Finished up an invigorating week with the second cohort of the Los Angeles Choreographers Institute, an intensive leadership development program co-created by L.A. Contemporary Dance Company’s artistic director Jamila Glass and executive director Napoleon Gladney. This program incorporates a holistic approach to the business side of dance-making. It seeks to lessen the information gap that exists for choreographers beyond movement creation with a focus on navigating leadership, collaboration, and business with authenticity.
LACDC Launches 20th Season Looking Back (by Jeff Slayton)
One of the favorites was SUMMON (2021) choreographed by Genevieve Carson and directed, written and edited by Jamila Glass. The film was rich in color, emotions and intrigue. Shot in the property adjacent to Stomping Ground L.A. referred to as “Gray Gardens” the site offers a sanctuary for women to be who and do what they wish. The Cinematography by Nathan Kim was stunning as was the score by Oscar & Emmy award-winning and Grammy-nominated Kris Bowers. -Jeff Slayton, L.A. Dance Chronicle | READ MORE
Audition Workshop at CLI Conservatory
Jamila was invited to CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts to teach an exclusive multi-day workshop 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.
CLI is one of the leading dance training programs in the world. Bringing in over 100 working industry choreographers a year, CLI is a groundbreaking dance program designed to launch dancers' professional careers and is one of the only programs where you can get extensive commercial and concert dance training all in one place.
Their 10-month in-person curriculum focuses on what they consider the most important areas that help dancers step into their careers in less time and at less cost than traditional training programs. It was an incredible experience sharing space with the students and their joy for the art of dance was electrifying. Thank you to Riley Watts and Teddy Forance for the warm welcome.
Lectures at LMU
Jamila was invited to Loyola Marymount University to lead two lectures on her work as a choreographer and director in film and television. In the Dance for TV & Film class, Glass spoke to the creator's perspective, focusing on filming, choreography, and direction and incorporating insights from her extensive experience working on set.
Master Class at Renaissance Arts Academy
Jamila was invited to teach a class for 6th-12th graders at Renaissance Arts Academy, a performing arts charter public school based in Northeast Los Angeles. It was a wonderful experience sharing with such an attentive and motivated group of students.
Dance Workshop at USC Kaufman
Jamila was invited to teach 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 her alma mater and teach in the state-of-the-art building that is now right across from where she used to take her USC film school classes. Fight On Trojans!
2ND CSUF CHOREOGRAPHY RESIDENCY
After completing a choreography residency for Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) in 2022, the university brought Glass back in 2025 for a 2nd choreography residency. The work will premiere in their 2025/2026 season.
Saturday Morning Classes in 2025
Join me for open level community classes with L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) on Saturday mornings throughout 2025. Please note that there will be select dates with a fantastic guest teacher due to my work schedule. You can always head to my Instagram stories for the latest updates. Check out the Class ‘25 Highlights on my Instagram page for a peek at the vibes. SEE DETAILS.
Movers & Shapers: a dance podcast
On this episode of Movers and Shapers: A Dance Podcast (recorded in December 2024), Erin Carlisle Norton sits down with Jamila Glass to discuss her love for dance, her time at a performing arts high school, and her journey through USC’s School of Cinema-Television. Jamila explores how dance and film began to intertwine in her life, unpacking her powerful statement: “I’m a better dancer because I’m a filmmaker, and I’m a better filmmaker because I’m a dancer.” She reflects on nearly five years as Artistic Director of the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) and shares her current projects and excitement for what’s ahead. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with an inspiring artist.
NEW FILM: Director
In December 2024, the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) had the wonderful privilege of hosting a dance and film residency with choreographer Idoia Rodríguez to develop new work. The work was commissioned by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain through its arts program, SPAIN Dances, which aims at fostering artistic dialogue between Spanish and American dancers and choreographers, and serving as an incubator for new or in-process work.
This two week residency concluded with “ECHOES”, a dance film directed by LACDC’s artistic director Jamila Glass. This was Glass’ 4th year in a row collaborating with the Embassy. Watch the Film.
Guest Lecturer at LMU
Jamila was invited to speak at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) for their Careers in Dance Class. With almost two decades of professional experience, Glass was able to answer students’ questions directly, imparting insight and advice on navigating the dance industry and providing tools on sustainability in their future careers.
Mock Auditions at CSULB
Jamila returned to Cal State Long Beach for the 4th year in a row to conduct mock auditions with the dance department seniors.