Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Moulder.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Royal Essence Elite was created through the vision of Ashley Moulder. As a proud graduate of Riverdale High School and Albany State University and a member of both marching bands, Ashley’s passion for the arts led her to create an outstanding program for the youth in the city where she grew up!
Ashley knew she could not take on such a project alone so she solicited the help of her college friend, Tulani Sledge, another graduate of Albany State University also a lover of the arts to embark on this adventure with her!
November 2014 Royal Essence Elite was birthed! The very first audition was held in January of 2015. The founding members of Royal Essence Elite were from Clayton County’s prestigious Performing Arts High School and Langston Hughes High school. We held an audition at a local dance studio and the turnout was more than we expected!
The team was established and well on their way. Throughout the years, the team has won numerous trophies and have traveled nationally. Royal Essence Elite is known for their creativity and technical dance ability as a Majorette team! Royal Essence Elite was the winner of the Rookies vs. Vets competition helped by Coach Diana Williams of the infamous Dancing Dolls. The team also had the opportunity to premiere in the television show Saints and Sinners! The has experienced a lot over the years yet we would not change a thing! Those experiences have shaped the team to be what you see today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth for us! The majorette community is always faced with some type of test or trial and Royal Essence Elite has definitely had their fair share. From the restructuring and rebranding of our organization after 5 years to the uncertainty of financial stability that was faced by the team due to inconsistent enrollment before and after covid!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a majorette dance team. We are known for being one of the most respected and highly talented teams in Metro Atlanta.
What sets us apart from other teams is our undeniable ability to create and execute performances that go beyond the normal scope of a typical majorette show. The coaches theatrical background and keen sense of music and ability to tell a story and connect with the audience is amazing.
Our purpose is bigger than dance. We want to build our community and mentor our members and instill confidence and a sense of self-respect in them. We like to think of our organization as a family first!
We offer an exciting opportunity for children ages 5 to 19 years of age to safely and confidently express themselves through competition dance as well as other activities relating to performing arts.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Tulani Sledge has been my right hand! Though she gets on my last nerve at times and we are always competition for the most creative idea, there would be no Royal Essence Elite without her! She has been my friend for over 14 years and having her as my creative director and the head coach has brought me much success.
I have to give much appreciation to Eldred Eady. He was responsible for the team marketing that brought us our first members.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/royal_essence_elite_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCLhr9m1wbNbH2CXnAR86SOg
