Sponsored by The Jeté Society
Company
Ashley Murphy-Wilson
Ashley Murphy-Wilson, hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, joined The Washington Ballet in 2015 after a remarkable 13-year tenure at the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). She began her dance training in Louisiana under the guidance of Luther Cox and Carol Anglin, where she developed a strong pre-professional foundation. Her early career was marked by extensive performance opportunities, including participation in Regional Dance America (RDA), which honed her skills and stage presence.
In 2002, after an intensive six-week summer program, Murphy-Wilson was invited to join DTH’s Dancing Through Barriers® Ensemble. Her exceptional talent and dedication led to her acceptance into the Professional Company the following year. During her time with DTH, she toured extensively and performed in iconic ballets such as The Firebird, Serenade, The Four Temperaments, and Concerto Barocco.
During Dance Theatre of Harlem’s eight-year hiatus, she played a crucial role in the company’s restoration by performing with the DTH Ensemble, thus preserving the company’s esteemed legacy. Her commitment to the art form also led her to teach for DTH’s Pre-Professional Residency at the Kennedy Center. During those years she had the honor of performing at The White House, on BET, Jeopardy!, and represented the United States in cultural exchange programs in Jamaica and Honduras. Additionally, she was featured in a Verizon Wireless commercial and the documentary Black Ballerina, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Since joining The Washington Ballet, Murphy-Wilson has achieved several milestones for the company and in her career, including being the first Black woman to perform the role of Giselle and Caroline in Antony Tudor’s Jardin Aux Lilas. Her prominence in the field is further highlighted by her features on the cover of the Dance Theatre of Harlem book and in Misty Copeland’s Black Ballerinas.
In addition to her professional achievements she has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s College, further solidifying her academic and artistic foundation. She is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), allowing her to integrate knowledge of fitness and wellness into her professional practice.
Murphy-Wilson’s enduring presence in the dance world serves as a beacon of inspiration for young aspiring dancers of all backgrounds. Her career reflects not only her remarkable talent but also her dedication to the art form and her commitment to inspiring the next generation.
Headshot credit: Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, M3 Mitchell Media & Marketing
