Amanda Standard, Dance

A graduate of LaGuardia High School of the Arts (C/O ’88) and Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology (C/O ’95), Amanda Standard serves as Founder, Executive/Artistic Director for both Divine Dance Institute, Inc. (DDI) and SoundXpressed Dance Company (Washington, DC). Through each entity, Amanda provides novice, pre-professional, and professional dancers the opportunity to study and perform all over the D.C. Metropolitan area, nationally, and abroad.

After 20 years of serving the community through DDI, the Maryland Dance Education Association presented Amanda with the “Dance Educator of the Year for Private Studios” award in 2018 and FAME’s “Educator of the Year” award in 2019.

Through SoundXpressed Dance Company, Standard explores the intersection of faith, culture, and the human experience through dynamic, purpose-driven movement. Each work reflects the belief that sound and motion are divine languages capable of revealing truth and inspiring transformation. Blending elements of modern, ballet, jazz, and African diasporic forms, SoundXpressed creates performances that illuminate resilience, unity, and renewal. Through this fusion of artistry and spirituality, the ensemble continues to expand its voice and impact within the contemporary dance landscape. 

Throughout her professional education tenure, Amanda has educated the full grade level spectrum (K-12) while tackling multiple subjects at various levels. She currently serves at Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy, a K-8 specialized program. Through DDI, she has launched a myriad of programs such as Emerging Artists Showcase, The Pneuma Dance Project Summer Intensive, Seedz Summer Dance Lab, PG Powerdanz Project, Divine DESIGN Summer Enrichment Programs, and much more…!