James is a contemporary dance artist whose performance career spans over 20 years, most notably with Montreal’s acclaimed Compagnie Marie Chouinard. Since graduating from Grant MacEwan University's Musical Theatre and Dance Programs in Alberta, Canada in 1998, James has enjoyed performing for international audiences at renowned festivals and theatres all over the world.

 

James has also danced for Canadian choreographers and companies including Martha Carter/Marta Marta Productions, Suzanne Miller and Alvin Paivio Productions, Tania Alvarado, Tony Chong, Dominique Porte, Movement 7, Brian Webb, NDH Robin Poitras, 7 doigts de la main, Lucie Grégoire Danse, Caroline Laurin-Beaucage, MAYDAY Melanie Demers and Lune Rouge PY1 Project.  In 2009, James was a recipient of a Gemini Film and Television award for the Chouinard company’s ‘Best Performance’ in the film version of bODY_rEMIX/ les_vARIATIONS_gOLDBErg. He was awarded funding from the Conseil Des Arts et Lettres de Quebec (CALQ) to become a certified Gaga teacher and to study with Batsheva under the direction of Bosmat Nossan and Ohad Naharin in Tel Aviv, Israel. He completed his training in June 2017 and travels regularly to Tel Aviv to study and update his certification.

 

Currently, James is choreographing his own work, and often collaborates with composer Line Katcho, with whom he will premier a new work in September 2019 in Montreal. As well as performing, collaborating and rehearsal directing for other artists across Canada, he travels frequently to share his passion of Gaga as a guest teacher at festivals, dance institutions, and universities, both nationally and internationally.