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.
Podcast: Movers & Shapers Podcast
Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast Ep. #182
Click a link below to take a listen.
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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.