classes
Welcome to JamTown! I am Jamila Glass, a creative working in Los Angeles in film and television, and the Artistic Director of L.A. Contemporary Dance Company.
I have taught classes at USC Kaufman, Pace University, CLI Conservatory, UCLA, Loyola Marymount University, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Loyola Marymount University, Texas Christian University, Hussian College Los Angeles, and Renaissance Arts Academy, and created works for L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, Texas Christian University (twice), Cal State Fullerton (twice), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Co/Motion Creation Intensive (Boston). Additionally, universities regularly invite me to conduct mock auditions for their seniors and to lead lectures on film directing and working as a choreographer in film and television.
My choreography work includes Netflix's Dear White People (Justin Simien) as series choreographer for their final musical season, 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 recently choreographed and co-directed two commercials for Splice, the music industry's highest quality, royalty-free sample library.
Recent News:
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.
Watch my teaching reel and check out my current class schedule below.
l.a. contemporary dance | 2025
Join me for a pop up class with L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC).
Monday, April 28 from 12:00-2:00pm | $20 | Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Read FAQ SHEET for more details + pay-what-you-can option.
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.
Saturdays, Apr 19 & 26 | 10:30am-12:00pm | $18 (Discounted class card available)
Skill Level: OPEN LEVEL, including beginners | Ongoing throughout 2025
Read FAQ SHEET for more details + pay-what-you-can option.
Who would enjoy this class:
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.
Who has taken this class?
Those who…
Never stepped foot in a dance class before.
Haven’t taken a dance class in 5-15 years.
Are actors 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.
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.
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.
RESPONSES TO MY CLASSES
“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.” - Anonymous Dancer
“She was so kind, encouraging, creative, and really pushed us to reach our potential and fully be ourselves.” -Anonymous Dancer
“Thank you so much for teaching me that it’s okay to be comfortable in my body and that I’m allowed to communicate.” - Anonymous Dancer
“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.” - Anonymous Dancer
