Ashley Everett

Ashley Everett

Picture of Ashley Everett

Everett performing during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013-14)
Born Ashley Chrisha Marie Everett
April 19, 1989
Chico, California, U.S.
Residence Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation
  • Dancer
  • Actress
Years active 2006–present

Musical career

Genres
Associated acts
Website
www.ashleyeverett.com

Ashley Chrisha Marie Everett (born April 19, 1989)[1][2] is an American dancer and actress. She is best known for serving as a backup dancer to most notably American singers Beyoncé, Usher and Ne-Yo, as well as featuring in high profile music videos, television commercials and concert tours.

Beginning her career in New York City at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Everett unexpectedly met choreographer Frank Gatson, Jr., who introduced her to Beyoncé. Since then, Everett has worked continuously with Beyoncé, as well as a variety of other music artists, and expanded her career into acting. In 2008, Everett starred in the music video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". The video has since amassed over 375 million views. In 2013, Everett performed at the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show as a lead backup dancer for Beyoncé. The performance was watched by 110.8 million Americans. Everett is currently expected to feature in the third season of the VH1 series Hit the Floor, which airs in May 2015.

Early life

Everett was born and raised in Chico, California. She is mixed race with her mother being African American and her father being White. Everett has stated that growing up in Chico was a challenge for her being mixed race, as "you don’t fit in with White people because you’re too dark and you don’t fit in with the Black people because you’re too light.”[3] At the age of three, Everett's mother enrolled her in dance classes, to which she immediately fell in love with.[4] Everett moved to New York City at the age of sixteen to train at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to pursue a professional career in dance.[5] It was here that Everett first met choreographer Frank Gatson, Jr. and in turn, Beyoncé.[6] After starting work with Beyoncé, Everett was accepted and enrolled into the Juilliard School, but ultimately decided against going, due to touring with Beyoncé and wanting to pursue her dance career this way.[5]

Dance career

Everett (right) performing "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" with Beyoncé on Good Morning America.

Everett began dancing at three years old,[4] originating in ballet, but also training in tap and jazz.[7] At the age of sixteen, Everett moved to New York City to train at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.[5] During a training session here, Everett met Beyoncé's choreographer at the time, Frank Gatson, Jr., who in turn introduced Everett to Beyoncé after seeing her dance. Around two months later, Everett attended an open audition for Beyoncé. Gatson remembered Everett and ultimately ended up landing her a job with Beyoncé.[7]

At the age of seventeen, Everett started working with Beyoncé, and served as her first time dancing in music videos. During this time Beyoncé was working on a video anthology album for B'Day (2006), and was filming multiple videos. Everett ultimately landed dancing roles in "Green Light" and "Get Me Bodied".[5] Following on from this, Everett begun her first worldwide concert tour both in her dancing career and with Beyoncé, with The Beyoncé Experience (2007). Everett performed as a backup dancer for the duration of the 96 shows.[8] Since then, Everett has become a staple in a majority of Beyoncé projects and live performances. After receiving this experience in the music video and concert tour industry, Everett ultimately begun working with other music artists.

Everett (second from left) performing "Crazy in Love" with Beyoncé during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.

In 2008, Everett started by performing with one of her idols, Tina Turner, at the 2008 50th Annual Grammy Awards with Beyoncé.[6] She featured in the video for "Love in This Club" by Usher and began a working relationship with him. October of the same year resulted in one of the most notable and successful elements of Everett's career, when the video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" was released. The video, which features a J-Setting choreography, contained only Beyoncé, Everett and one other dancer. It has since gone viral, amassed over 375 million views and been recreated in the thousands.[9] It also won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.[10] Everett featured in videos for both "Ego" and "Sweet Dreams" from I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008), and ultimately begun her second worldwide tour with Beyoncé, on the I Am... World Tour (2009-10). Here, Everett performed as the female Dance Captain for the entire tour.[11] In 2010, Everett begun a working relationship with Ne-Yo. During the same year she featured in three of his music videos from his album Libra Scale (2010); "One in a Million", "Champagne Life" and "Beautiful Monster".[12] In 2011, Everett featured in three videos from Beyoncé's 4 (2011).[12]

2013 resulted in arguably the biggest year of Everett's career involving her work with Beyoncé. On February 3, 2013, Everett served as a lead backup dancer to the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show with Beyoncé. The performance was watched by 110.8 million Americans.[13] Following the performance, Beyoncé announced The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013-14), in which Everett would act as head Dance Captain for the entire 132 shows.[14] In the build up to the tour, Everett featured in Life Is But a Dream,[15] and television commercials airing worldwide for H&M and in the United Kingdom for O2.[16][17] Following the release of Beyoncé's self-titled visual album, Everett appeared in six videos from the project, including a lead acting role in "Heaven".[12] Just two months after The Mrs. Carter Show concluded, Everett was announced as the lead Dance Captain for Jay Z and Beyoncé's all stadium On the Run Tour (2014).[18] Everett performed as a backup dancer for the majority of Usher's The UR Experience Tour (2014-15), however missed some shows due to filming Hit the Floor.[19]

As well as the aforementioned artists, Everett has also danced and worked with Robin Thicke, Ciara, La Toya Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.[20]

Acting

Aside from dancing, Everett has ventured into acting. She featured in the pilot episode of Hit the Floor, as character Peyton. In late 2014 Everett stated she was filming for the upcoming third season of the series.[6] In 2012 Everett featured in the finale episode of the second season of Shake It Up.[21] In 2013, Everett starred with Beyoncé in the video to "Heaven" off of the album Beyoncé (2013). The video is Everett's first non-dancing role with Beyoncé, and features Everett acting out a variety of "bucket list" scenarios with her on-screen best friend, Beyoncé. The video treatment was written by Beyoncé and intentionally starred Everett. Everett has stated how she wants and hopes to get into more acting, including non-dancing roles.[22] She stated in 2014 "Film and cinematography and stuff lasts forever and that’s something that is really really great and really special to me. It’ll last longer than I’m alive and my kids and my grandkids and their kids and their grandkids can always see me and that’s what creates your legacy."[4]

Outside of acting, Everett has appeared on television networks such as Fox 32 and WCIU-TV to be interviewed and teach news anchors some dance moves, as well as promoting the relevant concert tours she was performing at on said interviews dates.[23][24]

Artistry

Dance style

Everett is professionally trained in contemporary ballet, and also trained in tap and jazz whilst growing in her craft.[7] Her work with popular music artists such as Beyoncé and Ciara often see's Everett performing to a more hip-hop and street style of dance, although some elements of ballet are implemented into certain performances.[4]

Public image

Everett is mostly recognized for her bright red hair, often styled as an afro.[25] Everett stated that it was Beyoncé who originally asked her to dye her hair, and that although the continuous dying is damaging, it has become so recognized that it would be missed by fans if she changed it.[26]

Influences

Everett has stated that her greatest dancing influence and most desired artist to work with is Janet Jackson. She also has named Michael Jackson if he was still alive and Justin Timberlake as other artists she would want to dance with.[4] Everett has also stated she is influenced and inspired by Beyoncé's work ethic.[22]

Videography

Music videos

All videos listed feature Everett either dancing or acting within them.

Year Music video Artist(s) Director(s) Reference(s)
2007 "Green Light" Beyoncé Melina Matsoukas [27][12]
"Get Me Bodied" Anthony Mandler [12]
2008 "Love in This Club" Usher Brothers Strause [12]
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" Beyoncé Jake Nava [9][12]
2009 "Ego"
+ Remix feat. Kanye West		 Beyoncé and Frank Gatson, Jr. [28][12]
"Sweet Dreams" Adria Petty [28][12]
2010 "One in a Million" Ne-Yo Wayne Isham [12]
"Champagne Life" [12]
"Beautiful Monster" [12]
2011 "Run the World (Girls)" Beyoncé Francis Lawrence [28][12]
"Countdown" Adria Petty and Beyoncé [12]
"Dance for You" Beyoncé and Alan Ferguson [12]
2013 "Haunted" Jonas Akerlund [29][12]
"Blow" Hype Williams [29][12]
"Mine" Beyoncé (feat. Drake) Pierre Debusschere [29][12]
"Superpower" Beyoncé (feat. Frank Ocean) Jonas Akerlund [29][12]
"Heaven" Beyoncé Beyoncé and Todd Tourso [22][29]
"Grown Woman" Jake Nava [12]

Television/Documentary

Year TV Show Role Notes
2008 50th Annual Grammy Awards[6] Herself Backup dancing for Beyoncé and Tina Turner
The Ellen DeGeneres Show[30] Herself Lead backup dancer for the performance of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
2009 2009 MTV Video Music Awards[30] Herself Lead dancer for the performance of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
2009 MTV Europe Music Awards[30] Herself Backup dancer for the performance of "Sweet Dreams"
2011 Beyoncé: Year of 4[31] Herself Everett is seen in behind the scenes rehearsal and video footage for "Run the World (Girls)".
X Factor France[32] Herself Backup dancer for the performance of "Run the World (Girls)".
Good Morning America: Summer Concert Series[33] Herself Lead backup dancer to a variety of performances with Beyoncé.
Glastonbury Festival[34] Herself Everett is a lead backup dancer for the duration of the 90 minute performance.
A Night with Beyoncé[35] Herself ITV music special, in which Everett is a lead backup dancer.
2012 Shake It Up[21] Role in the finale episode of season 2, ""Made in Japan".
2013 Super Bowl XLVII halftime show[13] Herself Everett performed as a lead backup dancer for the halftime show. The performance was viewed by 110.8 million Americans.
Life Is But a Dream[15] Herself Everett is seen in multiple scenes of the documentary, including during and behind the scenes of performances.
Hit the Floor[36] Peyton Pilot episode and has filmed for the upcoming third season.
You and Me This Morning[23] Herself Interview on You and Me This Morning to talk about the at the time upcoming Mrs. Carter Show World Tour show in Chicago.
2014 Good Day Chicago[24] Herself Interview on Good Day Chicago with fellow dancer Kimberly Gipson, to talk about the at the time upcoming On the Run Tour show in Chicago.
2014 MTV Video Music Awards[37] Herself Lead backup dancer. Performed as part of a 15 minute medley of Beyoncé (2013).
On the Run Tour: Beyoncé and Jay Z[18] Herself HBO special that aired on September 20, 2014. Everett is seen multiple times and acts as lead backup dancer for the duration.

Commercials

Year Commercial Notes
2013 O2[17] Promoting The Mrs. Carter World Tour in the United Kingdom. Everett is seen backup dancing.
H&M[16] Filmed in the Bahamas, to promote Beyoncé's 2013 H&M summer collection. Everett is seen backup dancing.

Tours and residency shows

Year Tour/residency name Number of shows Role
2007 The Beyoncé Experience[38] 96 Backup dancer
2009-10 I Am... World Tour[13] 107 Female Dance Captain
2009 I Am... Yours[39] 4 Female Dance Captain and additional choreographer
2011 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé[40] 4 Female Dance Captain
2012 Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live[41] 4 Female Dance Captain
2013-14 The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour[13] 132 Female Dance Captain
2014 On the Run Tour[42] 21 Dance Captain
2014-15 The UR Experience Tour[20] 50 Backup dancer

References

  1. ↑ "Ashley Everett". Ashley Everett official Facebook page. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  2. ↑ "The Birth of Ashley Everett". California Birth Index. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  3. ↑ Cristerna, Jinnie (November 11, 2014). "LESSONS LEARNED: ASHLEY EVERETT". Jet. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Word, Bianca (March 23, 2014). "Ashley Everett: Dancing With The Stars". Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Daniels, Sharifa (June 24, 2013). "Vixen Chat: Ashley Everett on Dancing With Beyonce and Lessons The Superstar Taught Her". VIBE Vixen. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Beyonce’s Lead Dancer Ashley Everett". Lobo Latest. July 25, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Johns, Hilary (August 18, 2011). "Interview with Ashley Everett". TheCelebrityCafe. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  8. ↑ Knowles, Beyoncé (2007). Official The Beyoncé Experience World Tour Program. USA: Columbia Records.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Cooper, Charlene (July 3, 2013). "New & Next: Ashley Everett Talks Dancing with Beyonce, Working on the 'Mrs Carter Show'". Essence. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  10. ↑ Anitai, Tamar (September 13, 2009). "2009 Video Music Awards Summary". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved December 27, 2010.
  11. ↑ Knowles, Beyoncé (2009). Official I Am... World Tour. USA: Columbia Records.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18 12.19 "Ashley Everett Videos". Ashley Everett official website. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 "Who Run the World? Beyoncé’s Girls!". Dance Spirit. April 11, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  14. ↑ Beyoncé (2013). Official The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour Program. USA.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "LIFE IS BUT A DREAM (2013)". Parkwood Entertainment. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "BEYONCE H&M SUMMER CAMPAIGN". Blanca LI. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Earle, Jade (January 22, 2014). "Beyonce’s Lead Dancer Reveals Why Bey Cut Off Her Hair EXCLUSIVE". hellobeautiful.com. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Beyoncé and Jay-Z (2014). Official On the Run Tour Program. USA: Parkwood Entertainment & S Carter Enterprises Under License to Global Merchandising Services. LTD.
  19. ↑ "Usher’s: The UR Experience Tour – Atlanta". The Peach Review. December 11, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Ashley Everett – About". Ashley Everett official website. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Our Chat With Beyoncé's Lead Dancer Ashley Everett and Dance Classes With Bey's Dancer #OnTheRun". Jubilee Magazine. July 15, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Daniels, Sharifa (January 29, 2014). "Vixen Chat: Beyonce’s Dancer Ashley Everett Breaks Down ‘Secretive’ Process Behind Visual Album". VIBE Vixen. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Ashley Everett Show Some Beyoncé's Moves on You & Me". You And Me This Morning official YouTube. July 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Beyonce's dancers preview the Beyonce and Jay Z concert". Fox 32 official YouTube. July 24, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Chit Chatter: Ashley Everett Talks Dancing With Beyonce For 7 Years & The Real Reason She Cut Her Hair". Bossip. January 22, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Backstage With Beyoncé's Main Dancing Queen". Refinery 29. July 18, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Ashley Everett: Dance.Grind.Glam.". N'DIGO. July 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Bonds, Randy (May 27, 2011). "Beyonce’s Lead Dancers Check In With AndWePresent (Video Inside)". AndWePresent. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 "BEYONCÉ (2013)". Parkwood Entertainment. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 "Ashley Everett Résumé" (PDF). Zone Management. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  31. ↑ "FULL VIDEO: Beyonce's "Year Of 4" Mini-Documentary". The YBF. June 30, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  32. ↑ Littlejohn, Georgina (June 29, 2011). "It's a 'oui' from me: Beyonce gyrates on the judges' table on X Factor France". The Daily Mail. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  33. ↑ "Beyonce Wows Crowd With 'Good Morning America Summer Concert Series' Performance". ABC News. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Beyonce Backup Dancer Kimberly Gipson Talks Natural Hair and Life as a Dancer". BGLH. July 27, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  35. ↑ "A Night with Beyoncé". Victory Television. December 4, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  36. ↑ "BEYONCE’S DANCER ASHLEY EVERETT IN ‘HIT THE FLOOR’ VH1 SERIES". The New York Gossip. March 28, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  37. ↑ Wyatt, Daisy (August 25, 2014). "Watch Beyonce perform full album Beyoncé at MTV VMAs 2014". The Independent. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Beyonce's Lead Dancer Reveals Why Bey Cut Off Her Hair [EXCLUSIVE]". The Huffington Post. January 24, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  39. ↑ "I AM… YOURS (2009)". Parkwood Entertainment. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  40. ↑ "LIVE AT ROSELAND (2011)". Parkwood Entertainment. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  41. ↑ "Ashley Everett: The Journey of Dance". AndWePresent. June 19, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  42. ↑ Gibbs, Adrienne (July 24, 2014). "Beyonce’s dance captain is On the Run in Chicago and dishes on Blue Ivy and those divorce rumors". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 17, 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ashley Everett.