Amanda Hodgins started dancing when she was 4 years olds. She has trained in many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical/contemporary, and hip hop. While studying at Edmonton Dance Factory (EDF), she competed in many competitions, performed in FIFA Opening Ceremonies, Harlem Globetrotters, and in Vaganova Society Anniversary shows. She fell in love with tap and ballet and is well versed in Ballet (RAD and Vaganova), competing her RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Intermediate and Advanced 1 exams. In addition, Amanda studied the Al Gilbert tap syllabus completing to grade 9. While attending Mother Margaret Mary High School she student taught and substituted at EDF. Through her school years she has had the opportunity to perform in school musicals, choir (through to adulthood), and co-choreographed for the school musical. She has continued dancing throughout university in a competitive adult advanced tap group, and continues to teach when needed.
Amanda has completed the DANCEPL3Y children's online teaching course and she believes in the importance of physical literacy for children, as well as the benefit of dance for children's mental well-being.
Amanda is currently in her fourth year at the University of Alberta pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics. She is very excited to take a step outside of the competitive world and be part of J'Adore's faculty this year!