Words That Move Me with Dana Wilson

263. Jamal Sims & Will Bell: Titles and Credit for Choreography Teams

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This is my episode on Credits, Collaboration, and the Industry Conversations We've Been Waiting to Have

I sit down with choreographer Jamal Sims and associate choreographer Will Bell to talk about what it actually looks like when the dance industry takes care of its own — and what happens when it doesn't.

Spoiler: the best collaborations aren't built on titles. They're built on trust.

We explore:

  • The meet-cute that almost didn't happen. How juggling Beauty and the Beast and Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl simultaneously led Jamal to one phone call, one name, and a partnership that just worked, and what that says about the power of the right person in the room.
    • Assistant choreographer ≠ personal assistant of the choreographer. Why the industry still confuses the two, what it cost Will when someone called him "difficult" for knowing his own job description, and why having a choreographer's handbook on standby might not be the worst idea.
      • The credit problem nobody wants to talk about. How the line between assistant and associate can define someone's entire career trajectory, and why giving people their proper title isn't just courtesy, it's how they get their next job.

        • This episode is for every dancer, choreographer, and creative who has ever done the work and watched someone else get the credit.

        Because being an assistant isn't a life sentence. And “Associate” isn't just a title.

        So, are you willing to advocate for the people in your room?

        Watch the full episode here.

        Show Notes:

        Connect with Jamal on IG

        Connect with Will on IG

        Watch Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

        Watch the Beauty & The Beast: The 30th Anniversary Special

        Watch the Encanto Live at the Hollywood Bowl 

        Read the Choreographers Guild Handbook 

        Listen to our episode with Julie 

        Listen to our In The Heights Episode

        Listen to our episode with Kai

        For more DANA

        For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY 

        To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

        To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

        Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE 

        Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

        ...more
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        Words That Move Me with Dana WilsonBy The Dana Wilson LLC
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