BATAVIA/MONTGOMERY–As the founder of the Fox Valley Ballet, a 501c3 organization, Ashlie enjoys bringing the joy and artistry of dance to the Fox Valley region through pre-professional ballet training and performances, including The Fox Valley Nutcracker recently performed at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.

Andersen continues to utilize her family’s background and skills in technical theater with her husband’s business being a production company, and throws in special effects, moving sets and scenery and other magic! “Audience members saw a new flying effect we added this year which is always fun to watch and see.”

Ashlie is also a big supporter of giving back to the community. Fox Valley Ballet reopened its scholarship funding this past season benefitting individual scholarships totalling more than $5000 to help support the artistic excellence of pre-professional dancers. In that same spirit, characters from the show visited the pediatric department at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL annually, showering the children there with gifts. Nutcracker dancers also perform and cook meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House.

-Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submnitted