Performing Arts Dance Academy: Jordan Francis Workshops

Jordan's Biography:

Jordan "Jman" Francis started his career at an early age. At seven, he played the role of Shuggie on an episode of "Real Kids Real Adventures." His next role was to play Young Simba in Disney’s "The Lion King" on Broadway. After his exposure to music on Broadway, Jordan started writing his own. One of Jordan's songs can be heard in the film, "How She Move." He has voiced the character of "Jamie James" on the Canadian hit cartoon "Carl Squared."

Jordan is not just a talented singer and actor though. He has won many awards for his dancing & choreography. In 2006, he held the title of "Choreographer of the Year" at the IPD showcase and has recently added three more choreographer awards to his credits, including Young Choreographer 2008. He has danced in the movie "Honey," starring Jessica Alba and Missy Elliot, and the ABC television movie "Music Man" with Matthew Broderick. He recently choreographed the music video to his own R&B song, "Girlz Trippin". (See the video bottom right)

At the young age of 18, Jordan has already accomplished more than some people do in a lifetime. His role as Barron in the 2008 Disney Channel movie "Camp Rock," put him in the national spotlight. His voice is featured in three soundtrack songs: "Hasta La Vista," "We Rock," and his solo piece, "Start the Party." Jordan will reprise his role for the sequel "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam", due out in 2010. He can currently be seen playing the character, Dave Whynot in the Canadian Family Channel show "Connor Undercover".

Performing Arts Dance Academy was proud to have Disney star Jordan Francis teaching classes on Saturday, February 6th, 2010. Jordan was brought to the area by the Make A Wish Foundation who were fulfilling the wish of Dallas, a young girl who wanted to record music with a celebrity. Jordan welcomed the chance to spend time with Dallas, and also to teach classes at Performing Arts Dance Academy.

Students in the first class, taught by Tim O'Shei and Jordan, learned the basics of interviewing. O'Shei, who is a published author and journalist for Dance Spirit magazine, first showed techniques such as how to stand during an interview, and how to hold a microphone. Jordan was then brought in to talk to the students about his previous training and career highlights. After taking a few minutes to prepare questions, students had the opportunity to individually interview Jordan on camera. Some of the interviews will be shown on www.livestarringyou.com.

Jordan then taught two dance classes for different ages. Dancers warmed up, did progressions, and then learned some of Jordan's original hip hop choreography. Students were also able to take pictures and get autographs with the star.

For all of our videos from the event, please visit our You Tube page here.

About Live! Starring...You: Author & journalist Tim O'Shei wrote Live! Starring...You! for elementary and middle-school aged kids who want to know what it's like to be famous. The book gives readers the scoop on star-style goal setting. It includes ways to become famous in a healthy and rewarding way. The book also ties into events and workshops held here in WNY. For more information, please visit Live! Starring...You! here.

To read Tim's complete article about Jordan Francis from the December 2009 issue of Dance Spirit Magazine, please click here.