Junior Spirit
Ashley Almada
Twelve-year-old Ashley Almada has been dancing since she was five, and from the beginning of her dancing career, her dream has always been to be selected as Spirit of Fiesta. After three attempts to accomplish this, and lots of practice, Ashley has finally reached her longtime goal. Ashley’s family has always been involved in Fiesta, ever since she can remember. Her sisters also dance, and this year her brother will be in the parade. Both of Ashley’s parents are very supportive of her dancing.
Although her family has always contributed to Fiesta, she is the first Almada to win the title of Spirit. She said it was “a really tough competition; everyone was a great dancer.” Ashley gave it all she had, which paid off when she was chosen out of 17 other girls to be the Junior Spirit of 2008’s Fiesta.
She loves everything about flamenco and her favorite part of dancing is when she gets to do it in front of a live audience. The crowd’s “reactions make me enjoy it even more,” she said.
