By: Hannah Zwemer
Can you believe it’s already September? We’ve had a busy summer: between special Master Classes, another Best Of Orlando Award under our belts, and a full studio renovation - the last few months went by in a blur.
To kick off the start of a brand new season, we’re bringing you another spotlight…this time on one of our fabulous instructors, Amanda! A kind soul and a multi-talented local performer, Amanda is the one to call when you need help tapping into your inner Fred Astaire.
Looking for the best adult dance classes in the greater Orlando area? Catch one of Amanda’s lessons – or any of our other fun-filled, blood-pumping dance or fitness classes – by visiting our schedule right here on the website. We look forward to seeing you let loose under our big shiny disco ball!
The Early Years: Amanda Discovers a Love for Dance
HZ: How and when did you start dancing? What do you love most about movement?
AB: I started taking dance lessons when I was three years old! By the time I turned eight, I was on the competitive dance team. I competed in lyrical, jazz and tap. Of course, my favorite was tap! My favorite thing about movement is the endorphins. I could walk into Studio K on one of my hardest days, and walk out feeling like a million bucks. Dancing really is the best form of medicine.
Studio K: A Unique Dance Community
HZ: Why did you become an instructor here at Studio K?
AB: I took a number of dance classes at Studio K before becoming an instructor. When I learned that there was an opening, I inquired and was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity. I was so excited to have a regularly scheduled day every week that I could incorporate tap dancing into my routine. This is not always easy to come by as an adult! Wednesday nights are truly my favorite weekday nights now.
HZ: What classes do you teach and do you have a favorite?
AB: I teach tap and it is my favorite!
HZ: What makes Studio K different from other studios? What's your favorite thing about our space/community?
AB: Too many to name! Studio K was exactly what I was looking for when I was originally looking for adult drop-in tap classes. I was so excited to find a studio that offered this. It can be really challenging as an adult to find a dance studio that offers adult drop-in classes, let alone find a studio that does not feel too intimidating. Studio K not only offers everyone the opportunity to take dance classes, but all of the classes are warm, welcoming and FUN. I am so proud to be a small part of the Studio K story.
Life Beyond the Studio: A Day as Amanda
HZ: When you're not here teaching classes, where can you be found? What do you do for work during the day?
AB: When I am not teaching I can be found running on the West Orange Trail and performing with my husband, Steve. I also sing the Canadian National Anthem for the Tampa Bay Lightning. For work, I am a Business Process Analyst at UKG.
Final Thoughts: Anything Else?
HZ: Anything else you'd like to add or expand on?
AB: Tap dancing was not only my favorite form of dance growing up, but it was the one that I took to the quickest. I enjoyed jazz and lyrical, but I was not nearly as flexible or graceful as my fellow dance friends. I found a really safe space in tap shoes because I felt confident in myself and I enjoyed the challenge. One of my favorite things about tap is that it is really a two-fold practice: not only are you dancing with your body, but you are literally drumming with your feet! It is such a fun and challenging style and I hope that my classes can serve as a springboard for anyone looking to try it out - or expand upon their skills.
Try Your Hand (or Foot…) at Tap & Take Amanda’s Class!
So there you have it! The way we’re able to cultivate such a loving, supportive, and engaged community starts with our instructors. It’s people like Amanda – who share their passion, talent, and limitless kindness so willingly that it invites everyone else in the room to do the same. To come as you are, give it your best, and leave it all on the floor – no matter what.
If tap is something you’ve always been curious to try or you’ve been looking for just the right place to lace up your old shoes, check out Amanda’s Wednesday night tap classes. With two different levels alternating weeks, there’s a little something for everyone. And remember…the floor is YOURS!
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