Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessie James. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jessie, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Because I began my career as a professional dancer first, that came with many mischaracterizations.The dance world has a “standard” that has started to shift, but back in the days I was coming up, typecasting was harmful.
I only wanted to get in front of the panel and show them my talent. Instead, they lined us up and cut us based on looks, weight, and hair color. I was constantly frustrated by this. How can there not be room for more than five types of people in the industry? This led me to a more behind-the-scenes role as a choreographer because I didn’t fit the “typical” dancer mold.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My interest in the arts began when I was very small. I grew up dancing at a competitive studio and eventually had a professional career as a dancer. Although my main focus was pursuing dance, I was always interested in creating. As a teenager, I would choreograph my solos and even for my friends. At a certain point in my dance career, I was ready to transition to a more behind-the-scenes role.
My work ranges from the competitive studio level to professional stages and even film. I am very passionate about my work and often draw from personal experience. The human experience drives a lot of my choreographic work. Every person watching a performance, whether live or otherwise, deserves to take something from the experience. The audience member is my number one focus and an essential puzzle piece.
My work has been described as a “visual cornucopia” full of moving pictures created through movement. When I can find the right piece of music, magic happens!
The thing I am most proud of is that I have created a sustainable career in the arts. I have an enormous sense of pride, knowing my creative job can support my lifestyle. A career in the arts can be challenging. Pursuing this path has taken a lot of grit and patience over the years. I’m endlessly grateful for the push and support of other creatives over the years.
Other projects I’m most proud of include the short films I’ve self-funded, produced, directed, and choreographed that have screened worldwide. It feels really special to impact that many people!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I’m no expert in this area, but I spent time living abroad, where the arts are more widely celebrated. I wish that here in the States, we would value the athleticism and artistry of dancers the same way we do our professional athletes. Dancers make pennies. The entire ecosystem of performance art suffers here due to a lack of funding and excitement. So many significant performances have been made great by the dancers and choreography team, yet they make no money, and no one sings their praises.
The arts benefit so many! Imagine if a career in the arts was as exciting as a career in sports. We could develop so many young minds to tell stories from their unique point of view. The world ALWAYS needs more art. The world’s greatest have come from small places and shifted the entire perspective of what art is. It’s essential!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of my job is the messy middle. The moments in creation when ideas are flowing and the movement is coming out of my body. The moments when I get the full body chills while watching the first run. Or the satisfaction of dripping sweat and repeatedly moving to get it right.
The process is magical; for that reason alone, I’ve stuck with it for many years!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessiejamescreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieannjames/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/justthacker
Image Credits
Nik Pate