Jamila Glass

Welcome to JamTown!

I’m Jamila Glass, a Los Angeles-based creative working in film and television, and the former Artistic Director of L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC), where I led the company for five years. A founding member of the company, I helped shape the evolution of one of LA’s leading contemporary dance companies over two decades.

My teaching spans universities and institutions across the U.S., including on-campus programs, festivals, and curated student groups, such as USC Kaufman, Pace University, CLI Conservatory, UCLA, Loyola Marymount University, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Texas Christian University, Shenandoah University, El Camino College, Hussian College Los Angeles, Culture Shock Los Angeles, Riverside Dance Festival (Florida), Renaissance Arts Academy, and Ruth Osawa High School Conservatory (San Francisco), and I’ve been commissioned to create 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).

In addition to technique and repertory, I am regularly invited to conduct mock auditions, offer student feedback, and lead lectures on directing for film and working as a choreographer in film and television. Several institutions have invited me back for repeat engagements.

I hold a degree in cinema-television (film & video production) and a minor in advertising from the University of Southern California, and I bring a director’s perspective to my choreography and a choreographer’s sensitivity to movement in screen-based work. This interdisciplinary approach shapes how I teach, guiding students through both compositional inquiry and the practical demands of professional production, preparing them for careers that move fluidly between concert and media-based contexts.

I curated summer and winter intensives for LACDC for over a decade, attracting hundreds of 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, the opening number for The Snappys--Snapchat’s inaugural awards show, 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, view teaching images, and check out my current class schedule below.

• I was a Guest Instructor teaching Movement Exploration at the H4: Hip Hop Has History intensive for Culture Shock Los Angeles.

• I was a special guest at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Baja Regional Conference at Cal State Long Beach, teaching a contemporary dance workshop with college dancers from across the region. I previously taught a sold-out class at the 2023 ACDA National College Dance Festival.

• I was invited back to University of Southern California’s Kaufman School of Dance to teach a workshop to this year’s cohort of seniors. Fight On! ✌️

• 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.

Looking for intermediate or advanced classes? You’ll find more details further down in the FAQs.

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.

SCHEDULE:

Class Series at Stomping Ground L.A. (SGLA Garage)

Saturdays | Community Class with Jamila Glass | 10:30am - 12:00pm
*No class on July 4th. | July 11 & 18 with Guest Teacher Ayesha Orange followed by July 25 with Jamila Glass

If you do not have an active class card, you are required to fill out the registration form each time you attend. 

Please Note: Schedule & faculty subject to change.

Community Class Rate: $18 | Open Level, including Beginners

• Community Class Card

  • 3 Classes: $45 (save $9) | *Our most popular option 🔥

  • 5 Classes: $70 (save $20)

  • 10 Classes: $130 (save $50) | *Best value ⭐

• Class Card Expiration:
  

  • 3- and 5-class cards expire 3 months after purchase.

  • 10-class cards expire 4 months after purchase.

  • Click the registration link to purchase Community Class Cards for 2026.
    
    

• Payment:

  • I accept payments via Venmo and Zelle only. Details listed on registration form.

  • Be sure to check your spam folder for your receipt.

  • All classes must be pre-paid and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

  • If you do not have an active class card, you are required to fill out the registration form each time you attend. 

Parking Info: In consideration of their neighbors, please consider these free parking options first:

1. SGLA parking lot (Entry to the lot from the alley off of Bullard Ave. Limited spots available).

2. Parking on Alhambra Ave

3. Parking on areas of side streets that are not in front of homes. Please note the street cleaning signs on Bullard Avenue on Thursdays and Fridays.  (You will get a ticket.)

4. Pro Tip: If you're taking the Saturday morning class, we encourage you to arrive a little before 10am as you will have more parking options.

*Also, if there are trash cans out on the curb, please do not move them from their spots.

The venue is Stomping Ground L.A. (SGLA), 5453 Alhambra Ave., Los Angeles, California 90032.  

As a general rule, I recommend arriving at least 15-minutes prior to the class start time.  If you are taking Community Class on Saturday mornings, arriving closer to 30 minutes before class will help with parking options.

How to Find Us (Community Class):

1. Park & Approach: Head up the ramp from the on-site parking lot.

2. The Door: Enter through the single turquoise door (the door is grey on the inside). You’ll find it directly underneath the 'IN' of the large 'Stomping Ground L.A.' sign painted on the building, right next to the grey rollup garage door.

3. Confirm Your Space: The Garage Studio features all-white walls. If you reach a glass door, you are entering the Warehouse Studio by mistake.

4. Check-In: Once inside, please sign in at the check-in table.

General:
Community Classes are located in the Garage studio. Other classes are located in the Warehouse studio (and on select days in the Garage studio).  

If you're taking class in the Warehouse, please enter through the street level glass door into the Lobby where you will check in. 

Studio photos courtesy of Stomping Ground L.A.

All students are required to digitally sign two forms once a year before joining class. Signing these forms before you arrive will significantly decrease your check-in time. If you are new to class and aren't able to fill out these forms beforehand, we encourage you to arrive ten minutes early. As a reminder, these two forms are filled out once a year. Students 15-17 years old need a guardian's signature on their media release form.

Jamila’s Waiver Form

Stomping Ground L.A.'s Waiver Form

The pay-what-you-can option is available year-round for anyone who needs it, ensuring access to our weekly classes regardless of financial circumstances.  

You can contribute to the pay-what-you-can option at the door when you check in. No pre-registration is required—just show up, and I’ll welcome you.  I only accept Venmo and Zelle for payment.  No cash accepted at this time.  

All students must fill out the required waivers (once per calendar year).  

Wherever you are, I hope to see you in the studio. 

If you've purchased a class card, there's no need to register in advance—just show up for class and provide your name at check-in. I’ll have your class card on file and will keep track of your attendance as well as how many classes you have remaining.  Be sure to fill out the required waivers (once per calendar year).  

3- and 5-class cards expire 3 months after purchase. 10-class cards expire 4 months after purchase. Community Class Cards for 2026 are available through the registration form.

You can digitally pay for class at the door before class begins, but I highly encourage you to pay beforehand to decrease your check-in time. I accept payments via Venmo and Zelle only. No cash accepted at this time. All students must fill out the required waivers (once per calendar year).  

Please contact me (community@jamilaglass.com) if you need additional assistance.

Classes must be pre-paid and are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

There is no official late time limit, but we encourage you to account for traffic and parking time when heading to class so you can enjoy the full class time.

SGLA has a bottle filling station, so bring your favorite reusable water bottle for hydration. There are not water bottles for sale and I am unable to provide cups for the bottle filling station.

• 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!

“This is my happy place. There is no competition. Everyone is here for the love of dance.” -Student

“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 kindness and your patience.” -Student

“This class has been a blessing. [Before this class,] I couldn’t find a class that spoke to me and wasn’t competitive.” -Student

“[This class] sets the mood for my whole day.” -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

You do not have to be a professional dancer to take my classes.  Be sure to read the class description to decide which class is the best fit for you.

There is no specific dress code for class. I encourage students to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing they can move in, like sweats, tanks, tees or leggings. Socks are optional, depending on the style. For certain classes, I may request students to remove their socks.  I encourage you to bring a pair of socks and have them on standby, if needed.

I regularly teach advanced-level movement as a special guest through universities, festivals, and special workshops.

Interested in taking intermediate/advanced classes with me? Send an email to community@jamilaglass.com and let me know you’re interested. If there’s enough interest, I’ll open a class. Inquiries for private or small-group advanced classes are also welcome.

Yes! I offer private classes for both individuals and groups. For more information, please email community@jamilaglass.com.

When you arrive, you will check-in with Jamila at the “front desk” (a table). If you haven’t already filled out the two waiver forms before arriving, you will fill them out before starting to dance. I encourage you to fill them out beforehand to significantly cut down on your check-in time.

Once checking in, you are free to enter the dance floor and warm up on your own and/or mingle with the other movers in the room. You will be led through a warmup (which may include progressions across the floor, improvisation, partnering, or floorwork) followed by a phrase (otherwise known as a “combination”). If you need to step to the side and take a break at any time to drink water, head to the restroom, breathe or pause to watch the movement, you are free to do so.  

I encourage active listening by keeping the side conversations to a minimum. I cultivate a supportive environment by encouraging all in the room to remain actively engaged in watching what is happening in front of them. That includes staying off phones unless there is an emergency. I welcome questions during class that may help you further understand the phrasework.

After learning the phrase, I usually cycle through several smaller groups doing the movement, giving students more room to dance.

Classes are taught on a marley-covered, sprung dance floor.

Beverages allowed inside the studios - no food inside the venue.

While cameras can be a powerful tool, I believe deeply in the importance of learning and growing in private—free from the pressure to be perfect or to master the movement immediately.

At times, I may choose to film only the final 15 minutes of class. When filming occurs, there will always be a group that movers can opt into that is not filmed. Please refrain from setting up your own phones to record, or from asking classmates to film you, without my permission.

If you’d like to leave class with footage, you’re welcome to ask, and I’m happy to film you on your phone during an assigned filming time.

Sign up for my newsletter to stay connected to my general class schedule (which includes open level, intermediate, and advanced classes).

You can also follow me on Instagram, where I share weekly class updates on my Stories.

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.

Contact community@jamilaglass.com