Testimonials

Benjamin Millepied

Artistic director, LA Dance Project

Former artistic director, Paris Opera Ballet

“When I founded LA Dance Project, one of the most important qualities I was interested in was how well my dancers could double as leaders. I had the pleasure of seeing Amanda perform with the Stephen Petronio Company in New York City, so I was aware of how accomplished a dancer she was. After I asked her to become a founding member of LADP, Amanda proved to have an incredible work ethic and her ability to adapt to our fast-paced and ever-changing environment further emphasized her level of professionalism. While on tour, a critical function of our company was to offer classes in the local communities where we performed. In the classroom Amanda is a very talented teacher, capable of working with a wide range of age groups. She has the ability to help students improve their technique by articulating movement in a remarkably clear manner. With strong dedication to the art of dance and the gift of clarity in movement, she is adept at keeping students engaged and inspired.”

Teri Steele

Co-Director Steeledance (NYC) and Steele Pilates

"Having been a fan of Amanda's work in Stephen Petronio's company in New York, I was thrilled to find out that she was coaching dancers in the Bay Area. My daughter was fully intent upon a ballet career until she grew to almost 6 ft tall, thus limiting her options. While attending a summer intensive in San Francisco, Amanda coached her during this sensitive time as she was simultaneously letting go of the dream of a classical career and discovering modern ballet. Amanda was supportive and nurturing and is a perfect example of the beautiful blend that ballet and modern can be. She coached her technically and stylistically with positivity and gave her new tools to work with. My daughter came home having grown as a dancer and with a renewed excitement about her dance career options. If you are looking for a dance coach who knows then insides and out of ballet and contemporary modern, Amanda is the perfect choice. We will look forward to returning and seeing her as often as we can."

Eva A.

Parent of Male Dance Student

"We engaged Amanda for a series of private lessons to help prepare a video to submit to a dance school we are considering for our son. At the end of our four-lesson series, my son had a wonderful video to submit to the school, but it was clear after the first lesson that the lessons were an end in themselves, that the work itself was the final product. Each lesson was looked forward to, each lesson was like a jewel, packed with information, fine-tuning, and revelations. Meeting and working with Amanda was a pivotal, milestone experience for my son. Amanda’s level of expertise is extraordinary, and the caliber of the education my son receives from her is exemplary. She explains where movement comes from, and which muscles are used to originate movement. Her teaching is elegant and accessible, and my son retains what he learns in every lesson. My son emerges from her lessons determined, positive, and enthusiastic, ready to work and reinvigorated with positive energy. His progress is visible and apparent after every lesson. What began as a special project-based series of lessons has evolved into a continuing relationship. Our job as parents of a dancer is to surround our son with the most brilliant, positive, exceptional, inspiring support system of teachers and mentors- Amanda is all of those, and we are very fortunate to have found her."

Lawrence Ewing

Executive director, Marin Ballet

“Amanda is an excellent employee who approached her work with commitment, determination, professionalism, and a real interest in her students and what they could gain from excellent training. She is knowledgeable, experienced, nurturing in spirit, and just an overall lovely person to be around. Her students not only learned a great deal from Amanda in the studio, but also gained inspiration from Amanda’s mentorship and role-modeling.”

Rita Dale

Parent of former student at Marin Ballet

“My daughter Natasha graduated from Marin Ballet in 2017, where she was fortunate to train in her upper division years under Amanda Wells. Ms. Wells is an excellent dance instructor whose passion for this art form, expertise and ability to instill confidence in her students help to draw out their full potential, master their technique and enjoy the process of learning. Natasha thrived in the positive, creative and nurturing atmosphere of Ms. Wells' classes. As a mom and a teacher myself, I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Wells to anyone who needs support in their ballet training.”

Gino Grenek

Former assistant to the director, Stephen Petronio Company

"I have had the distinct honor and privilege of sharing both the studio and the stage with Amanda. During this time, she approached the work with extreme care, commitment, and love. She is always passionate about learning and, more importantly, forever generous with the knowledge she acquires. Through her previous classical ballet and modern dance training her continued studies in yoga, Amanda has developed an acute understanding of the body. Her precision, articulation, and attention to detail are beautiful."

Angelica Viaña

Second company, Ballet Hispanico, graduate of CalArts

“I looked forward each morning to receive technique class from Amanda. Afterwards I knew I felt embodied, warm and thoughtful about movement and shapes. Throughout the class I enjoyed hearing about her professional experiences in the dance world and it helped me develop a sense for what the current climate of the dance world is like. It also helped me figure out what dance companies are looking for. Amanda is a very versatile teacher both amazing in ballet and contemporary techniques. During her classes she helped me develop a strong anatomical awareness for movement efficiency, this correction helped me immensely in both ballet and contemporary techniques. The “going across the floor” phrases were my favorite because it allowed me to explore artistry while applying and exploring the bodily knowledge I received that day. Thank you for always bringing your professionalism and that I aspire to be! Your generosity and warmth as a professor in dance kept me motivated and ready for the dance world in all angles today.”

Armando Estrada

Former Student at American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA)

Current Performer in West Side Story on Broadway

“Learning from Amanda Wells was one my favorite experiences from college at AMDA. From her technique and choreography to her style of teaching, she always made me feel excited about class. She is an amazing dancer as well as a teacher and with that she is the golden ticket to a student eager to grow.”

Erin S.

Parent of Teen Dance Student

"Amanda is a highly knowledgeable, kind, and deeply caring teacher who naturally connects with dancers to inspire and draw out the best in them. She is excellent at assessing a dancer's strengths and areas for improvement and provided my dancer with a customized toolkit of exercises, from foot strengthening and technique to yoga and mindfulness of movement. Most importantly, Amanda is a positive, motivational teacher who thoughtfully balances being encouraging and nurturing while inspiring dancers to persevere through challenges, instilling more confidence in their dancing."

Katy Y.

Parent of Teen Dance Student

“My daughter, Madison, wanted to elevate her technique and artistry for ballet and contemporary disciplines. It’s rare to find a teacher who teaches ballet and contemporary technique and artistry impeccably. It’s even harder to find one who can effectively teach from a dance anatomy perspective as well. Amanda delivered on all fronts! Under Amanda’s tutelage, Madison has grown and matured as a dancer in a very short period of time. While Amanda is an amazing teacher, she is also an extremely caring and positive person–teaches with lots of warmth and encouragement. The combination of her teaching acumen and personality make her a truly exceptional teacher. Madison comes out of every lesson inspired, enthused and eager to apply everything she has learned. There is nothing more satisfying to know my daughter’s passion is being fostered in the most positive manner possible. Any dancer will benefit from Amanda’s nurturing and wonderful teaching!”