TRENDING

One girl we *heart* this spring? Amelie Anstett. We got allll the deets on the teen dancer, social media star and Chicken Girls actress—plus, her amazing advice to have the best season ever.

On dancing for Justin Bieber:

"When I was 12 years old, my mom and I were looking online and saw that Justin had released a YouTube dance contest and thousands of kids were entering. By the time we saw it, the due date had passed...but I sent in a video anyway. It was just me having fun and I didn't think much of it. But when my mom got the email that I'd made it, I first thought she was joking, but when she started crying I knew it was happening. It was surreal." 

On landing Chicken Girls:

"I'd watched the show before and was a big fan. At that point, I had just started getting into the commercial acting side so it was unexpected. I was actually in Spain with my cousin and her family when I found out I could audition—I'd been on the plane so I wasn't getting my messages, and as soon as I turned on my phone I was getting so many notifications. I was so excited and had to film my self-tape from the hotel room with the camera, like, stacked on top of books. Not my usual setup. I grew up watching that cast—we're the same age and I always thought they were so awesome. I have a Polaroid with a photo of my face the moment I found out I booked it. I was honestly just so grateful and so excited."

On her inspirations in the industry:

"Definitely Justin [Bieber]. He taught me so many things and really guided my career into the right path. I also love Reese Witherspoon. She isn't afraid to say what she thinks but also uses her platform to spread a positive message."

On her (sometimes) double life:

"I'm a social butterfly, so when I decided to homeschool, but parents were a bit, like, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' I didn't have any friends in Los Angeles or anything at that time. But I was sure. If my friends were my real friends, I knew those bonds would last. And they have. We've known each other forever so we're like family. I live in a really small town so it almost feels like Hannah Montana going back and forth to LA, where I now have amazing friends, too. I love keeping that balance." 

On her advice for other girls:

"With social media, we can't help but compare ourselves to others. And I think the biggest piece of advice I'd give, even though it sounds cliché, is that you truly are amazing as yourself. We live in these shells and there's nothing we can really do but accept them. It's about what's on the inside—what you can bring into the world and share with others. Work for what you want and do it for you. Go make your mark." 

AMELIE'S AT-THE-MOMENT FAVORITES
Social Media: Instagram
YouTuber: Hannah Meloche
Artist: Blink-182
Trend: Flared jeans
Dream: To spread happiness!

by Katherine Hammer | 4/7/2021