Read all about Amy Chan!
A Cambridge, MA native, Amy is currently a performer with Disney Cruise Line, based out of Florida and often at sail in the Caribbean! Hear all about what Amy’s life is like now and her experiences at JMBT below.
My career now is really a culmination of all of my training both through JMBT and when I went away for summers. JMBT was a great base for training in terms of learning to pick up combinations, ballet etiquette, professionalism, and basic lessons in life that I wouldn’t learn anywhere else. Without JMBT, I would not have been able to get into the other good summer programs I did and would not be where I am today!
What is life like now that you have graduated from JMBT?
I am currently a performer with Disney Cruise Line. My work life is very busy due to the nature of my job and is similar to my previous dance life at JMBT. When I am on the ship, I perform every day in the ship’s production (a broadway-style show), but also as a character to entertain the guests.
Before being with Disney and after I graduated college, I danced in JMBT’s Nutcracker in 2023! JMBT will always be my home and I am proud to return back to the studios and take class.
What did you enjoy most about dancing at JMBT?
I loved the performing opportunities! I never realized how privileged we were as students at JMBT until I went away for the summers and met other students. Many other dancers I met from other studios only held a few Nutcracker shows and one recital at the end of the ballet school year. At JMBT, we got to perform at numerous stages and events, including about 25 Nutcracker shows a year.
At the time I was a student, the professional ballet company existed and we could look up to them which was really inspiring. We got to dance along side the professionals during Nutcracker season and watch their other ballet productions throughout the season. During the spring and summer season, we received more performance opportunities at Mayfair and Dance For World Community which was a really exciting time to show off our repertoire. It was also great to be involved in the local dance community.
Amy in class with faculty member Molly Wheat
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at JMBT you would like to share!
The Nutcracker is an experience like no other. It is such a huge traditional production to be a part of and is extremely rewarding. I loved performing on the various proscenium stages with the high quality lights, scrims, and backdrops. The parents would get involved as volunteers and we would get to know a lot of kids throughout our classes or students who came from other studios. I highly recommend every young dancer to participate in The Nutcracker!
What advice would you give to current ballet students who want to pursue a career the same career as yours?
Take other styles of dance. The dance world is changing and ballet is not enough. Ballet is great for foundational technique, but being adaptable is the greatest asset one can have in the industry.
My career now is really a culmination of all of my training both through JMBT and when I went away for summers. JMBT was a great base for training in terms of learning to pick up combinations, ballet etiquette, professionalism, and basic lessons in life that I wouldn’t learn anywhere else. Without JMBT, I would not have been able to get into the other good summer programs I did and would not be where I am today!
