Our Mission

At Authentic Movement Project, we believe in the power of movement to connect, heal, and liberate. Our community 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 builds 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 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 from the island of Guam, where they were born.

    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 & Chrissa Dockendorf.

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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 packed up her three cats and 27 houseplants and moved 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. With coffee and a MacBook, she's nearly invincible.