Having performed with artists like Kylie Minogue and Bad Bunny, and appeared in productions including Wicked, his career is defined by versatility and momentum. Off stage, it’s the rhythm of everyday life – training, creating, and time spent around London Fields – that keeps his movement sharp, energetic and grounded.
You’re now based in East London – what drew you to this part of the city?
Honestly, I just love the energy of East London. I live along the canal, and it’s perfect to get to different places quickly, and such a calm and peaceful walk. The most attractive part of East London to me is the vibrancy of people. This part of town has so many things to offer, from coffee shops, clothing stores – being surrounded by people of varying life experiences really enhances the way I live.
How would you describe your movement style in a few words?
Sharp. Energetic. Playful.
Looking back, how did your early training shape the dancer you are today?
I started training at six years old, and from my first Hip Hop class I was hooked, I danced every single day – at the studio, in my living room, at the supermarket. I trained heavily in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet, so that I could be the most versatile dancer I could be. This has enabled me to not limit what I can do as a dancer, as the more versatile you are, the better. I also gained scholarships to intensives like Take Flight, and Phase Dance Program, that allowed me to learn from some of the world’s top choreographers, really giving me an insight into the working world at a young age.
Your schedule sounds intense – how much do you train in a typical week?
It varies from week to week depending on what I have going on. But usually quite a lot. I take dance class at least twice a week to keep inspired and to keep my body active. But mostly I am in the studio every few days, choreographing and moving around to develop how I like to move.
Where do you usually train or take class in London?
Good Hip Hop classes are always happening at The Playground, where I also teach, as well as The Manor. If I want my ballet fix it is normally at Pineapple.
What does a typical training day look like for you when you’re not in rehearsals?
It always starts with the gym in the morning, and then sometimes ballet at 12 o’clock. Then followed by a class or two in the afternoon at The Playground.
You’ve performed with global superstars like Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and Bad Bunny – what’s been a standout moment in your career so far?
I loved Eurovision with Rita Ora, we had a moment where it was just us two connecting on stage. We did a counterbalance movement as she sang looking directly into my eyes. The focus was purely on me and her and it really made younger James smile, getting to duet with a pop star in front of thousands of people. Another really special moment for me was a fashion show in Paris for Vogue. It was one of the biggest fashion shows of the season in the fashion capital of the world. It allowed me to perform with artists like Bad Bunny and it was with one of the best creative teams – Parris Goebel and Anna Wintour. It was a real pinch me moment, performing and looking out and seeing people like Pharell and Normani in the crowd.
You’ve worked across live performance, TV and film, including Wicked and Dance 100 Netflix how do you prepare differently for each?
Although all require hard work and a lot of blood sweat and tears, each sector of the industry definitely requires different preparation in order to show up prepared. For example, working in live performance requires a lot more mental preparation, the pressure to get things right for the one performance or one show is immense, and my brain definitely has to be switched on. Whereas in film, I would say stamina is more important, although you have to get it right every single take, sometimes you can be filming for 10+ hours on set, and making sure that your body is prepared and rested beforehand is essential.
You travel a lot for work – how do you stay physically and mentally ready while constantly on the move?
Daily meditation is the key to staying grounded for me. If I don’t meditate and ground myself before the day starts, I usually will feel anxious, whereas if I give myself even 10 minutes to pour into myself spiritually, I find it really helps me move with ease and more joy.
There’s a lot of excitement around Sadler’s Wells East – what does a space like that mean for dancers right now?
Having a space in East London like Sadler’s Wells is imperative for the success and development of the community. Having rehearsed there myself, I know first hand how beautiful it is. It is also so incredible that artists have a space that they can share their work, and is a real hub for London’s creative community.
As a choreographer and teacher, what do you try to pass on to the next generation of dancers?
I try to make my classes a safe space for artists. I firstly try to advocate for dancers being themselves and expressing in a way that feels good for them, whilst also pushing them to do it within the lines of my movement vocabulary, I feel like as a teacher I have both old and new school techniques. I want my students to push their bodies, to hopefully experience interesting ways of moving and phrasing that might be foreign to their body.
What’s been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
A challenge that I feel like I have had to overcome is keeping my self-belief strong at all times. I know it’s natural for it to fluctuate, and it is so much stronger now, but when I first started out at 18, my self confidence would often come from external factors, like other peoples opinions, my schedule and how well I told myself I was doing. I quickly learnt that I had to believe in myself first in order to really enjoy this career, and what I love doing. Being my own champion and pouring love into me has really helped me wake up every day proud of who I am, as a human first.
What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the industry now?
The first piece of advice that comes to mind is to train with as many people, in as many different styles as possible. Doing this not only makes you a more well rounded artist, it also helps you decide what inspires you and what doesn’t, so you can move through your journey with more clarity.
What still excites you most about dance today?
The most exciting thing I love about dance is that every week is different, I am always doing something new and that really ignites my spirit in the best way. It allows me to stay energised and free.
What’s next for you?
I teach regularly at The Playground in East London, and I am actually one of a handful of educators who is joining the teaching faculty in the world renowned studio The Playground Los Angeles. I’m really excited to continue teaching in such an iconic space. I am also currently working with pop star Bebe Rexha promoting her new album. As well as my teaching and dance work, I have recently been awarded a grant by Arts Council England, which I am using to create my own full length work, blending Hip Hop and Contemporary, allowing me to really express who I am as an artist.
What are your favourite spots in East London right now – any go-to places that inspire you or help you switch off?
London Fields park is a vital spot for me, a walk and a coffee in the park with my music blasting is really soothing for me. There is also the loveliest coffee shop called Malavenda that does a lovely iced Americano.
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