Meet the Staff
Marlo Hilton Almonte, Director
“Dance less out of habit and more out of intent,” is the expression symbolic to Marlo’s formula for a well-rounded dance class. A native to Zephyrhills Florida, she has been dancing for 39 years and a dance teacher for 23 years. She has studied dance at Broadway Dance Centre in New York, Jacksonville University, and the University of South Florida. While at USF, she received a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education and was certified to teach in the public school system. She has studied dance styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, jazz, tap, clogging, musical theatre, baton, acrobatics, gymnastics, african dance, belly dance, ethnic and folk dance, improvisation, choreography, and movement analysis. She has studied with artists such as Madam Darvash, Tony Coppola, Michael Foley, Laurie Ann Gibson, Geri Houlihan, Sifiso Kweyama, Liz Lerman, Finis Jhung, Chris Judd, Mia Michaels, Brice Mousset, and Shane Sparks. She has performed for Walt Disney World, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the National Football League, the University of South Florida, and several college bowl games, as well as televised events. She has received numerous titles, choreography awards, and other recognitions as an educator, teacher, choreographer, and director. She has also choreographed for other venues including television commercials, plays, musicals, art schools, cheerleading squads, pageants and church functions. Marlo is the Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Dancer for Asher Dance Eclectic, a professional dance company that incorporates and encourages persons with disabilities. Marlo is looking forward to sharing her passion by educating and training dancers at Downtown Dance Collective.
Ashley Guest, Ballet, Barre Basics
Ashley has been dancing since the age of two and trained throughout her childhood in classical ballet, as well as jazz and lyrical. She is passionate about helping young dancers build strong technical foundations through proper alignment, dance vocabulary, musicality, and body awareness. She believes that confidence begins with solid technique and strives to build a positive and encouraging environment where every dancer can grow in skill and artistry. Ashley has been teaching children for over 5 years in different educational environments to include homeschooling groups and even 4 years as a Girl Scout Leader. Ashley currently also teaches ballet and jazz at Life International Academy.
Kayla Dye, Musical Theatre
Kayla's life mission is to bring joy and entertainment to people of all ages. She is passionate about dancing, singing, skateboarding, and making others smile. She has dedicated numerous years to tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern dance. Kayla's goal at Downtown Dance Collective is to inspire dancers in a positive manner, making a lasting impact on their dancing abilities. When she's not at the studio, Kayla can be found at multiple establishments curating the perfect Karaoke set as a local DJ.
Kylie Donovan, Cheer Pom
Kylie has been dancing for 16 years. She spent 8 of those years dancing competitively. She has earned numerous achievements in regionals, nationals, and worlds in her dancing career. Her specialty style is Lyrical. Her favorite part of dance has been the friends she has made along the way. Kylie is a graduate of Pasco High School and currently attends St. Leo Univerity. When she isn't in classes, you can find her flying and flipping as a St. Leo Cheerleader.