“If I play music they like; give them dance moves that are simple, yet challenging; make them laugh; and never, never let them get bored…they’ll reach their goals.”
– Ian Eagle Ashanti
Mr. Ian – Cardio Fitness
Ian Eagle Ashanti is an adrenaline juggernaut. He uses his experience, as both an entertainer and an athlete, to push his students to dance their “tookuses” off during each one of his “Ian-ized” classes here at Freestyle Dance Academy in Chalfont, PA.
Ian Eagle Ashanti was born on January 12, 1977 (six months before Star Wars…yes, important it is) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At age 11, Ian joined his church choir and his love of singing and performing grew from there. He would go on to develop a deep passion for the arts, gathering training in ways both formally and informally. Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, and Steven Tyler were his biggest influences. During his senior year in high school in 1995, Ian was accepted into The Teddy Pendergrass All Star Community Choir, and got to perform alongside Patti LaBelle, Gerald LeVert, Chubby Checker, and Teddy Pendergrass.
The real tale begins in 1989, when Ian attended a school dance, only to realize…HE COULDN’T DANCE! Here is where the story began…
Everyday after school, Ian came home, ran upstairs, and turned on BET. Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, Heavy D, Bobby Brown, and Salt-N-Pepa became his dance instructors. When Ian went to the next school dance, he wasn’t THE best dancer, but he was ONE of the best dancers. This should be great news for all of Ian’s potential students. IT’S FUN, AND ANYONE CAN DO IT!
Mr. Ian performing with Freestyle Dance Academy at Lincoln Financial Field.
After graduating high school, Ian was accepted to Belmont University, in Nashville, Tennessee, to study vocal performance. After attending for one year, he decided to return to Philadelphia, and enrolled in acting classes at The Wilma Theater while he continued to sing. As a triple threat performer, Ian has worked in theaters and bands throughout Philadelphia, along with entertaining the masses at private events as a Master of Ceremonies for Pulse Entertainment. In 2009, Ian decided to focus on his OWN music and formed an original funk band called The Pink Elefant Show, in which he is the lead singer. The band is currently finishing its debut album and is set to release it’s first video before the end of the year. Ian was also an on-air personality for Philadelphia’s local show Dancin’ on Air.
Mr. Ian w/ his students before the 2014 Freestyle Dance Academy showcase.
Aside from performing, Ian has also had an extensive athletic career. Growing up, Ian played various sports including: baseball, football, lacrosse, wrestling and martial arts. Ian wrestled all throughout high school, and was even offered a few scholarships. In 2011, Ian took up swimming at the local YMCA, and quickly taught himself all four strokes. In only four months, he conditioned himself to swim freestyle for two miles. Ian also teaches swimming at the local YMCA. He uses his athletic background and knowledge to help each person get the best possible workout.
Ian believes that all his students will be motivated by his love for dance and fitness, while he keeps Cardio Fitness entertaining and fun.
“Bring a friend and get down!” – Ian
Recently, Mr. Ian (along with other cast members from Philadelphia’s Dancin’ On Air) was selected to be featured on FUSE network’s “Saturday Morning Fever.” Click here to read all about it!
Check out some of Mr. Ian’s music with his band, The Pink Elefant Show
