Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Garcia.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi I’m Amanda 🙂 I was raised in Dallas, TX and then moved out to Southern California where I attended Chapman University and graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance and minor in Entrepreneurship in 2018. After then living in Los Angeles, CA for 7 years pursuing dance, I decided to move back to TX last Summer. Since living in Dallas again, I have been actively making my mark as a dancer and choreographer. I am so thankful to be back in Texas, and aim to add to the dance scene out here as much as possible!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A dance career is definitely not the easiest career path. During covid, there was practically no work for performers, so it was a struggle staying relevant in the dance world. I resorted to online classes and teaching through zoom. However, since moving back to Dallas I would say my main struggle has been finding dance gigs. It isn’t as much of a dance hub for working professionals as it is out in LA. So, one of my many goals is to create more jobs for professional dancers in Dallas. This struggle definitely has motivated me to use my creativity and I have several ideas for the future!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dancer at heart; however, I also am a content creator. I teach dance in Frisco as well as try to work as much as a dancer myself. I have really been able to focus in on my choreography this past year, and this area is where I want my dance career to flourish in the future. I have always loved choreography since going to Booker T. Washington HS. This specialty is my favorite because I am able to let my creativity fly, and see how each individual dancer takes my choreography and makes it their own. I always preach in my classes, I prefer for dancers to augment my movement and make it feel good on their bodies, instead of an exact replica of the combo. This perspective is something that sets me apart from others because there are several choreographers out there who are very strict and want their movements executed exactly as they teach it. I prefer for a dancer to take my choreography and run with it! Express your individuality!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I have learned that family is everything. I decided to move back to Dallas during Covid-19 for several reasons, but family being something on the top of my list. Living in a different state for 7 years is tough. Fortunately, I am very close to my family, but I wasn’t able to see them nearly as much as I would’ve liked during those years. So now that we are all in the same state, I’m able to see them and my nieces and nephews much more frequently! I also learned not to take my craft too seriously. When I was relying solely on dance gigs as my primary income, it put so much stress on it. Now that I have other streams of revenue, dance is fun again! I’m able to work when work comes up, but if there’s nothing that month it’s not a stressful situation. I have found my love and passion for dance again this past year, and I truly can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in the future!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandagarciadance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agdancedallas/
Image Credits
Lindsay Rosenberg
