Ashley Everett, the former longtime dance captain for Beyoncé, surprisingly isn’t part of Bey’s Renaissance Tour that is set to run in the States from next month. This obviously came as a surprise fans, as it marks the first time in 17 years that Everett was not going to be dancing alongside Beyoncé. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE this week, Everett opens up about her decision and reveals that it was time for her to embark on a new journey in her career. Despite the rumors of drama and an alleged rivalry between the two, Everett assures everyone that Beyoncé fully supports her in anything she chooses to do.
“Obviously working with Beyoncé has been incredible and I’ve learned so much from her,” she said. I feel like the pandemic was super transformative for me. It was the first time I was able to sit down and stay home and pour into me, fill up my cup […] It’s a new journey — the renaissance of Ashley Everett essentially.” Interestingly enough, she went on to tell the publication that she’s “super proud” seeing Blue Ivy perform with her mom on stage but isn’t sure whether she herself will be attending a show.
Elsewhere, reflecting on her time working with Beyoncé, Everett fondly recalls how she landed the opportunity and how they became like family over the years. The bond they formed through their shared passion for dance is undeniable. However, Everett apparently felt it was time to shift her focus and explore new ventures. The transformative experience of the pandemic has made her realize the importance of self-growth and personal development.
Besides her dance career, Everett is also involved in various projects. She has ventured into television shows and even started her own CBD company. These new endeavors allow her to explore different aspects of her creativity and expand her horizons beyond dancing. While she will undoubtedly miss the fun times and incredible experiences she had with Beyoncé, Everett cherishes the memories and valuable lessons she has learned from working with the iconic artist.
It’s important to note that despite Everett’s absence from the tour, there is no supposed bad blood between her and Beyoncé. In fact, their relationship remains strong, with Beyoncé supporting Everett’s decision to pursue other opportunities. The rumors of drama are simply unfounded, and both women continue to hold each other in high regard.
As Ashley Everett begins this new chapter in her career, fans can expect to see her shine in different arenas. Whether it’s through her captivating performances on television or her innovative CBD products, Everett’s talent and determination will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences. While it may be bittersweet for fans to not see her dancing alongside Beyoncé, they can take solace in the fact that she is pursuing her dreams and embracing the next phase of her journey.