Amanda Leyde is the founder, CEO, and owner of Summit Dance Co., a studio she has passionately led since 2016. Guiding a small business through a pandemic, ownership transitions, and thousands of students has strengthened her resilience, vision, and commitment to fostering an inclusive, developmentally-appropriate, and empowering dance community. Amanda’s leadership is grounded in equity, mentorship, and creating spaces where dancers of all ages and backgrounds can grow with confidence.

 

Amanda’s dance journey began at age two, and over 15 years she trained and competed in Tap, 

Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, and Hip Hop. Tap holds a special place in her heart. She is a lifelong tap dance fanatic and educator, certified in both levels of the rigorous iTap Teacher Certificate Program, and deeply committed to honoring tap dance’s rich history as a Black American art form. Amanda networks with tap professionals and loves helping dancers design their perfect custom tap shoes. 

 

She has directed youth summer dance camps, taught at many PNW studios and schools, choreographed for regional and national performances, and performed in productions including Anything Goes. 

 

While balancing all of this, she is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Learning Innovations with an Emphasis in Leadership for Equity, Access, and Success in Education—Bear Down!

 

Known for her empathy, sensitivity, and reflective nature, Amanda strives to be a guiding light and mentor for her students, colleagues, and community. She balances parenting her two young daughters, studio leadership, and managing chronic illness and invisible disabilities with perseverance, courage, integrity, and vulnerability. A lifelong learner and deeply feeling, soul-reading person, Amanda loves to read, write, explore nature, and attend music concerts and musical theatre shows. Through all of this, she seeks to inspire courage, growth, and confidence in every person she meets.