Conquering Industry Pressure -- with Jamal Wade

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

Authenticity, kindness and integrity go a long way, right? Do you ever feel a pressure in the industry to act a certain way or be a particular kind of person? I know that I have felt this and many people I know from the last 15 years in LA have struggled with this. You think you have to adopt a certain kind of person to fit in or be accepted.
I am stoked to share the conversation with my former student, Jamal Wade, who just recently directed Tinashe’s latest music video. He truly embodies a genuine, positive energy and I think that has certainly lended itself to his recent success. We chat:

• How he started diving in to creative directing at such a young age
• The networking that led to his first big job
• How his authenticity and curiosity created opportunity

This episode is great for a creative project - bust out your glue gun and buckle up.
www.jamalwade.com
https://dreambear.org/portfolio/jamal-wade/
www.instagram.com/jamalkwade

Jamal Wade is a director and choreographer for film and music videos. His journey as an artist formally began in high school as dancer training on scholarship with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. During that time, he also trained and performed with Debbie Allen in several stage productions, and with New Venture Theatre. Jamal attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he studied and earned his BFA in Dance Theatre. As a choreographer, he’s worked with artists including Josh Dean, Ambre, and Ari Lennox.
His directing style embraces that background, capturing life and motion in even the stillest moments. His directorial work includes music videos for Lady London, Tinashe, and Willie Jones, whose "American Dream" video was nominated for Video of the Year at the CMT Country Music Awards. As a queer Black artist, Jamal strives to continue creating work with others who want to empower minorities and the underrepresented voices of the world.

Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt