James Lambert is a 23 year old professional movement artist who is using movement to tell his own story. With a background in Contemporary and Hip Hop styles, James likes to blend styles to fit his own expression. Recipient of a recent grant from Arts Council, he is embarking on a creative journey to develop his creative practice.
His resume is filled with stars like Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Bad Bunny, Bebe Rexha, Raye as well starring in Blockbuster movies like Wicked to name a few. James has worked commercially for the last five years, and at just 23 is making his mark in the industry. As well as dancing, James has been a part of choreography teams for some of the globe’s biggest productions, helping create for artists like Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Katy Perry Fergie, Ashnikko and Linkin Park.
The theme of his grant focuses on how mental health is affected by socio-economic income, a topic close to his heart. James is focusing on questions like, how does difference in incomes impact the approach to dealing with mental health conditions? What are the views on mental health in different parts of society? What do conditions like OCD and anxiety look like in the body? How can movement be used to explore these feelings?
James’ movement crosses boundaries and is not stuck to one style. He likes to use Contemporary and Hip Hop styles in his work, but how is it possible to merge different styles of dance, whilst still upholding and maintaining stylistic and technical integrity?
“The simple answer to this is to have the foundations in the first place. Training intensely and understanding the technique that is required from that style of dance is going to ensure that you firstly have the knowledge to pull from. I think when the foundation is there, it is an extremely fun and playful process to create within a multitude of styles, as there is so much freedom that comes from having confidence in your movement background.”
James’ training is attributed to his versatility as a mover, training all over the world at such an early age. He gained scholarships to intensives such as Take Flight, Phase Dance Program, where he honed in on his Hip Hop movement. He also was a part of the Centre for advanced dance training program as well as Flexus Youth Touring Company, where he developed his love for Ballet and Contemporary.
What does blending styles look like in the dance class environment?
As a teacher in this modern era of dance, the pressure to create something new is immense. Blending styles and floating between different techniques creates a fresh energy for dancers and allows them to push themselves artistically in the class environment. Being an educator at Playground London for the past two years, James has been able to share his style of movement with the London dance community, who are open and receptive to learning his way of moving. He is now bringing his movement to the United States, as he transfers to Playground LA, one of a select few teachers at the studio.
Why is it important to merge different styles of dance together? And what impact does this have on dancers, as well as audience members?
“Blending different styles I believe is imperative to the development of movement and dance. Creating unique ways of moving is important if it is done with integrity. It allows dancers to continue to find new ways of feeling movement, whether that is a new pathway for the body, or a new dynamic quality. Exploring movement and expression allows the audience to feel something new too.”
You can keep up to date with James’ movements on his Instagram. He is currently travelling Europe with pop star Bebe Rexha, promoting her new album, and is continuing to teach and share his choreography in his classes.