About

Our Mission

At Authentic Movement Project, we believe in the power of movement to connect, heal, and liberate. Our studio is grounded in inclusivity, joy, and freedom—where every body, every identity, and every story is welcomed, celebrated, and respected. We honor the transformative potential of dance and the performing arts as expressions of our unique, evolving selves.

AMP is dedicated to building community through queer-centered dance, movement, and creative expression. We are a safe and empowering space for queer folx and our allies to come together, express authentically, and create art without fear or judgment. We are committed to fostering an environment where people of all backgrounds can find belonging, connection, and a deep sense of community.

Here, we dance to be seen, to be heard, and to move without limits. We embrace the liberation that comes from moving from within, and we do so unapologetically.

Executive Directors

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  • Co-Founder & Artistic Director

    AJ (they/them) is a non-binary artist, born in Guam and raised in Eugene, Oregon. Their core belief is that dance is a universal non-verbal language through which we can communicate and express our deepest and most authentic selves.

    AJ began dancing at the age of 4, starting with ballet. Since age 11, AJ has trained primarily in Hip Hop / street styles and Modern, and has continued exploration of other genres such as Jazz and Latin dance. AJ's personal movement style is deeply influenced by their CHamoru roots.

    In 2009, they were offered their first teaching position at a local studio, and worked up to Assistant Director in 2016, teaching multiple genres & age groups. AJ has choreographed for multiple events and performances throughout Oregon & Los Angeles with their former dance company, REACH.

    In 2022, AJ was offered a teaching and studio start up position at Eugene Performing Arts Center, the first dance environment where they felt allowed to be themself. AJ is thrilled to be able to carry on the mission of EPAC, now Authentic Movement Project, in collaboration with Amy Sherman.

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  • Co-Founder & Administrative Director

    Amy (she/her) is happiest behind the scenes, but she's been teaching, organizing, collaborating, dancing, birding, and asking people about their feelings since the mid-2000s. In 2021, she convinced her wife to pack up their three cats and 27 houseplants and move to Eugene, Oregon. When she started working at Eugene Performing Arts Center she found work she loved and a community of people who accepted her exactly as she was—unsolicited bird facts and all. Amy is a firm believer that anything is possible with coffee and strong wifi. When she isn’t glued to her MacBook building websites, you can find her leading accessible birding events with Lane County Queer Birders.