If you’ve watched a Beyoncé performance in the last seven years, then you’ve seen Ashley Everett, the fierce redhead next to Queen B on stage.
Ashley was a prospective Juilliard School student at the age of 17, but changed her path in life when she instead decided to accept Beyonce’s offer to dance back-up. Seven years later, she is Beyonce’s lead dancer and there is no looking back.
How to be a Redhead sat down to chat with Ashley before she took off to South America for the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. From redhead beauty tips to her incredible work ethic, she talked about it all:
H2BAR: How did you dance career begin?
AE: I tell everyone that I have been dancing since I was in the womb! I started taking ballet at 2 1/2 and never stopped. I really liked it and as I started getting older, I started doing hip hop and jazz. I grew up in a small town and there weren’t many opportunities, so at 16 year-old, I moved to New York City. I lived there for 5 years and that’s where my career started to take off. I auditioned for Beyonce and the rest is history.
H2BAR: What inspired your signature red locks?
AE: Beyonce asked me to go red! I wanted to go red anyway, but I was afraid to take the plunge. Beyonce wanted some variety on stage and when she heard I was thinking of going red, she thought it was a great idea. Everyone on stage was a brunette and now my red hair adds some pop! I’ve had red hair since 2009 and don’t plan on changing it anytime soon.
H2BAR: You travel a ton! What are your favorite hair products to bring on the road?
AE: I love anything made by Moroccan Oil. I especially love the Moroccan Oil Intense Curl Cream because it is so hydrating. I’m also a huge fan of Ouidad’s Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel because it doesn’t harden or flake.
H2BAR: Your skin always looks flawless. How do you keep it looking so good?
AE: I use Jergens products because it keeps your skin soft and smooth. For my face, I use Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer because I don’t tan my face. The tint in the moisturizer gives my face a glow.
H2BAR: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from working with Beyonce?
AE: Beyonce is really inspiring. She’s so successful because that’s all she knows; she works hard and keeps going. I work with her so closely and if she isn’t happy with something, she keeps going. She never settles. Beyonce has inspired me to work hard and follow my heart.
H2BAR: What is your favorite Beyonce video?
AE: Well, I guess “Single Ladies” is one of my favorites because it did so well. Shooting it was such a process! It was exhausting. I loved the way it came out and I am so satisfied with the result. I also love “Ego” and “Girls” because they are powerful.
H2BAR: What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
AE: I always wanted to dance and I knew I could do it as a career. I worked hard EVERY DAY. Growing up, I was at dance classes when my friends were at the pool. For anyone that is up-and-coming with a dream, you need to work hard for it and stick to it. And always remember that dreams really can come true. I also recommend taking a ton of classes and train in many different styles because it will open many opportunities. When you aren’t dancing, go out and meet people. Sometimes, it is all about who you know, but you have to have the talent to back it up.
H2BAR: Do you have any artist you would like to work with?
AE: I would love to work with Justin Timberlake.
H2BAR: Why do you love your red hair?
AE: Having red hair has given me a boost of confidence because it has drawn a good type of attention, which is a blessing. It’s fun! I enjoy the brightness.
Want to see more photos of Ashley kickin’ it on stage with Beyonce? See the slideshow below:
See the famous “Single Ladies” video below. Ashley is the dancing queen to the right of Beyonce:
