WORK WITH AMY

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About Amy

Amy Gardner (b. 1988) is a Canadian director, choreographer, and photographer currently working between New York and Paris. Her multidisciplinary practice spans film, live performance, and installation, with a focus on physical storytelling and the relationship between movement and image.

With a decade of experience as a professional dancer, and four years of acting training between Montreal and New York, Gardner brings a deeply embodied and psychologically attuned approach to her work. Her study of Fay Simpson’s Lucid Body technique informs her process as a movement director, shaping how she builds character through the body by engaging different energetic centers, and guiding performers toward nuanced and authentic expression. 

Moving fluidly between the fine art, film, and commercial worlds, she creates work that is both intimate and expansive, grounded in a movement-driven approach to storytelling. Across disciplines, she is known for her distinct approach to casting, creation and curation, bringing together singular voices to build cohesive, visually striking worlds.

In 2020, she founded DANCEHYPHA, a global casting platform and creative network for dancers. Since its inception, the platform has generated millions of dollars for dancers, and has collaborated with studios such as A24 and Netflix, alongside major global brands and artists. Through this work, Gardner continues to influence the dance industry with the goal of supporting and connecting emerging and professional dancers.

Gardner also serves as the Artistic Director of Annodam Studios (est. 2016), where she develops original work and leads mentorship initiatives focused on fostering individualized, artist-led career paths. She has been invited to guest speak and teach at institutions including NYU, Dartmouth College, and CLI Conservatory, among others.

Gardner is deepening her authorship, with two new works currently in development. Guided by patience, integrity, and a commitment to meaningful impact, she is expanding into long-form work across live performance and film, including feature-length projects.

  • "I joined Amy Gardner’s movement direction workshop after already working in the role for around a year and a half. While I trusted my instincts on set, I hadn’t yet fully articulated the value of movement direction, beyond a felt sense that it was needed. Amy helped refine that understanding by clearly defining the movement director as the bridge between the creative team and the talent, translating intention into precise, embodied direction. That clarity immediately strengthened both my confidence and my communication on set. Beyond the workshop, Amy has continued to offer thoughtful and generous guidance. Alongside DanceHypha, she remains a strong influence within the movement direction space, setting a high standard for clarity, care, and craft.”

    —Jake Moyle

  • “I found your workshops to be extremely insightful and informative. It was very interesting to hear your personal stories and perspectives on movement direction and casting. Your advice has influenced some of my next career steps, and I look forward to any future workshops.”

    — Olenka Preisler-Grabicki