Amanda Morgan joined Pacific Northwest Ballet as an apprentice in 2016 and was promoted to corps de ballet in 2017. She created her first work for PNB’s annual choreographic showcase, Next Step, in 2018 and will return for 2019’s NEXT STEP: OUTSIDE/IN on June 14, 2019.

“My process for my piece right now is quite different than it was last year. I think last year, since it was my first time choreographing, I was more timid and safe with my choices made choreographically and visually. After finding certain stylistic choices I made with my piece Pages pleasing to my eye, I decided to keep those choices in mind even when applying them to a different setting or story.

My piece this year, of what I can give at least, is a piece that encompasses two stories. One in 1920’s Paris and the other a hidden narrative that I leave for my audience to find. I was very inspired by my trip to Paris when we toured with the company; it being my first time in the city, I saw all the history that it held, especially for some of the worlds most notable writers and artists. I hope I can include even a little bit of my experience in Paris in my piece. One that consists of recklessness, fun, a little discomfort, and unexpected feats of love.”

When and where were you happiest?

When I was dancing, creating or exploring something new.

What is your favorite occupation?

Dancing and writing.

What is your most marked characteristic?

That how I am and think is unique; I’m not like anyone else.

What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty and authenticity.

How would you like to die?

Honorably and (hopefully) having left my mark for the next generation of artists.

What is your present state of mind?

Determined and Aware.

Follow Amanda on Instagram.

Questions excerpted from The Proust Questionnaire. 

Featured photo: Amanda Morgan in Jerome Robbins’ Opus 19, The Dreamer during PNB’s 2018 Paris tour.
Photo © Lindsay Thomas.