t easy—Oxford is a highly transitional college town, with families constantly moving in and out—but I learned to adapt and stay grounded for the community.
We’ve been incredibly blessed to rent space at the Oxford Community Arts Center for nearly our entire journey. Their support of FGSD and the arts community there has been invaluable.
Over the years, I’ve continued to grow as both an artist and a teacher, collaborating with local choreographers—including world-renowned modern dancer and choreographer Demetrius Klein. Our 15-year dancing relationship remains a collaborative highlight.
Flowing Grace School of Dance peaked at around 130 students in 2018—a truly grand year! Like many, we faced setbacks during COVID, but the studio survived and slowly began to rebuild.
In 2023, I became a certified Pilates instructor and began offering Mat Pilates classes infused with elements of ballet. I believe strongly in balancing equal amounts of stretching and strengthening for optimal health.
In 2024, I became an author. Wanting to extend my impact beyond the studio, I wrote a three-book series titled Finding the Dancer Within, designed for ages 3–8, 8+, and adults. The second and third books received the International Impact Book Award. I’ve also written a workout journal, Finding Fit in Fifteen, and a poetry collection, Poems of Ash Covered Roses, with more projects on the way.
Our studio’s slogan is: “Determined, Strong, Creative – Expressing Grace through the art and beauty of dance.” My mission has always been to form resilient people—not just skilled dancers—but individuals who can carry discipline, strength, and self-expression into all areas of life.
FGSD is open to all ages and abilities. Like Misty Copeland, I began “late” at age 12, and I love reminding others that it’s never too late to dance. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and capable in their own body. I’m also deeply passionate about supporting neurodiverse students, inspired by my youngest son, who is dyslexic and the inspiration behind my award-winning book Encouragement for the Dyslexic.
I never imagined myself as a teacher or business owner—but I feel beyond blessed to have spent over 20 years directing, teaching, and inspiring others. I’ve taught thousands of students, directed over 50 performances, and choreographed more than 500 dances. I still perform and, at 41, don’t plan to slow down anytime soon!
In addition to dance, I’ve recently stepped into the speaking world. My keynote, “Compassionate Courage – Confidently Dream Boldly, Live Bravely,” is all about helping others discover their own potential and confidence while remaining compassionate to self and others. (ashyroseauthor.com)
Beyond my professional life, I’m a mother of six. My oldest just turned 22 – becoming a young mom with her changed my dance path, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. One of my children is adopted from Ethiopia. We live on a small farm where I also manage two Airbnbs. People often call me “ambitious” or even “crazy,” but I just love learning, creating, and trying new things. In addition to dancing, I play classical piano, sing, and play the drums. I was even accepted into the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music at 11 but chose to pursue dance instead! I’m also a big nature lover and thrive outdoors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been fulfilling. My classes themselves have been blessed—joyful and full of grace. The behind-the-scenes work, though, has been challenging.
Finding and maintaining performance spaces has been difficult. As a small business in a university-driven town, it’s easy to feel overshadowed by larger institutions with different priorities. Performing arts often get labeled as “extracurricular,” but I know the mental and physical health benefits run much deeper.
At times, I’ve felt invisible to the broader city despite over 20 years of being involved in the community. Still, the loyalty and appreciation from my students and families mean the world to me. In a transient town where many businesses come and go, I’m very thankful that FGSD has endured—and flourished. Also I recognize and am grateful for the ways that Miami (and Talawanda a few years) accommodated and provided adequate performing space. Those peak moments are always a beautiful highlight to my studio and all involved in participating.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
People often tell me I’m approachable, patient, and warm. Whether in the studio, in a Pilates class, or through my writing and speaking, my goal is always real connection.
I’m actually an introvert, which surprises many. I’m completely comfortable speaking one on one, or to an audience of a thousand – but I’ll avoid a small social circle of five! Because of that, I deeply understand shy or anxious students. I can meet them where they are and help them find confidence through movement. It has been one of the biggest rewards to be apart and witness an individual grow in their self-worth and confidence!
I was homeschooled most of my life, which taught me strong self-motivation and gave me the ability to be hyper focused. I only completed one semester of college, which sometimes made me feel “less qualified,” but experience has been my greatest teacher. While I respect higher education, I also believe deeply that success can bloom through many paths.
My oldest daughter earned her master’s degree in Quantitative Economics at 21, and my second is finishing her bachelor’s at 20. I’m proud of both of them—and proud, too, that my path looked different yet led to success and fulfillment. I AM FOR realizing that both are valid approaches for success. I see and appreciate people in their differences. Some thrive in the network of school and college and others not. Neither route is better than the other. Both can have beautiful outcomes! I hope to harbor and show respect for the fact that we all bud in different ways.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m still completely dedicated to my studio—it’s my passion and heartbeat. I currently teach 15 classes a week and plan to continue as long as my body allows.
At the same time, I’m expanding into authorship and public speaking, eager to encourage others to live with compassion, courage and confidence. Being a woman rooted in faith, I trust God to guide my path and am excited to see what He leads me to next. I give Him the glory for all the accomplishments of my life.
Pricing:
- My books can be found on Amazon… ebook, paper and hardback. $3-$25
- as a Speaker – negotiable- ashyroseauthor.com
- for dance/pilates class see website aflowinggrace.com
Contact Info:
- Website: aflowinggrace.com and ashyroseauthor.com
- Instagram: @ashyrose_author
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymarcumashyrose/
- Youtube: @ashyrose07 or @Ashyrose-author-speaker or @ashleymarcum1691
