Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie James.
Hi Jessie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey young as a tiny dancer with big dreams. I grew up at a competitive dance studio in Utah and tried my best to train in most styles of dance. Dance is an expensive sport so I worked a few jobs in high school to pay for my training. Thankfully, the studio offered opportunities to work to help cover my tuition. I’m still thankful for that to this day!
I started my professional dance career at 18 and danced professionally for a time. Live shows, national tours, film/tv, and eventually made the shift to Choreography. While I loved performing, the anxiety surrounding my body led to some unhealthy obsessions and it was a healthier choice for me to step behind the scenes. Luckily, the studio I grew up at gave me a shot of working with their dancers and setting some of my first competition pieces. That work led to more studios and eventually larger productions. Some of my favorite work has been the self-produced, directed, and choreographed short dance films I’ve made.
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to the US and parts of Europe teaching and setting choreography. While living in London, I had the opportunity to teach professional dancers from all over the world in weekly classes throughout the city. That experience truly shaped me as a teacher and creator. I never thought I’d end up living overseas and have to restart my career in a foreign place, but that experience truly shaped who I am as an artist and person. Get uncomfortable. That’s where the magic happens!
It’s been a long journey to get where I am today. Lots of unexpected turns. I always imagined a lifelong career as a Professional Dancer. And yet here I am behind the scenes and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I value the mentorship and relationships I have with my students and I’m so lucky that studios trust me to create on their dancers year after year!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is anyone’s journey in the entertainment industry easy? I think from the get-go it’s a challenging career path. There are 50 no’s before 1 yes and it takes a lot of endurance and grit to keep moving forward.
I think like most dancers, I struggled with an eating disorder early on in my career which eventually forced me off stage. While that was painful, I found my place as a choreographer and teacher and immediately felt more at home behind the scenes. A blessing in disguise if you will!
As I mentioned before, moving abroad was a major challenge. I gave up 4 years of my career to support someone else’s and it was a huge change to restart mine in a new place. Language barrier/ visas were tough in Spain and eventually, things were a bit easier in London. But it takes time to build a network of people and I was walking in as a new stranger to the scene. I’m grateful for the community I met there and the opportunities I was afforded to travel to new countries to teach! It was hard… but it was magical!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Dance Teacher and Choreographer. I am also a Certified Pilates instructor and founder/owner of a Pilates studio called hellohummingbyrd.
I specialize in Contemporary Movement and primarily travel the USA setting work at competitive dance studios. I have a home base here in MN at a studio called Woodbury Dance Center when I am not out traveling.
What am I most proud of? hmm… some of my passion project short films mean a lot to me. Lots of work went into those and they were a labor of love. Aside from that, I’m proud of the work I get to create season after season with younger competitive dancers. It’s always a challenge and pushes me. This year I’ve been nominated for an Industry Dance Award for “Choreography of The Year” which is quite exciting!
I think If I had to describe my work or what sets me apart, I’d have to say the visual staging aspects. Most of my work is described as “Visual” and I normally create from a space of life experience so that it’s easy for non-dancers to relate to. That is important for me. I want my work to be honest and make you feel something without it being too hard to understand.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I am in and out of LA often for work/events and what I like most is the hustle. Everyone is there chasing their dreams! It’s inspiring.
What I like least is the traffic and the sheer amount of people!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessiejamescreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieannjames/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/justthacker
Image Credits
Chantel Marie Photography Masquerade Dance Break The Floor Productions
