Mentorship Matters
This work is ongoing, selective, and deeply personal — rooted in the idea that mentorship can change the trajectory of a dancer’s life.
Why give?
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Make A Difference
Your donation helps create real, measurable change in a dancer’s journey.
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Support A Cause You Love
Give back to something that aligns with your values and passions.
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Inspire Others
Your generosity can motivate friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.
What People Are Saying
“Working with Amanda has made me realize how powerful mindset is in shaping our reality. She’s taught me the importance of coming into class with an open mind, ready to absorb new information and use visualization — mentally running through choreography and seeing yourself on stage — as a tool for growth.
From the moment I started training with her, she has been incredibly supportive and has always believed in my potential. When our first performance was approaching, I didn’t feel ready and told her I didn’t think I could do it. She reminded me how much I had grown and how proud she was of me, while giving me the space to make my own decision about performing. She also offered additional training and encouraged me to ask more questions, which helped me feel more confident and supported rather than pressured.
Amanda truly sees everyone’s potential and believes in each individual. Her patience, kindness, and ability to break things down make the environment feel safe and inviting. Even though she has trained with highly skilled, professional dancers, she makes everyone in the room feel seen and valued, despite their experience level. It’s also clear that she cares about us beyond the classroom and is deeply invested in us as people.”
— Studied with Amanda for 2 years
“I have learned a great deal about leadership from Amanda and how to tailor feedback to the dancers in the class.
I always feel supported as a dancer by Amanda when she is in the room.
Amanda cares about her students' well-being. The Bay could use more of that, I think.”
— Studied with and assisted Amanda for 8 years
“Working with Amanda has changed me deeply as both a dancer and a person. She took me in after I was rejected from the level I was in, even though I didn’t yet understand concepts like the difference between on1 and on2—I didn’t even know on2 existed. What mattered to her wasn’t where I started, but that she saw how hard I was willing to struggle and work.
In just three weeks of learning her choreography, she taught me the importance of staying open-minded and curious, and of welcoming feedback as a gift rather than criticism. Because of her, I now show up more willing to learn, more resilient, and more trusting of the process in class, rehearsal, and performance.
In spaces Amanda leads, effort and openness matter more than starting point, making it easier to take risks and trust the process instead of performing out of fear.
— Studied with Amanda for 2 years
“When I first started working with Amanda, I focused mainly on the technical aspects of my performance. Everything—my movements and my emotions—felt reserved, small, and guarded. Over time, I made a deliberate effort to expand both so that my expressions were larger, more open, and visible to more people. Amanda is always very supportive and encouraging.
Her approach to dance is distinct from that of other instructors I know. It places a strong emphasis on diverse movements rooted in styles such as Afro-Cuban, salsa, jazz, ballroom, and ballet, as well as on a wide range of motion and emotional expression.”
— Studied with Amanda for 8 years