JoAnn Jansen was recognised as a dancer in 1996, and choreographer in 2004. She has collaborated with celebrities including Harrison Ford as choreographer and acting coach, Jennifer Aniston, and Antonio Banderas in the blockbuster film Take the Lead. Take the Lead showcased styles of dance from Hip Hop through to Ballroom with an emphasis on partnering, breaks and rhythm.

As an industry professional, JoAnn encourages others to broaden their career. “Dance is all dance. You need to understand the art form and bring a personality.” This personality has enabled her to make what she describes as an “obvious transition” from choreographer to director. In a competitive industry, JoAnn states that you need to “work as hard as you can in front of decision makers, keep up connections, make choreographers recognise you, have an agent and an interest in how the business works here.”

With an impressive list of credits to her name, JoAnn works side by side with her agent at Clear Talent Group in LA. “The good thing about Clear Talent Group is there is not an overload of clients, they are funky, they give clients the attention they need, they get what I want, they are smart and current yet polite and tough.”

Check out JoAnn Jansen’s amazing list of credits below!

http://www.cleartalentgroup.com/pdf/JoAnn%20Jansen%20Resume.pdf

Hey guys,

I am in the process of finishing a television show and a movie based on dance…two projects I am putting my heart and soul into. My mission now is to start creating a musical in Japan and then go to whatever is next. I work with a company that wants to help me get my own studio, with the aim of creating new artists for a new entertainment industry.

God bless all those with their hopes and dreams. I have love for my Aussie family.

One Love, Swoop

Represented by Clear Talent Group in LA, Jamal Sims is constantly in demand within the Hip Hop world and may be recently remembered for his role as choreographer in Step Up 2 The Streets. Jamal has worked with the likes of the Jabbawockeez and Madonna and provides insight to Dance Informa!

Whilst Jamal considers Madonna to “know exactly what she wants” and the process in which to get there, it is important to “learn the personality” of the different artists you are working with and the approach they are to take. Jamal says that you are to ensure choreography is “tailored to them” throughout the process.

For an Australian who aspires to become a back-up dancer for performers including Britney Spears, Jamal encourages dancers to “train with choreographers” whose style you are interested in. As the audition process in the States may appear to be quite foreign at first, Jamal suggests coming to America and seeking training at institutions including Edge and Millennium Dance Complex. This will allow you to become accustomed to the different styles choreographers are after. With teachers providing industry experience in the States, Jamal says you can “never have too much information” and be “open to the repertoire of styles” on offer.

Jamal Sims is currently working on the third installment of Step Up. Check out his impressive CV below!

http://www.cleartalentgroup.com/pdf/JAMAL%20SIMS%20Chor%20Res.pdf

Represented by DDO Artists’ Agency in Los Angeles, Chonique Sneed is already an accomplished artist in her own right. Collaborating with highly respected industry professionals in the field, Chonique provides insight and knowledge to Dance Informa.

Having worked with Australian dancers as a choreographer, I asked Chonique how she considers the standard of dance in Australia to be. “ I have worked with a few Australian dancers as a choreographer, and have seen some students who have taken my class in their visit to the States. The standard of ability and work ethic are strong.”

 With regards to fostering the continuous improvement of standards of dance practice both in Australia and the United States, Chonique refers to reality television shows as a significant platform for inspiring today’s dancers. “ I think the dance shows out at the moment are inspiring dancers today to train and explore more. It is giving them reason to train and research some of the greats.”

An abundance of full-time tertiary courses have emerged within recent years as a method of keeping dancers up to date with the changing nature of the art form. Chonique encourages dancers whether they are engaged in a course or casual class setting to “stay up on your technique” and this will “keep you reaching and looking ahead.”

Taking the leap from a career in Australia to the States can appear a daunting task! Chonique recommends to Australian dancers to “train and come when you feel you’re ready.” And once you travel overseas, “train again! You will know when it is right to pursue your dreams.”

As a choreographer, Chonique requires her dancers to set a high standard. “It is very important for a dancer to be able to be responsible and have a mature mind-set. You must always conduct yourself as a professional.”

Guest master classes are considered a vital tool in keeping dancers on the cutting edge, as they bring exposure to different styles and forms of movement. As an international choreographer, Chonique describes versatility as key to success. “Versatility is key, the more you can do, the more you can be used!”

With Hip Hop described as an underground culture made from the streets and not for Hollywood movies, Chonique states, “everyone has a perception of what dance looks like or appears to be. I think everyone has a right to tell their story. It’s all interpretation.” Chonique considers an awareness of the origin of movies and genres to be important. “Through dance conventions such as Hollywood Connection and Monsters of Hip Hop, education is also provided along with dance.”

Dance literature including journals and periodicals may be valued as important to the professional development of dancers. With a greater emergence of street dance culture in the literature today, Chonique Sneed thanks Dance Informa Magazine for acting as a valuable outlet.