Jamila Glass

Welcome to JamTown! I am Jamila Glass, a creative working in Los Angeles in film and television, and the Artistic Director of L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC).‍ ‍

I have taught classes at USC Kaufman, Pace University, CLI Conservatory, UCLA, Loyola Marymount University, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Loyola Marymount University, Texas Christian University, Hussian College Los Angeles, Riverside Dance Festival (Florida), and Renaissance Arts Academy, and created works for L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, Texas Christian University (twice), Cal State Fullerton (twice), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Riverside Dance Festival (Florida), and Co/Motion Creation Intensive (Boston). Additionally, universities regularly invite me to conduct mock auditions for their seniors, provide feedback for students, and to lead lectures on film directing and working as a choreographer in film and television.

I have curated summer and winter intensives for LACDC for over a decade, attracting students from around the world who have gone on to attend competitive university dance programs and work professionally in both the concert and commercial dance industries. I am also the co-founder of the Los Angeles Choreographers Institute, an intensive leadership development program incorporating a holistic approach to the business side of dance-making.

My choreography work includes Netflix's Dear White People (Justin Simien) as series choreographer for their final musical season, PRADA’s Galleria campaign (Xavier Dolan/Vogue Italia’s Ferdinando Verderi), Hulu's feature film Bad Hair (Justin Simien), BET's TV series "Twenties" (Emmy award-winning Lena Waithe), and HBO’s The Beauty of Blackness (Tiffany Johnson). I also choreographed and co-directed two commercials for Splice, the music industry’s leading royalty-free sample library, and recently began a collaboration with Airbnb Originals, which creates extraordinary experiences exclusively for Airbnb.

Watch my teaching reel, read my teaching resumé, and check out my current class schedule below.

• I observed and provided feedback to the 3rd year BFAs in a Contemporary Technique class at USC Kaufman in order to help them prepare for high pressure audition environments.

• I held a mock audition followed by a Q&A at Cal State Long Beach (for the fifth year in a row) with their dance seniors.

• I taught technique classes and created a work on students ages 10 to 22 at the two-week Riverside Dance Festival summer intensive in Vero Beach, Florida.

• I taught an exclusive multi-day workshop at CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts aimed at preparing students for audition season. In a mock audition setting, dancers gained firsthand experience of what it's like to audition for the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company.

• I taught two lectures at Loyola Marymount University on illuminating the creator's perspective, focusing on filming, choreography, and direction and incorporating insights from my extensive experience working on set.

• I taught a workshop for the seniors at University of Southern California’s Kaufman School of Dance in order to help them prepare for audition season. It was a full circle moment to return to my alma mater and teach in the state-of-the-art building that is now right across from where I used to take my USC film school classes.

• After first creating a work for Cal State Fullerton's dance program in 2022, they invited me to return to the campus in the Spring of 2025 to complete another choreographic residency. 

A Dance Class Designed for Adults—Truly (Ages 15+)

If you’ve been wanting to reconnect with dance but feel nervous about returning, you’re not alone. This contemporary class is created with adult movers in mind. Open to ages 15 and up, it welcomes beginners, adults returning to dance, and movers of all levels. No experience required. Dancers of all backgrounds and levels are welcome.

Welcoming Atmosphere

This is a supportive, adult-centered space where you won’t be asked to dance on camera. Whether you come every week or occasionally, you’ll feel welcomed and part of the group. Here, instruction is offered with the understanding that every body moves and learns differently. The class is approachable and designed to meet you wherever you’re starting from—whether you’re new to dance, easing back in, or building on years of experience.

Warm-Up and Flexible Challenge for All Levels

Each class begins with a thoughtful warm-up to prepare your body for movement. Movements are introduced clearly and progressively, giving you time to understand the mechanics, explore coordination, and build confidence. Throughout class, you’ll be offered options—so you can choose to scale up or take it easier depending on how much you want to be challenged that day.

Build Technique and Movement Skills

This class helps you strengthen coordination, musicality, and overall movement quality. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, grow as a dancer, or expand your versatility as an actor or performer, there are opportunities to progress at your own pace.

Joy, Expression, and Reconnection

Rediscover the creativity, rhythm, and self-expression that dance brings. From learning combinations to moving with music, this class is about reconnecting with the joy of dance and the energizing feeling of 5-6-7-8!

Supportive Learning Environment

You’ll receive encouragement and guidance as you step outside your comfort zone. Combinations are taught clearly, and additional support—like private or semi-private sessions—is available for building confidence and retaining movement. The goal is that you leave each class feeling capable, grounded, and inspired.

• You dance all the time at home and want a more communal experience.

• You love watching contemporary dance and have always wanted to try it.

• You studied dance as a child and are returning to dance.

• You've taken a few dance classes here and there as an adult and want to move your body more as a form of exercise.

• You want a refresher of the foundational elements of contemporary movement.

• You want the freedom to learn at a steadier pace than intermediate and advanced classes.

• You are searching for a reentry back into dance after a several years away.

• You are looking for ways to redefine your relationship to dance.

Those who:

• Never stepped foot in a dance class before.

• Haven’t taken a dance class in 5-15 years.

• Are actors and directors who want to feel more comfortable with movement.

• Want to reconnect with dance in a relaxed environment.

• Are active in the gym, but want to move in a different way.

• Are dance degree graduates looking for community. 

• Are professional dancers wanting to slow down and be reminded of the fundamentals of technique.

• Are curious about contemporary dance.

• Are taking class for fun.

• Are moms, attorneys, video game designers, animators, illustrators, visual artists, writers, producers, filmmakers, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, licensed therapists, scientists, engineers, accountants, military veterans, medical students, literature professors, Broadway performers, ballerinas, dance teachers, and more!

OPEN LEVEL/BEGINNER

Open Level: Students develop their technique through learning foundational elements, heightening their sense of rhythm and musicality, and tapping into their own sense of expression.  All levels are welcome, including movers trying contemporary dance for the first time. Modifications are suggested to make the phrase work either easier or more challenging for each student.

INT/ADV = Intermediate/Advanced

Intermediate: Students are familiar with the movement style and seeking more slightly challenging material.

Advanced: Students have a strong grasp on the movement style and are prepared to learn at a fast pace.

“It's fun to have a safe space to be a beginner dancer as an adult.” -Student

“You’re such a great teacher. Thank you for your kindess and your patience.” -Student

“I loved how I felt when I left class.” -Student

“[In this class,] I get to fulfill the younger part of me that wishes I was a professional dancer.” -Student

“Thank you for the grooves, guidance, lessons, and fun.” -Maze Felix (Actor)

“It’s a unique sensation to move so calmly yet so specifically and precise.” - Sandy Strangis

“Jamila Glass, you are air and water.” - Tanya Fairfoot (Actor, Dancer)

“There is a humanness about your movement.” - Anonymous Dancer

“Oooofff these moves look like they feel amazing.” - Kenna Wright (Actor, Dancer)

“Thank you for creating such a fun and easy going environment.” - Student

“She was so kind, encouraging, creative, and really pushed us to reach our potential and fully be ourselves.” -Student

“Thank you so much for teaching me that it’s okay to be comfortable in my body and that I’m allowed to communicate.” -Student

“Thank you for being patient with me as I find my groove. You have helped me become a better dancer and for that I am so thankful.” - Student