It seems that there are never enough hours in the day for Amanda Testini. A true jack of all trades, Amanda seemingly has more energy in her little toe than I do in my entire body. I know this because I’m her roommate, and she’s often worked out, sent emails, journaled, chatted on the phone with a friend and made a smoothie before I’ve even gotten out of bed. Sheesh. It’s hard to hold it against her though, because paired with this tremendous drive is an incredibly genuine, optimistic, hilarious and tiny (she’s 5’1”) person. Amanda brims with enthusiasm, intelligence and curiosity, traits that she takes into both her friendships and her work.
As far as work goes, Amanda does it all: she is a dancer, a choreographer, an actor, a director of both theatre and opera, she sings, she plays the guitar, and as if that wasn’t enough, she’s also a certified Lagree instructor. She has toured Canada as an actor, choreographed for the Arts Club Theatre, Bard on the Beach, and Theatre Replacement’s beloved annual East Van Panto (she has been the choreographer for six straight pantos, with a seventh coming up this fall), assistant directed for numerous productions at Vancouver Opera, most recently The Magic Flute, and just finished her second year as a young artist at the Glimmerglass Festival for opera.
One of the things I most admire about Amanda’s artistic practice is her passion for choreographing ‘non dancers’: ie: actors and singers. Instead of viewing a lack of formal dance training as an obstacle to overcome, Amanda sees this rawness as a gift and loves exploring and shaping the unexpected and individualistic interpretations that come about. This unfussy and person-lead approach bleeds over into all of her work and makes for art that is imbued with personality and warmth. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
-Written by Molly MacKinnon, roommate, violinist, admirer
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I live in East Van, near Commercial Drive. I love being near all the great parks, cool art, fun places to hang, and to be steeped in community. I feel lucky to live in this neighbourhood – it makes me feel connected and a part of things.
What do you do?
I’m a choreographer, director and performer who works primarily in theatre and opera, but sometimes dance and film as well.
What are you currently working on?
I’m dancing in a project called Agrimony that’ll be at the Dance Centre in September. We’ve been working on this project since 2021, so we’re all excited to share it with the West Coast this fall!
Where can we find your work?
You can find me dancing the Owl in Agrimony at the Dance Centre, then I’ll movement direct Clemenza di Tito in October, and then you can catch my choreography in the East Van Panto: Robin Hood at the York Theatre from November till January. You can find more of my work on my website, and can follow my Instagram for updates!
