Like most dancer stories, mine begins when my mom took me to dance class at the age of three. My older sister and cousin were both in dance, so it only made sense that my cousin, family bestfriend and myself were enrolled as soon as we were of age. Soon after my younger sister began and we were a full family of dancers! The years went by and one by one people quit dance and moved on to other things. My mom used to ask me after each end of the year recital, “Amy, do you want to dance again next year?” I couldn’t possibly say no after that feeling I got being on stage! The nerves, the excitement, the THRILL!!
I transitioned into high school where I tried out for the high school dance team and did not make the team. This would be first of many “no’s” in my life that would be hurtful and yet incredibly helpful. I worked very hard the next three years at a new studio and decided to try out again my senior year. I made it and was over the moon! Unfortunately, I was unable to complete my splits by our first competition, so the coach sat me. I was devastated but she promised I would be back in the routine if I could get my splits in the next week. I went home and stretched every waking moment I could and within less than a week, I came to practice to show off my splits!
The next chapter in my life was to begin and I wanted nothing more than to continue my dance journey on the renowned UW-Stevens Point Dance Team. I was a nervous wreck the week of try outs and when I walked up to the gym doors and saw my audition number printed under the new team list, I literally did not believe it. I checked my number a dozen times and had to ask the captain if they were sure! I went on to be a part of the team for all four years of college and won several awards and first place trophies with my teammates. I also co-coached a junior high team my senior year as well.
I could not fathom giving up dance after college, so I didn’t. I auditioned for the Minnesota Timberwolves Dance Team, Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team and Milwaukee Brewers Dance Team. I was rejected by all three teams, one team more than once. I finally asked the directors what I could improve on and why I did not make the team. Unfortunately I was told that my body was not fit enough and I wasn’t flexible enough, but that was it. After being told no for so many different reasons and for several teams, you would think I would have given up. When you have a passion and love for something as much as I do, I could not possibly give up on it.
I went on to become a full-time dance instructor winning several awards including 2 choreography awards for seven and a half years. I was also a regional/state/national winning high school varsity coach for 5 years. I have worked with several high school dance teams around the state and have taught/choreographed for surrounding studios as well. I expanded my career when I co-choreographed and back up danced in two music videos out in Nashville, TN. These are only a few of the highlights in my dance career.
Now to the current chapter: Opening my own dance studio. I have dreamt of this since I was young and cannot believe it is now a reality. I am beyond honored to share my knowledge and passion for dance within the community. I strive to not only push the dancers to the best of their ability but to help mold them in preparation into adulthood. You truly can achieve what you work for and set your mind to and I would love to be a role model for many. Through all of my experiences, hard work and immense love for the art of dance I believe with my whole heart that Attitude Dance Company will be a remarkable place to learn, live and grow to many.
I transitioned into high school where I tried out for the high school dance team and did not make the team. This would be first of many “no’s” in my life that would be hurtful and yet incredibly helpful. I worked very hard the next three years at a new studio and decided to try out again my senior year. I made it and was over the moon! Unfortunately, I was unable to complete my splits by our first competition, so the coach sat me. I was devastated but she promised I would be back in the routine if I could get my splits in the next week. I went home and stretched every waking moment I could and within less than a week, I came to practice to show off my splits!
The next chapter in my life was to begin and I wanted nothing more than to continue my dance journey on the renowned UW-Stevens Point Dance Team. I was a nervous wreck the week of try outs and when I walked up to the gym doors and saw my audition number printed under the new team list, I literally did not believe it. I checked my number a dozen times and had to ask the captain if they were sure! I went on to be a part of the team for all four years of college and won several awards and first place trophies with my teammates. I also co-coached a junior high team my senior year as well.
I could not fathom giving up dance after college, so I didn’t. I auditioned for the Minnesota Timberwolves Dance Team, Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team and Milwaukee Brewers Dance Team. I was rejected by all three teams, one team more than once. I finally asked the directors what I could improve on and why I did not make the team. Unfortunately I was told that my body was not fit enough and I wasn’t flexible enough, but that was it. After being told no for so many different reasons and for several teams, you would think I would have given up. When you have a passion and love for something as much as I do, I could not possibly give up on it.
I went on to become a full-time dance instructor winning several awards including 2 choreography awards for seven and a half years. I was also a regional/state/national winning high school varsity coach for 5 years. I have worked with several high school dance teams around the state and have taught/choreographed for surrounding studios as well. I expanded my career when I co-choreographed and back up danced in two music videos out in Nashville, TN. These are only a few of the highlights in my dance career.
Now to the current chapter: Opening my own dance studio. I have dreamt of this since I was young and cannot believe it is now a reality. I am beyond honored to share my knowledge and passion for dance within the community. I strive to not only push the dancers to the best of their ability but to help mold them in preparation into adulthood. You truly can achieve what you work for and set your mind to and I would love to be a role model for many. Through all of my experiences, hard work and immense love for the art of dance I believe with my whole heart that Attitude Dance Company will be a remarkable place to learn, live and grow to many.