Jamal Story,
Director of Education

A Los Angeles native, Jamal trained there at the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.  He holds dual degrees in Dance Performance and TV/Radio Communications from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and has danced with Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet, Donald Byrd/the Group, Complexions, Madonna’s 2001 Drowned World Tour and (as an aerialist and dancer) Cher’s Living Proof: The Farewell Tour and every tour and residency she has done since.  He originated the original Broadway production of The Color Purple (2005) and Motown: the Musical (2013) on Broadway, serving as a dance captain on both.  In addition to gigs with Lana Del Rey, Ne-Yo, Smash (NBC) and The Gilded Age (HBO), Jamal has also set works on several companies, taught as an interim professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and co-chairs the SAG-AFTRA National Dancers Committee.  Jamal continues his advocacy for educating young artists about the changing landscape of dance, has written two books, and maintains a YouTube channel dedicated to helping dancers and everyday people relieve physical stress.  Some of his blogs have appeared in the Dallas Morning News.