Choreographers
Ashley Sass began her training at the South Dayton School of Dance and was also a member of South Dayton Dance Theatre for 10 years. She received additional training on full scholarship at the Rock School, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, International Summer Dance, Craft of Choreography, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. After graduating high school, Ashley attended Point Park University, under the direction of Susan Stowe, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006. While at Point Park she worked with faculty and choreographers such as Margo Sappington, Christian Holder, Alan Hineline, Ron de Jesus, Doug Varone, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and Ron Tassone. The highlight of her time at Point Park University was when she earned the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center, and was awarded the Northeast Performer of the Year. After graduating from Point Park University Ashley danced professionally with both Atlanta Ballet and Dayton Ballet, and had the opportunity to dance principal roles in Alan Hineline’s Thresholds, William Whitener’s Caprice, and Christopher Flemming’s Tommy. She is now on faculty at South Dayton School of Dance and an adjunct professor at Wright State University. In 2009, Ashley received the Monticello Award for Best Emerging Choreographer and the Barbara Weisberger Award for Best Choreography for Aloft. Most recently at the 2010 RDA Northeast Festival Ashley was awarded both the Project Tier Award and National Choreographic award for her piece Sudden Impulse.
Jon Lehrer began his training at age 19 at the University at Buffalo, and two years later was asked to join the University’s Zodiaque Dance Company. In the summer of 1994, Jon received a scholarship to study at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, training with such esteemed faculty as Carolyn Adams, Danny Buraczeski, Gail Gilbert, Margie Gillis, Danny Grossman, and Mark Morris. Jon Lehrer has his B.F.A. in dance from the University at Buffalo. Jon acquired his first professional position as a company member with the John Passafiume Dancers in NYC. In September 1995, Jon was hired by the internationally acclaimed Erick Hawkins Dance Company and Merv Griffin’s Funderful at Resorts Casino/Hotel in Atlantic City. Jon then auditioned for Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, was hired, and began dancing with the world’s most acclaimed jazz dance company in May 1997. After only three years with GJDC, Jon was promoted to Rehearsal Director, and two years later was given the position of Associate Director. In addition to his works on GJDC, Jon has choreographed for several dance companies around the world including; Thodos Dance Chicago, Instruments of Movement, Momenta Dance Theatre, Louisiana Dance Theatre, Le Jazz Groupe from Monterrey, Mexico, and Kannon Dance of St. Petersburg, Russia. Jon has also set his choreography on many University dance companies including the University at Buffalo, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Nevada Reno, East Central University, Northern Illinois University, and Hope College. Jon had also set an original work on dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, and another on Thodos Dance Chicago. He is on the faculty of the Jazz Dance World Congress, Dance Masters of America, Dance Teacher Summer Conference, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and Chicago Dance Connection. In 2000, Jon was one of four choreographers and teachers invited to the Jazz Dance Festival/New Generation in Ekaterinburg, Russia. In 2003 Jon had the honor of receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University at Buffalo’s Zodiaque Dance Company for his accomplishments as a dancer and choreographer. Jon is on the Advisory Board of Dance Spirit Magazine and was featured on the November 2007 cover of Dance Teacher Magazine.