Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Molder.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is kind of long but I will try my best to summarize. I grew up in Tampa and for my 16th birthday, my aunt gifted me tickets to a show called Drip on International Drive in Orlando. I went with my mom and my best friend at the time and was totally blown away by the experience. Drip is an immersive art show that involves paint, acting, dancing, and a live rock band. The three characters tell a story about love and betrayal while the audience follows them around a dim warehouse. Paint, water, and sand fly through the air while the live band plays grunge rock music. Everyone is totally soaked and colorful by the end of the show. It was the most creative and interactive show I had ever experienced. I thought about it all the time. So, fast forward, I move to Orlando and start school at UCF. I was totally alone in a new city, had no friends who truly cared about me, and experienced heartbreak and death in the family for the first time. Life was kicking my ass and I was severely depressed. One day, I randomly came across a coupon for a pole dancing class at a studio right down the road from campus. The reviews were all from women saying this class made them feel sexy, uplifted, and empowered. I thought I could really use that energy at the time so I signed up and went to class. I ended up being the only student in class that night so my instructor and I connected one on one. We got to talking and she mentioned that she danced in a show called Drip on I-drive. I was shocked and told her how obsessed I was with Drip ever since I went for my 16th birthday. She told me that she was actually leaving and only had a few shows left, and invited me to come see her for free. She even offered to teach me some of the choreography and introduce me to everyone who worked there. I could not believe my ears. So I went to the show, it was just as amazing as I remembered, and I got to meet the creator. She welcomed me immediately and started talking to me like I was part of the team. Soon enough I was going to weekly rehearsals and helping with the show on weekends. I started as a bartender and then became one of the three main dancers in the show. The feeling of being in the spotlight for the first time spoke to my soul so deeply, I knew performing was what I wanted to do. The universe introduced me to the right person at the right time and I ended up in a role I had fantasized about forever. The amazing friends and memories I made at Drip pulled me out of the dark hole I was living in. I believe dance literally saved my life. I felt very at home in the entertainment world and finally felt like I belonged in Orlando. Unfortunately, Drip shut down but my dance journey continued. I became very involved in the LGBTQ+ community and started gogo dancing at Stonewall and Parliament House. I worked random gigs here and there but was always looking for more opportunities. I got into the body painting world for a little while and made even more amazing friends. I got to model at events like BASE and Nude Nite. I took dance classes to expand my skills and graduated from The Burlesque Conservatory. I started working for Mystix Talent, Bella Entertainment, Tigress Entertainment, and others. Now I dance in different cities around Florida, such as Tampa, St. Pete, and Daytona Beach. I also dance at motorcycle rallies and am flying out to Sturgis for the first time this year. I have worked at some very unique events and danced for some very famous DJs. Sometimes I can’t believe I am living the life I used to fantasize about. It took years of practice and hustling to get here but I still have a long way to go. I am just so thankful for the people in my life that saw something in me and gave me a chance. I do not know where I would be right now if I had not discovered my love for dance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing I have always struggled with (and still do) is that I am not a trained dancer. I did not grow up dancing, nor did I go to school for dance, nor did I ever dance competitively. I am not naturally flexible and started out with zero experience, so I was at a total disadvantage compared to most people in the industry who have been dancing their whole lives. But I am stubborn, passionate, and dedicated. So, I taught myself how to dance. I took some classes, but mostly I studied others and learned from them. I practiced in my living room for hours and hours. I watched videos of myself to see what looked good and what did not. My story might sound like I just got lucky and this life landed in my lap, but that is not true. I work so hard behind the scenes to keep up with the talented dancers around me. It took me over five years of learning to get to where I am now, and I still get turned away at auditions sometimes. But every “no” is one step closer to a “yes” so I keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right now, I specialize in gogo and burlesque. Gogo dancing is so much fun, but burlesque is where I can express my individuality. My stage name is Animalia and she is known for being wild and free… a force of nature. It took me a long time to come up with an alter-ego because I wanted it to be unique and creative but still reflect who I truly am. I have a lot of ideas for her in the future that I am very excited about.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Follow as many dancers as you can on social media. Go to gigs and shows in person whenever you can. Watch them, learn from them, and interact with them. Your ability to network is just as important as your ability to dance. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there, and do not be discouraged when you are turned down. I auditioned for Bella Ent. twice before they hired me. But I am so much better now than I was when I started. Stay positive and be patient. Practice makes perfect.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akmolder
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/akmolder
Image Credits
Bruce Ruiz Gogo
Nick 120 mm Animalia
Austin Luper Animalia
Roberto Retana
