Meet Jordan London | Professional Ballerina & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan London and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My entire life, before I even consciously was aware of my behavior, has been a series of risks. I suppose I have always been inclined to take them. As a young student, I took the risk of piling and piling on more AP classes whilst getting more serious with ballet. I did not have the capacity to understand what it meant to not do the maximum amount. But, it has shaped me into who I am today. I then made the risk to leave home at 17 and pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer, and 2 years later, that dream was realized. After 3 seasons with the company, my heart and mind ached for something more. Freedom, autonomy, diversity. That is when I took the biggest risk so far in my life to leave the company with little plans… In retrospect, I sometimes think to myself about how big of a risk that truly was given the immense hard work and grit I have had to muster during this past year. But, now risks happen almost as seamlessly as non-risks. I have exposed myself on social media, talking about certain topics that I find to be powerful, and using my platform to inspire and guide those in the dance industry. It is still in the early stages, but I am in the process of developing my own business and personal brand in helping dancers achieve and embrace strength through different strength training programs. And with great risk, (I hope) comes great reward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I do consider myself an artist even as I transition into the business realm. It is safe to say that I got to where I am today with immense grit, perseverance, and hard work. I believe in working in silence, and letting the work speak for itself. My path has certainly not been easy or conventional, but I really am so grateful for the different opportunities and lives so to speak that I have lived. I have moved to different cities and countries, and this has allowed me to learn that I have the capability to make a life any where I can go. And this has translated into my professional life. Entering entrepreneurship can be intimidating and daunting, with no set paths, rules, or footprints to follow. But, my experience in having to be adaptable and creative throughout my ballet career and training has helped me come up with different ideas, execute them, and acquire problem solving skills. Because there will always be problems. And rather than running from them, I have learned to confront them face to face. Something I could not always do. I want the world to know about my brand and story that we are not all dealt the same deck of cards at our genesis. This is unconditionally true. Perhaps I was dealt a better hand than others. But you really can do whatever you want with them. In this day and age, the opportunities are infinitely endless. We all have the power to create the life of our dreams. I am still working towards mine, but I believe in my core that I will get there. And I want to do so in a way that enriches the lives of others. Encouraging dancers to embrace strength and creating a tight-knit community of real relationships.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest, the time I spent in San Diego until age 17 consisted mostly of dancing, studying, and resting, so I did not often go many places. However, some of my favorites would be to hang out at the Del Mar beaches and walking the entire stretch from Powerhouse Park to Dog Beach, visit a coffee shop on Cedros, sit out at the Torrey Pines gliderport, hike up Torrey Pines, and drive down to the super cute town on the island of Coronado. I love visiting the Hotel del Coronado, especially around Christmas time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family have been my pillar of support. My early dance teachers, Miah Nwosu and Angela Amoroso, guided and heavily encouraged me during my dance training. I would not have reached the professional level if it was not for their initial push into more professional training. I have had other mentors along the way that really brought out the best and strongest dancer in me, and believed in me which allowed me to believe in myself. My boyfriend and family were so important during this last year when I left the company with virtually nothing, and picked me up when I often plunged into dark and heavy times.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.london/