Name: Amanda Cuoco
Where do you live? Montclair, NJ
When did you move there? I moved to Montclair in 2010 from NYC.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in El Paso, TX. We are a border city between Juarez, Mexico and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Love my hometown and definitely miss my beautiful Mexican family.
How do you make a living? I recently opened my new dance studio, AC Dance, in the heart of Bloomfield, NJ. AC Dance is a dream come true. She is a beauty. I poured my heart and soul into my studio and absolutely love that we are giving dancers an opportunity to learn quality training. I also have a full time job at the Health Center at Montclair State University.
What is your everyday passion? I am very passionate about inspiring others to be their best selves. I also am passionate about ballet, salsa dancing, weight lifting and cross training. In general I love moving and sweating.
Coffee, tea or … ? Coffee, tea and tequila.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? Ah, getting a good ballet class in, a good workout, going to the Montclair Farmers Market to visit my husband and his food truck, Mezoco, ordering quesadillas, getting a long nap, reading a good book at the park and enjoying a nice dinner OR beach all day!
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Samba and Salute
What’s on your nightstand? Books: A Promised Land by Barack Obama, Holding on to the Air by Suzanne Farrell, green tea, water and chapstick.
What are you listening to? Salsa music
What are your current indulgences? Cookie monster ice cream
What talent would you most like to have? Guitarist or Bassist. I wish I could be an incredible lead guitarist in a rock band.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about the area? Happy hour at… 😉
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? She did it her way on the path less traveled. I hope they also have an awesome dance party and celebrate my life.
