Exceptional Training and Unparalleled Passion
A note from Amanda…
At the age of 21 years old, I moved to Los Angeles on my own and turned my childhood dream into a reality. I still get goosebumps thinking about the feeling I had when the Taylor Swift RED tour started, the curtains lifted and the loud thunderous applause from 80,000 people filled the stadium. That was the magical moment I always wanted and chased as a young dancer growing up, knowing that all my hard work brought me there. It was the magic that every dancer deserves to feel, whether it is on a tv show dancing in front of a live audience, on stage in front of thousands of cheering fans, or on a film set surrounded by talented actresses and actors. I want everyone to have a moment like that, a moment where you can say my hard work got me here and everything that I didn’t even know was possible, is in fact possible.
At times, many people, including myself, have wondered why certain athletes thrive more than others. As professional sports continue to evolve, and athletes are constantly seeking out new ways to gain an edge over their competition, specialized skills coaching has become the norm. Digging a little deeper, I noticed that all the renowned athletes seen on tv all have one thing in common; Each and every one of them works with individualized skills coaches that provide 1-on-1 mentorship to elevate their performance and ultimately achieve success. With that in mind, I have asked myself why this type of service is non-existent in the dance industry. The dance industry has mastered private lessons that teach students how to dance, but there are no specialized coaches who have danced professionally, and know what it takes to do-so successfully, that teach young aspiring dancers how to get there. Dancers are athletes and we should have the same, if not more, individualized coaches that can cater to your strengths and weaknesses in order to improve your overall skillset and become a more complete athlete. As a result of coming to this realization, I started this journey to make that happen.
I began searching for ways that I could offer my knowledge to the Toronto dance community and started thinking about resources that I wish I had available to me at a younger age. I came up with a service that offers individualized training specifically aimed at preparing students to become a successful professional dancer, while they are still training in competitive dance. I was a competitive dancer growing up and I wish I had the tools to learn the ins and outs of the dance industry before I stepped foot in LA. I truly believe I could have been more prepared and been a better professional at an earlier age.
I am so excited to introduce you to ACC.
About Amanda Cleghorn
Amanda Cleghorn is a world-class dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer. Most notably, Amanda finished as the lead female and first runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 3 and moved to Los Angeles to launch her professional dance career. She has since performed on numerous television shows, feature films, world tours, music videos, commercials, and award shows. Amanda danced on Taylor Swift’s RED world tour and has performed on the Grammy's, Billboards, NBC’s Macy’s July 4th Special, the CMT Awards, the Emmy Awards, American Music Awards and the Brit Awards. Some of the music videos Amanda worked on include, but are not limited to; Taylor Swift’s 22, Red and Shake It Off, Halsey's You Should Be Sad, and Higher Love by Kygo Featuring Whitney Houston. Her credits include performing as a featured dancer in Julie and The Phantoms, Schmigadoon Season 1 and 2, The Masked Singer, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Camp Rock 2 and most recently, the Apple TV feature film Spirited starring Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, and Octavia Spencer. Amanda was a featured dancer on the hit TV show Lip Sync Battle, dancing with celebrities such as Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, Normani, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and many more. Some of her latest performances were on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Locke & Key, Lucifer, Drunk History, Dancing with the Stars, Glee, XFactor, and Christmas Chronicles 2, as well as an acting role on the hit CW television show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Amanda has also performed with popular artists such as Jessie J, Kelly Clarkson, Wayne Brady, The Jacksons and Chloe Bailey. Amanda is the creator and director of Amanda Cleghorn Creative (ACC), a one-on-one exclusive program for aspiring professional dancers who are seeking further advice to reach their goals and take their careers to the next level. The entertainment industry is where she belongs; her knowledge, versatility, and love for all forms of art is second to none. Amanda truly lives for an audience, to perform on stage and in front of the camera.
Client Testimonials
Ireland Byrne
“Getting to work with Amanda this year has been one of the best choices I've ever made. She is inspiring, uplifting, and relentless in the best way possible. We were able to identify what I truly wanted as an artist and dancer, create a plan on how to get there, and learn about how I can best execute that plan. That's more the logistical side of it though, which was fantastic for sure. However I think the best thing that Amanda consistently did for me was make me realize my full potential, and how pursuing my dreams was a realistic thing that I could do if i was willing to put in the work and genuinely know that I have that in me. The experience has left me feeling so empowered, eager, and ready to take these next steps in my career, like getting my visa and moving to the states to pursue my passion (hopefully soon!) She was able to push me past what I thought I was capable of as an artist and as an entrepreneur, and it was difficult, but worth It. So, if any dancers truly know that they want to put in the work for their goals and dreams, Amanda will certainly get you there.”
Phoebe Campbell
“I would have to say out of all the things I have done in my life ACC is within the top five! Amanda is one of the most amazing and supportive people I have ever met! What she'll do for you to get what you want in life is endless, and the relationships she helps you build along the way are invaluable! She puts so much value and emphasis into everything she does, and she makes it her mission to help you build what you want in life! What I love about the program is that you get to build personal relationships with professional dancers in the industry and you get the most up-to-date knowledge about what it would be like to work in the dance world! | would recommend ACC to anyone who is trying to grow their dance journey and become a professional in any art form! I love Amanda and I know she has helped me so much throughout this program!”
Justina Janzen
“I am so grateful for this program and the time I have spent with Amanda! The dedication Amanda has to each one of her clients is undeniable. I have not only learned so much as a dancer but also as a person and an artist. She is able to help me succeed in all my areas of interest whether it be dancing, acting, singing, etc. The guests she brings in are also so remarkable. To be able to work with them each in such an intimate small group setting is such an amazing experience. There is nothing I have asked Amanda that she has not been able to help me with. She is always there to guide me in the right direction. This program truly is one of a kind!”
Emily Allen
"ACC has been such an amazing program and has truly changed my life. Over the past year, I have grown so much as a dancer, an artist, and a person. Amanda is so incredibly devoted to her clients and has created a program that is perfectly curated to each individual dancer's goals and needs. Through Amanda’s guidance and constant support, she has helped to turn my dreams into goals, and my goals into reality. ACC has helped me in countless aspects of my career and I feel so much more prepared to enter the professional dance world with all the tools and wisdom I have gained. I could not be more grateful for ACC and Amanda!”
Zoe Cacciotti
“Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of being part of ACC and I am very grateful for the experience. Not only has this program helped me grow as a dancer but also as an aspiring artist in this industry. I have gained so much knowledge and was given lots of advice on the ins and outs of the professional dance world. Amanda has devoted an immense amount of thought, care, time, and passion to giving me and the other clients the best possible personalized experience. This program has also given me the opportunity to learn from many prestigious artists and begin making more connections. Being part of ACC this past year has given me the confidence to show the world what I have to offer and has prepared me for anything that will come my way in the future. If the professional dance industry is something you are striving for, ACC is a great first step into making it a reality. I will take everything Amanda has provided me through this program into my dance career and forever be thankful as I would not be where I am today without her or ACC. This program really does "make dancers better"!”
