Ashley Payne Cook -
Owner, Certified Clogging & Hip Hop Instructor
Ashley began clogging at age 4 and hasn't stopped moving her feet since! She has clogged all over the country including Las Vegas, Florida, Disney World, and Hawaii. Most recently she competed internationally at the Dance World Cup! She is a Certified Clogging Instructor through the National Clogging Hall of Fame. Ashley graduated from ASU with a degree in Communications, minored in Dance, and also received her certification in Classical Pilates. In 2021 she returned to school at UNC Chapel Hill, and in 2022 received her certificate for Digital Marketing.
Ashley is passionate about sharing her love for dance, especially clogging, with others; whether that is in the studio teaching or out in the community performing. She is also the owner and operator of Payne's Advertising in Boone and she recently became a Children’s Author, publishing her first book last July - Nacho House Cat. She has books 2 and 3 releasing this spring and summer. In her free time she can be found at the beach!
Rose bauguess
Rose is from Bowie, TX where she danced for many years. There, she specialized in Tap, Russian Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Broadway/ Musical theater, Ballroom, and Hip Hop. She moved to the area earlier this year after marrying her husband Colby. Rose has always had a passion for teaching dance and started assistant teaching as well as sup-teaching at the age of 16. She has Competed in Pointe, Contemporary, Broadway, and Hip-Hop over the years, both solos and groups, and has always placed. She’s very happy to be joining the AppRhythm Team!.
Abby Becker
Abby grew up in Atlanta, GA where she began clogging and Irish step dance starting at age 6. She has danced competitively in notable competitions such as Smoky Mountain Encore, Dollywood Clogging Classic, CCA Showdown, and Deep South Dance Off. She has competed in the masters solos category for contemporary and traditional clogging, as well as the team division for numerous categories. Additionally, she has spent many summers in Branson, Missouri in a rotating clogging show in Silver Dollar City.
Abby is a Appalachian State student studying Recreation Management and Geography. She loves anything outdoors, going to live music with her friends, and making art.
CAROLINE LASCHINGER
Caroline is from Atlanta, Georgia. She has been Irish dancing since the age of 6. She partook I competitive Irish dance all around the country from ages 10 to 17! She is an Appalachian State University student studying Sustainable Development and Religious Studies. Caroline is very grateful for this experience. She is looking forward to teaching a style of dance which she is so passionate about!
samantha muller
Samantha has been dancing for a total of 20 years. She started clogging with Appalachian Rhythm in 2018 as a college student and hasn’t stopped since! She was born and raised in Hickory, but Boone is her forever home. In the daytime she is a 6th grade Math and Science teacher in Catawba County. Samantha also owns an online marketing business! She loves Jesus, the beach, Disney, anything with glitter, and my furry babies Emma, Babycat, and Murphy. She is super excited to be a teacher with Appalachian Rhythm. .
stella cook assistant teacher
Stella has been dancing since before she could walk (not having much of a choice since Ashley is her mom)! Competing since the age of two, she has been a part of numerous team awards. At age eleven Stella branched out into solos. She has won one national award and numerous regional awards. Most recently she was the bronze solo medalist in her category and age division at the Dance World Cup in Montreal, Canada. Stella has performed at the Apple Festival in Georgia, and Disney World. She enjoys playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.
Joanne hughes
studio manager
JoAnne is a Boone native, having been born and raised here. She has been clogging for 13 years. She loves Jesus, her family and friends, cat, goats, crafting, and of course dance! JoAnne is excited to be the Boone Appalachian Rhythm studio manager.