Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Molder.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is “Animalia” and I am a performance artist based in Orlando, Florida. I am inspired by the animal kingdom and embrace my wild side to the fullest. I am a Florida native, born and raised in Tampa. I came into this world with a deep love for dancing, but I was never professionally trained in my younger years. I moved to Orlando when I was 18 and attended UCF. The stars aligned for me when I landed a role in an immersive dance show called DRIP that used to run every weekend on International Drive. DRIP was my first time ever performing for a paying audience and it was my gateway into the world of art and entertainment. One night when I was out clubbing, probably not even old enough to drink, I saw gogo dancers for the first time. It looked like so much fun and I was determined to break into that world. I taught myself how to gogo by observing others and practicing relentlessly in the mirror. In 2020, I started dancing on the weekends at Parliament House and Stonewall Inn, two queer nightclubs that sadly no longer exist. Later on, I became interested in burlesque and started taking classes through the Burlesque Conservatory. In 2021, I joined my first troupe – Mystix Burlesque – and over time I have found my unique style and made a name for myself in the industry. Later on, I took an interest in fire dancing and learned from my friends with professional knowledge. At first it was something I just wanted to learn for fun, but then the stars aligned for me again. In 2023, Burning Man announced the theme was to be “Animalia.” I had always dreamed of going to Burning Man and I felt like I had to make it happen that year. It was literally calling to me by name. I joined a conclave, which is a group of fire performers chosen by the festival to be a part of their closing ceremony. After months of preparing and practicing with fire, we made the journey. It was one of the most magical experiences of my life. When I returned, I was much more comfortable dancing with fire and had a good understanding of fire safety as well. I bought insurance and started performing with fire regularly around Orlando. Today, I am a powerful performer who combines elements from all of my major skills – gogo, burlesque and fire – to create unforgettable experiences. After being in the entertainment industry for over five years, I finally have a deep understanding of my brand and who I want to be on stage. I have evolved a lot over time, and will certainly continue to do so, but when I transform into Animalia, I know exactly who I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t know any performer who would say it’s been a smooth road. There is no employee handbook, no HR department, no step by step guide. I had to figure it all out on my own and fight for my place in this world, just like everyone else. I have had some mentors along the way, but most lessons I had to learn the hard way. Teaching myself how to network, how to navigate politics, and how to promote myself was a challenge. Established performers do not always want to help new performers, and I respect that. I had to teach myself a lot about this world by doing research, going to shows, following people online, etc. It is hard to gain experience when you have no experience because nobody wants to book you. I am eternally grateful for the people in my life who gave me a chance or took the time to teach me something. There are a lot more resources now than when I was starting out, which is wonderful for aspiring performers. I naturally tend to take people under my wing, so I am usually happy to answer questions and nudge someone in the right direction. But I don’t give it all away. Putting in the work to earn my place made me strong and self-sufficient. I think everyone needs to go through that a little bit, to prove that you really want it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always had a deep passion for animals and nature. I was outside all the time as a child. I quit eating meat when I was a teenager. I volunteered at my local animal shelter all throughout high school. I am a huge animal advocate and I try my best to live a cruelty-free life. I do not wear makeup that has been tested on animals and I try to stay away from using animal products in my costumes, such as feathers. I also donate my show money to animal sanctuaries from time to time. My passion for animal welfare is a huge part of who I am and I wanted that to be part of my persona as well. Animalia is known for embodying both the beauty and the beasts found in the animal kingdom. All of the acts and costumes I create are inspired by nature in some way. I incorporate fire into my performances whenever I can because it is one of the four elements. I channel my primal instincts and lock eyes with my audience the way a predator does with its prey. I am not perfectly polished, because neither is nature. I like to get down and dirty. I like my hair to be a little messy. I like to perform barefoot sometimes. I try to show the full spectrum of nature through my art, because she is beautiful, but she can also be gross, ugly, and scary. Animalia is the creature who can’t be tamed.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice comes in two parts.
1) Getting Started. Never quit your daydream!! If you want to be a performer, I absolutely believe that you can. Beginning your journey is the hardest part, but once you get going you will be amazed at the things you do. Go to local events, follow local performers, and try to figure out what kind of performer you want to be. I suggest picking one skill and focusing on that until you feel comfortable. Look for classes or workshops in your area. You can also ask performers if they offer private lessons. Keep an eye out for auditions and casting calls on social media. Do not be afraid of rejection. You will fail. You will be told no. How you get back up afterwards is what matters. Ask for constructive criticism. Watch and learn from others who are better than you. Know that your journey is unique to you and does not need to look like anyone else’s.
2) Going Strong. Once you have started performing, you want to build your name up. Figuring out your brand or stage name does not happen overnight. Try on different personas and see what feels good. Then refine it so it is unique. Remember it might change over time as you evolve and that’s okay. Get in touch with your community. Educate yourself on what pay standards are in your area and do not work for less. Learn which groups to stay away from (if any). Remain professional on stage, back stage, and online. Do not get sucked into social media drama. Last but not least, never stop growing and learning. Even if you get to a point where you are always booked and busy, make time to practice and train.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.animalia-kingdom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalia444/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalia444/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalia444
Image Credits
Vimala Faith
Studio Mags
Violet Maldonado
Infinity Showgirls
Courtney Gaul
Roberto Retana
