Amanda Baxter: Fitness Trainer and Nutrition & Wellness Expert. 2016 NBA All-Star Dancer, Former Dance Captain of The Brooklynettes, & classically trained Ballerina from The School of American Ballet!
"There will be many chapters along this rollercoaster journey, so most importantly remember to have fun and enjoy the wild ride!"
For this week’s edition of More Than Poms, we are featuring…
Amanda Baxter
Fitness Trainer and Nutrition & Wellness Expert. 2016 NBA All-Star Dancer, Former Dance Captain of The Brooklynettes, and classically trained Ballerina from The School of American Ballet.
1. Tell us all about Amanda! What is your background and how has it led you to where you are today!
At 3 y/o began training at a recreation library dance class in NJ. I have 4 brothers and have always had a LOVE of movement, so my mother put me in dance to have my own outlet.
I went on to train in all styles and danced competitively my entire childhood.
At 10 years old was awarded a full scholarship to The School of American Ballet for classical training, where I got my first taste as a professional dancer performing with the NYCB (New York City Ballet) in Balanchine's "The Nutcracker," and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
As a teen, auditioned for NYU's Dance Program at Tisch, and did NOT get in (lol) so pursued BA's in Psychology & Communication Studies with an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Law and Society at TCNJ (The College of New Jersey), where I became Dance Team Captain.
Following college graduation, I began working full time as a Human Resource Generalist and became a NJ Nets Dancer.
After 2 years on the team, I decided to leave my corporate job, get a talent agent, and pursue commercial dance full time, while working as a Fitness Trainer.
I danced with the Brooklyn Nets Franchise for 5 years, where I became Team Captain and an NBA All-Star Dancer in 2016.
With my agency, I performed in brand campaigns, films, and television with credits including: Nicki Minaj, Drake, Shania Twain, Will Smith, Naomi Campbell, Lin Manuel Miranda, SNL, AGT, and the movie Trainwreck with Amy Schumer to a name a few.
As a Nets Dancer, we had a partnership with Crunch Fitness, which is where I began teaching virtual fitness classes on their digital platform.
In 2018, I became a founding trainer for ClassPass Live and in 2020 I became a Core Trainer for the lululemon Studio MIRROR. To this day, I am proud to say I teach my passions - dance, movement, and empowered well-being.
2. What was your experience like dancing in the NBA? What was it like not only being a member of the team, but a captain? How did the opportunity to lead help you stretch & grow in new ways?
It was the best experience and helped me grow into a creative, savvy, sophisticated woman! I was able to travel the world doing what I love with teammates who are truly still my besties today. As captain, I was the leader of our squad running rehearsals, choreographing + staging our performances, as well as participating in a lot of appearances, interviews, media, and press. It was a whirlwind, but taught me how to be prepared for anything, be the best at my craft, and show the world my expertise as a female creator in sports on and off the court.
3. What is it like being a trainer for lululemon Studio?! First, how did the opportunity arise, and second, how does it fuel your fire in your everyday life? Do you find yourself using skills/lessons learned through dance during the classes?
It's pretty cool because I get to empower others with my love for dance and movement. My current boss DM-ed me in July 2020 about auditioning to be a trainer for the lululemon Studio MIRROR. My hubby told me to go for it, so I did and landed the job. The community is so special which motivates me to be the best coach I can while rooting for them to live their best lives.
Dance has always been my safe space to feel free and liberated, so it's amazing how this role has allowed me to use that power to help others do the same.
4. If you could go back in time and share wellness tips with young dancer Amanda with all that you know now, what would you tell her?
This is a good one!
Tips for young dancer Amanda:
Mindset Wellness Tips: Stay true to who you are. Let your unique personality shine. Get comfortable with rejection and criticism, it's an opportunity to grow which allows you to evolve as a performer.
Physical Wellness Tips: Make recovery a consistent part of your training program. Train in as many different styles as you can. Don't underestimate the power of a healthful nutrition, lifestyle, and sleep routine so that you can show up as your best!
5. What gives you joy and purpose right now in your life? What is your best piece of advice to dancers as they journey through different stages in life, opening/closing of new chapters, etc.?
Being a wellness expert is what gives me joy and purpose right now! The dance industry can be extremely taxing and toxic on a dancer's well being. I've had friends and colleagues endure challenging times battling eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and depression. It's a vivid reminder that your health & wellness reigns SUPREME so create a routine that works to set you up for success. And if you need resources or help, don't be afraid to seek support.
When things get tough, disregard the noise, take care of yourself first, and come back to what fuels your fire to dance. There will be many chapters along this rollercoaster journey, so most importantly remember to have fun and enjoy the wild ride!
HUGE thank you to Amanda for taking the time out of her busy schedule to share with the MTP fam!
WOW - truly inspiring to read about Amanda’s journey and everything she has done up to this point in her life. Her ambition and willingness to pursue and share her passion for dance and wellness is admirable.
I hope Amanda’s story encourages you to go after what ignites your internal fire, let your light SHINE, and leave others better than you found them.