AMNA Dance where they “Dance to Inspire”, has a number of studios in Southern California. The 
studios were founded by Amna Mazin, owner and Regional Director of Dance in Orange County and Riverside, and Co-Director of Inspire Performance Group.
Amna said they teach with the intention to instill creative minds in their dancers. They steer away from competing with others and instead focus on competing only with themselves in order to test their limits and yet work as one amongst themselves. Inspiration through strong values and character is as important to them as is the art form of dancing and technique.
They also offer a unique program where their curriculum combines Bollywood, Hip Hop, Jazz and Latin dance styles into one class. Students are exposed to all four styles in one year and develop in their technique and movements in all four styles throughout the years.
Amna’s has two mantras, “NEVER GIVE UP!” and “If it hurts or if it is hard, that means I am getting stronger.” She motivates her students by celebrating their weaknesses and strengths. She tries her best to steer away from favoritism and make sure her number one rule is having fun!
Amna’s proudest moment happened when she was having a rough day. She came to one of her classes and was greeted by a student who said “Ms. Amna, I decided that I want to be a dance teacher just like you.” It brought tears to her eyes as the student didn’t realize all the hurdles she was trying to leap over to make this dream a reality. And, yet the student had the sparkle in her eyes that made Amna follow her dreams. It was a moment that Amna can’t put words to, but she will never forget that day. “Legacy and transcendence is our purpose and we must inspire each other in the smallest way we can – EVERY SINGLE DAY!”
Amna believes the biggest mistakes she sees dancers make when competing is comparing themselves to others; focusing on external validations (what is she thinking, what will he say, etc); prioritizing where they are placed in a dance formation rather than improve their own technique and learn choreography.
To correct these mistakes Amna believes dancers need to compare themselves to themselves not to others. Comparison to others causes conflicts from within and is something that can be replaced with competition ONLY WITH YOURSELF. . . “How can I do better than yesterday or today (not better than him, but better than me).” We soon realize we are limitless. Secondly, they need to change their focus – re- strengthen the muscle in their mind that can block the garbage out and black out the voices in their head. Lastly, remind the dancer that a great dancer will be noticed and seen no matter where they are placed. This is a team and everyone gets the limelight/ Work together and focus on yourself within.
In Amna’s opinion, good dance clothing is expressive, fun, artistic, thoughtful, universal, light, stretchy, loose and able to layer easily.
Her goals for this year is to expand into Los Angeles and possibly outside of Southern California. Amna is also collaborating with Joya Kazi as AJ Collaborations; they are currently in the process of setting up a touring workshop in the Bay Area this December. For more on Amna Dance visit www.AmnaDance.com.
If you have experience with AMNA Dance or Amna Mazin please leave a comment below about your experience!
