About this Artist

Stanley (she) started taking dance classes when she was 5 years old in Annapolis, MD. Through the years, she attended different dance studios allowing dance to grow into her passion, especially after her family moved to Wake Forest, NC. There she explored multiple ways to move her body in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern classes. In college, she grew into her own identity as a mover and as a choreographer, ultimately earning a B.A. in dance from Columbia College in Columbia, SC. She first experienced dance as social action in 2013 when she was given the opportunity to dance with Vincent Thomas and his restaging of “Take Off…” an excerpt of a larger work titled “Occupy”. She was so moved by the power that movement can have over audiences. After attending summer programs outside of her hometown, she was exposed to even more styles including West African, Dunham, Rumba, Horton, Graham, and salsa. She was selected by Debbie Allen to perform with Stevie Wonder live at the Special Olympics World Games in 2015. Since moving to Los Angeles, Stanley has worked with many choreographers including Reegan Haynes, Joe Brown, Tai White, and Darrel “Friidom” Dunn. She has danced with artists such as Tye Tribett, Kanye West, and Shaunte Usual.

In addition to dancing, Stanley worked as a full-time biochemist. She is currently attending the University of Southern California to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

When Stanley first learned about CONTRA-TIEMPO in school, she became curious about their mission and movement. After moving to Los Angeles in the Summer of 2017, she attended the CONTRA-TIEMPO Futuro Summer Dance Program where she saw her own personal values and mission align, and in September of 2018 Stanley was asked to join CONTRA-TIEMPO as a company member. Stanley also manages CONTRA-TIEMPO’s marketing and social media.

IG: @_jstanley_