Our Team

Ami Dowden-Fant | Owner & Artistic Director

AMI DOWDEN-FANT was born in Richmond, Virginia, and started her exploration of dance at the tender age of four. Since then, she has trained in many dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, and Modern. While studying for her BFA in Dance & Choreography at Virginia Commonwealth University, she worked alongside numerous artists: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Tania Isaac, Daniel Gwitzman, Robert Battle, and more.

Over the years, Miss Ami has been awarded numerous recognitions, such as the Outstanding Choreographer and Performer Award from VCU, and her choreography has been presented at venues like the National American College Dance Festival Gala and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Miss Ami Dowden-Fant has been instilled with the gift to

educate and provide young aspiring dancers with a well-rounded education. That’s why today she serves as

Artistic Director of River City.

Danielle King | Director's Assistant for Performance Company

DANIELLE KING began training at the age of six. In her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, she attended classes at the Richmond City Dance Program. Later, at the age of nine, she joined their dance company, The Richmond City Dance Troupe. Miss Danielle has trained in various styles of movement: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, African and Pointe.

She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and received her BFA in Dance & Choreography. While in college, she studied with professionals like Robert Battle, Gerri Houlihan, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Daniel Gwirtzman, and others. She also spent time performing at various festivals and competitions.

Now, Miss Danielle teaches dance at various studios, churches, and the Boys and Girls Club. She has a passion for dance and shares that enthusiasm as a dance educator.

Delaney Ambrose | Acro Instructor

Delaney Ambrose is from the Hampton Roads area, and attended VCU where she obtained her Bachelor's in Business Administration. She was a competitive gymnast when she was younger, and has been teaching for 10 years. Being able to work with all skill levels while teaching kids both tumbling and life skills is her passion! She prides herself on her ability to work with students from all backgrounds and works diligently to help each of them reach their potential at their own pace.

Deborah T. Dowden | Interim Event Coordinator

Deborah T. Dowden a native of Richmond, VA. Has been a support of River City from the beginning, Ms. Dowden a retired Postal Worker of 35 years now is serving a President of the USPS UNION and support of River City keepsakes moments.

Michele Turlington | Studio Manager

Michele Turlington was born and raised in Erie, PA where

she was initially introduced to dancing. She danced for many years during elementary and middle school and took a couple classes while in college. After graduating from Slippery Rock University, she moved to Newport News, VA where she started her teaching career and eventually moved to Richmond where she currently resides with her husband and two children.

Michele has been a member of the River City team for ten

years and both her and her children are current students. Previously Michele was a middle school teacher and clinic assistant and currently she is a travel agent along with

being River City’s Studio Manager.