By Paul Salfen
Ashlee Montague, a classically trained ballerina turned Guinness World Record-holding Cirque du Soleil acrobat, has taken the world by storm with her audacious performances that blend the elegance of ballet with the heart-pounding thrill of extreme circus artistry. Her unforgettable appearance on America’s Got Talent Season 19, where she walked en pointe atop flaming wine bottles, left judge Simon Cowell in awe, declaring she had “made ballet so dangerous.” In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, Ashlee shares her journey from a young dancer to a global sensation, her fearless approach to performance, and what’s next for this trailblazing artist.
A Foundation in Discipline, A Leap into the Extraordinary
Ashlee’s journey began at age three, when she was immersed in ballet, competitive dance, and gymnastics. “My mom was driving me all over the place,” she recalls with a laugh, reflecting on her early years. By seven, her mother made the pivotal decision to focus solely on ballet, a choice Ashlee initially resisted but now credits for shaping her career. “I’m so grateful she left me in ballet because that foundation teaches you unbelievable discipline and the ability to hold yourself with grace through physically trying skills,” she says.
This discipline became the bedrock for her evolution into a performer who defies gravity and expectations. After meeting her husband, Richard, at ballet school, the couple moved to New York City, where they began street performing. A chance encounter with aerialists introduced them to the world of circus arts. “They were like, ‘Why don’t you come to the circus?’ And we were like, ‘Sure, let’s try it!’” Ashlee recounts. That leap of faith led to a love affair with the circus world, including stints with Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour and a standout performance in Amazon Prime’s Mozart in the Jungle.
From Burning Man to Global Stages
Ashlee’s performances are as diverse as they are daring. At this year’s Burning Man Festival, she captivated audiences by performing on heavy machinery, embracing the unpredictable elements of the desert. “Any time anyone says, ‘Do you want to fly on a crane or a piece of heavy machinery?’ I’m like, ‘I will take that offer!’” she says with enthusiasm. The playa’s erratic weather only adds to the challenge, but for Ashlee, it’s part of the magic. “You’re at the mercy of what the playa gives you, but beautiful things come from that,” she explains.
Her ability to transform challenges into opportunities shone brightest on America’s Got Talent. Performing her signature bottle-walking act solo for the first time, Ashlee faced immense pressure. “It was the highest elevation I’d ever attempted, with no safety, no line, nothing,” she recalls. “I dedicated every moment of every day for over a month to make it as good as it could be.” The result was a performance that not only wowed the judges but also propelled her to the quarterfinals, cementing her as a force in the performance world.
Ashlee’s star continued to rise in 2025 as a finalist on Das Supertalent, Germany’s premier talent competition. For her finale, she pushed the boundaries further with fire and explosions, turning a disastrous rehearsal into a triumphant performance. “The rehearsal went so bad, but it was perfect because I figured out everything that could go wrong,” she says. This ability to embrace failure as a learning opportunity has defined her career. “If you can see it happening for yourself, there’s nothing stopping you but you,” she asserts, channeling a mindset that has carried her from local stages to global platforms.
A Trailblazer’s Mindset: Turning Rejection into Redemption
Ashlee’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. She vividly recalls a performance where swollen ankles caused her to lose balance, sending bottles tumbling. “I slumped under the platform, and there was no saving that,” she admits. Yet, the audience’s supportive reaction reminded her of the resilience required in her craft. “Every time I have a really good performance, it feels that much better because no one knows what went into it,” she says.
Her advice to aspiring performers, particularly young girls inspired by her daring acts, is to follow their joy. “You have to find the things that bring you joy, even if they don’t fit the traditional path,” she advises. Ashlee’s own path—far from the conventional ballet trajectory—led her to create something entirely new: a fusion of ballet and circus that didn’t exist before. “I didn’t wake up wanting to be known as the girl who walks on champagne bottles en pointe,” she laughs. “But it brought me joy, and it brought others joy.”
A Bright Future Fueled by Passion
Ashlee’s creativity extends beyond the stage. She co-produces Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum in Massachusetts that recreates the 1830s. The production, now in its fourth and final year, was nominated for one of New England’s best Halloween experiences, outshining even Salem. “It’s been incredible to bring this to life,” she says, noting the joy of creating immersive experiences that resonate with audiences.
Looking ahead, Ashlee teases “really big things” in store, though she keeps the details under wraps until they’re fully realized. “You’ll be seeing a lot more of me,” she promises with a smile. Fans can follow her adventures on social media (@AshleyRoseMontague on Instagram, @AshleyMontague on TikTok and YouTube), where she shares everything from her high-flying performances to lighthearted moments inspired by her inner six-year-old. “I’m just having a blast and trying to live every moment like my younger self would be cheering me on,” she says.
A Legacy of Fearless Artistry
From her early days in ballet to her record-breaking performances with Cirque du Soleil and her electrifying appearances on America’s Got Talent and Das Supertalent, Ashlee Montague has redefined what it means to be a ballerina. Her fearless fusion of classical technique and high-risk artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that with passion, discipline, and a touch of daring, anything is possible.
For those eager to witness her next act, Ashlee’s performances at Phantoms by Firelight run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through mid-October at Old Sturbridge Village. As she continues to push boundaries and inspire the next generation, one thing is clear: Ashlee Montague is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.
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