Meet Amanda Malek-Ahmadi | Author, Professional Dancer, and Dance Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Malek-Ahmadi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I live by the philosophy that the worst someone can say is, “No.” Back in 2016, in a MOPS group we were reading a book that encouraged asking audaciously, which further cemented my approach to the way I take risks. Having this mindset has led to many of my dreams coming true.

In 2019 I received my first publishing deal with The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group LLC, an Arizona publishing company, for my picture book 10 Ballet Dancers. It was released on October 13, 2020. As an author every time I hit the submit button to have another book published I risk rejection, but if I don’t do it I will never find a publisher or an agent to champion my next project. Is putting myself out there always easy, “No,” every time I submit a manuscript, a piece of my heart is being sent. Do I hover over the keyboard for a moment before submitting, I used to, but now I just go for it. I am currently taking a risk with a Middle Grade manuscript in a challenge through ReadyChapter 1, where fellow writers give feedback on your work and this particular challenge may lead to a contract with the publisher, A Bushel and A Peck.

On May 31, 2024, the dance production of 10 Ballet Dancers was filmed. This dream would not have happened without multiple audacious asks. The first was at an Arizona Diamondbacks game in September of 2022, where the Vista Performing Arts Center had a table set up. I chose to approach the table, introduce myself, talk about my picture book 10 Ballet Dancers, and the goal of having a dance production bringing the pages to life filmed. And then came the audacious ask, “Would you be willing to sponsor this project?” Asking that led to a meeting at the Vista. Unfortunately, the project could not be sponsored and at the time I didn’t have the funds to pay for the facility, so the project was put to rest until recently.
At the end of 2023, I was anxious to have the film created. I approached Danielle, owner of Diamond Dance Works to see if it were possible to have the production be a part of her Ballet Showcase in April. The answer was, “No,” as her Ballet Showcase was a small production in which she had a limited time at the facility, but she offered that I could use her prep time during her regular recital to film, 10 Ballet Dancers. I began to gather my cast. I needed 11 dancers total, someone to also play the teacher, but just needed 10, as I planned to dance in one of the roles.

The next step was rehearsal space. I work with Just Energy Entertainment LLC and chose to approach the owner, Dizzie Ramsey, about utilizing space. He was so kind and allowed me to use the space for free and only asked that I clean up the space before and after the rehearsal. I also needed ballet barres, so I asked Rachel, owner Desert West Dance Academy, where I teach if I could borrow the ballet barres. Her response was, “Yes.”

Everything was falling into place. But then in March I received the news that in order to use the facility that Diamond Dance Works was using it would cost $4,000. Again it was something I just didn’t have. I chose not to tell my dancers at the time but approached Rachel Wight, of Wight Noise Dance Company, that I dance for about renting at the High School where we rehearse. She got me in touch with who I needed to speak with, and I started that process. However, I started to get fearful that the date might not be approved. Not wanting to lose my date of May 31 that I had had 12 dancers (at this point I had cast understudies) commit to and a videographer was already committed I began to ask other places. One of them being the Herberger Theater. I asked Amber Robins, a dance friend and the Community Engagement Associate, if it would be possible to rent the Herberger. She loved what I was trying to do and was in the process of putting me in touch with the right person to ask, when I heard back from the High School that everything had been approved.

There were two more risks that I took before 10 Ballet Dancers was filmed. Throughout the process of securing a facility I learned that if a non-profit rents the facility it is cheaper. I may be a risk taker with questions but when it comes to money I prefer to risk less. Having this knowledge, I approached Rachel Wight to see if WNDC would be willing to rent the High School for me and receive producer credit. She said, “Yes.” I am so grateful for the $150 that ask saved me. The final ask was finding one more male dancer to be an understudy for the show. I had approached some male dancers but unfortunately they were busy the day of filming. I then asked my friend, Teddy Ladley, who is currently in The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. The first time I approached him I let him know that I had been hesitant to ask because I knew he was busy. His response was so sweet, “Ask anyway!” He wanted to do help me and be part of the show, he feared he was too busy with Fiddler. A week and a half before the show I still hadn’t secured a male understudy, and my heart was set on finding one so that boys were also represented as understudies. I reached out to Teddy again, letting him know that we’d be reviewing all the material before filming and that I didn’t foresee him needing dance in the film but definitely in the Q&A after, his answer was, “Yes!”

I am grateful for the way I approach risks. If I didn’t ask, even when it might be assumed that the answer will be, “No,” I would never get to every, “Yes” that I’ve received, which has led to my success in seeing my dreams come true. I will continue to ask the audacious asks and be frugal when it comes to risking money.

The film of 10 Ballet Dancers is available for pre-order via my website www.authormamanda.com. Once ordered you will recieve a dropbox link that currently has a copy of the program in it. The film will be placed in the dropbox folder once it is complete. Copies of 10 Ballet Dancers can be ordered wherever books are sold.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Today I am where I am as an author and professional dancer/dance teacher thanks to audacious asks and so many supportive people in my life. I dream big and work to make those dreams come true. I don’t just depend upon myself to get things done but reach out to those who have come before me that have the knowledge about what I want to pursue. And I thank them profusely.

As an author I hit that send button. As a professional dancer I ignore my inner critic and just go for it when I’m on stage. As a dance teacher I create extensive lesson plans and find new ways to approach material to ignite the passion for dance in my students that I have.

Wow! That really sounds like I have it all together, but the truth is…It’s taken 36 years of dancing and joining JEESQUAD with Just Energy Entertainment in August 2023 to have confidence while performing on stage. Last summer I was called out in rehearsal because I lacked confidence. Rachel Wight mentioned I needed to work on getting out of my head. As a dance teacher I express that to my students often; that they can do all the things, they just need to believe in it. So why wasn’t I applying that to myself? After she said that, I owned that statement and admitted to myself and others that I am not a confident dancer. Others were baffled.

Throughout my dance career I have been approached by strangers and fellow dancers complimenting my dancing. I’ve been told I light up the stage. I’ve been told that I dance effortlessly. All the while in my head thinking of all the mistakes I’ve made. A few years ago, after a compliment filled with so much praise, “I really wanted to catch you. You were such a pleasure to watch. When you dance your personality comes out. It comes out through your whole body in all that you dance.” I learned to listen, to take in everything that a person is saying, and rather than respond with, “Thank you, but I made this mistake….” I say, “Thank you.”

I am not cured of my inner critic. I know there will still be moments where I hesitate, where I lack the confidence, where I forget to just listen and say, “Thank you.” I’m a work in progress, but I am grateful for the progress I’ve made.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend would definitely be visiting with her kids, so I would plan a mix of Kid and Adult activities.

We would spend Saturday at the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium finishing the day at Dillion’s which is attached to the aquarium. I would order my usual, the Beef Brisket Meal with Loaded Mashed Potatoes. The kids would enjoy the smiley face French Fries and watching the sharks swim by.

Sunday we would head to my church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and then have lunch at Portillio’s. I can’t get enough of their Italian Beef Sandwiches with Mozzarella and Sweet Peppers. We’d go visit the house I grew up in that is nearby and finish the evening at Ajo Al’s on Via Linda where my family and I ate frequently. I would order a Prickly Pear Margarita and the Pollo Con Queso with half black beans, half refried beans, no rice.

Monday we would head to the 810 Billards and Bowling. It’s such a fun atmosphere. Our family loves to bowl then check out the board games as we wait for our food at a table. My husband and I love their Buffalo Chicken Dip and I enjoy trying their different drink concoctions.

Tuesday we’d take the kids to the Splash Pad at Westgate and eat at Sugar Factory. I’d try one of their amazing Goblet drinks. That night we’d have a girls’ night. We’d head to Herberger Theater to see what is playing in Stage West or the KAX. Before the performance I would relay to her my memories of performing with Center Dance Ensemble on those stages.

Wednesday we would head to The Children’s Museum of Phoenix. For lunch we’d head to Jefferson Street and eat at Five Guys. I’d order the cheeseburger all the way with no mushrooms, no mayo and yes, I know it comes with two patties. If we’re not stuffed we’ll head to The Yard to try one of their amazing Milkshakes. I like the Cookie Monster.

Thursday we would go to the Odysea Aquarium and try SeaTREK, something I’ve been wanting to experience. We’d have lunch at Pangea. I’d order a custom pizza with Gyro meat on it.

Friday we would take the kids to Castles n’ Coasters during the day, enjoying Desert Storm and the Patriot, bumper boats, indy cars and mini-golf. We’d cool down with some ice cream from Waffles N’ Stuff located by the kiddie rides in the park, before finishing the fun in the arcade. The kids should be tuckered out, so that night we’d take in a show at The Phoenix Theatre Company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not have the success I have today without the support of my amazing husband, Mike Malek-Ahmadi, and our four children, Vincent, Roman, Antonio and Francesa.

Thank you to the entire cast of 10 Ballet Dancers, Wight Noise Dance Company, Just Energy Entertainment, Desert West Dance Academy, Diamond Dance Works, Bryce Budoff (videographer), Kathy Knecht, Amber Robins, The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group LLC, and Ray Lindsey (pianist). Without all of you the production of 10 Ballet Dancers wouldn’t have happened.

To every teacher who has taught me and every artist I take a class from and share the stage with, thank you for continuing to fuel my passion for dance.

Website: https://authormamanda.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormamanda/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormamanda

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC05bX0Kn-ekZWvYe6b1j5pA