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.
Podcast: Movers & Shapers Podcast
Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast Ep. #182
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Episode Description: “A World Immersed in Art with Dancer, Filmmaker, Choreographer, and Artistic Director Jamila Glass
Jamila Glass is a filmmaker, choreographer, and Artistic Director of L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC), where she has been a member since its founding in 2005. She has choreographed for Netflix, HBO, Hulu, BET, and PRADA, with her work featured in the NY Times, L.A. Times, and more. In 2024, she co-founded the Los Angeles Choreographers Institute and has directed 21 short dance films, a TV pilot, and music videos through her production company, The Cutting Room. A graduate of USC's School of Cinema-Television, her work blends movement, storytelling, and world-building to reflect the human experience. On this episode of Movers and Shapers: A Dance Podcast, Erin 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. Thanks for listening!”
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.
4 World Premieres: LACDC
L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) premiered four world premieres at Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center featuring work commissioned by Artistic Director Jamila Glass.
In October 2024, LACDC returned to the stage with four world premieres by Los Angeles and Spain-based choreographers showcasing works that explore how our inner lives affect our outer behavior.
When our minds are racing and the mental chatter gets too loud, how do we bring ourselves back to the middle to find some semblance of peace?
Featuring choreography by Mario Glez, Myles Lavallee, Spenser Theberge, and LACDC’s artistic director Jamila Glass and original music by AEREA, Slade Mctaggert, and Maxwell Transue. Glez’ work was commissioned in partnership with Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain.
They were also proud to welcome visionary philanthropist Glorya Kaufman to the final performance and closing night reception.
LOS ANGELES CHOREOGRAPHERS INSTITUTE
Finished up an invigorating week with the first 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.
NEW FILM: Movement Choreographer
Jamila completed work as a Movement Choreographer on the upcoming film Missing Rhythms directed by Regina Hoyles.
NEW WORK: CHOREOGRAPHY RESIDENCY
Jamila completed a two-week choreography residency with L.A. Contemporary Dance Company where she created a new work set to premiere Fall 2024. Stay tuned for performance dates.
Lectures at Pace University
Jamila returned to Pace University for the 2nd year in a row to lead two lectures on her work as choreographer in film and television. In the Choreography For Camera Class, Glass spoke to the process of translating from script to screen and shared how her journey (USC, LACDC) is woven into her creative process.
2ND TCU CHOREOGRAPHY RESIDENCY
Texas Christian University’s (TCU) dance students had such a wonderful experience with Jamila Glass during her Spring 2023 residency that their School of Classical & Contemporary Dance invited her to return in the Fall of 2023 to do another teaching & choreographic residency. She is honored to share the bill for their Fall Concert with world-renowned choreographer Sidra Bell.
CATCH ME ON THE SMALL SCREEN
You can spot me in a national commercial for Mastercard featuring Jennifer Hudson and in a music video for the new film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: “On My Soul” by Tobe Nwigwe and Nas, featuring Jacob Banks.