See Jordan perform this season in the Charleston Christmas Special
As a professional dancer and choreographer, Jordan Maria’s movement has captivated audiences from Charleston’s most prestigious venues to the sets of television shows, such as The Righteous Gemstones. With an impressive roster of collaborations, including the Charleston Pops, Ranky Tanky, and Annex Dance Company (where she’s been a company member for three years), she has graced stages at TEDx Charleston and the International African American Museum.
The North Charleston native began her journey at the age of two at Dance Unlimited, where her inability to stop moving while watching her older sister’s classes caught the attention of the instructors. That spark, nurtured by her family, led to eight formative years with Just Dance at Charleston Dance Center on James Island, before she honed her craft at the Charleston County School of the Arts and Charleston Dance Institute (now Palmetto City Ballet).
Jordan continued her education at the College of Charleston, where she studied dance and developed her versatile style. From improvised solo performances to collaborative pieces celebrating Black joy, Jordan’s artistry serves a clear purpose: to bring positive energy and tell stories through dance. This month, see Jordan perform in the Charleston Christmas Special at the Charleston Music Hall. Here, she shares why she strives to be a light onstage and off.
Dance with Meaning: In 2020 [during the pandemic], I was worried about being able to continue my dance career because of theatre closures and auditions being postponed, but one day, I woke up and decided to make videos. I only made three, but they blew up because of George Floyd and the riots. I know my purpose is dance; to bring joy or tell a story.
Making a Connection: I get to perform every year in the Charleston Christmas Special at the Music Hall. I’ve been doing it since I was 14, so this will be my 13th year. Brad and Jenny Moranz have been the most influential in my dance career. They taught me all the techniques but also to have fun. When you just have fun and smile, you connect with the audience. I always remind myself that people are coming into a theater to find a place to escape for 90 minutes. When I was little, we used to sing “This Little Light of Mine,” and I still live by that. I want to be a light in whatever I do.
Memorable Performances: Last summer, I worked on The Righteous Gemstones. We did four, 12-hour days on set. It could be really hard, but I got to teach Adam Levine to do a jazz square, and two seasons prior, I worked with Joe Jonas. Twelve-year-old me would have freaked out! I told little Jordan, “You just taught Joe Jonas a line dance!” The performance at the International African American Museum was also really cool. I worked with the artist Mahoganee, who commissioned us for 100 days of Black joy and Black beauty, focusing on connecting the Black diaspora. I collaborated with my younger sister on the costumes—she created the looks—and Mahoganee provided the music. Also, being able to perform in a music video with Ranky Tanky—they’re the coolest people in the whole world!
Current Work: I’m choreographing for the School of the Arts, teaching classes at the Dance Conservatory, and rehearsing for shows. I try to do at least one residency a year. This year, I’m working with Ashley River Creative Arts to bring hip-hop into their school. I’m also in rehearsal with Annex, and we have some amazing performances in the spring, including “Ripples of Change” on April 25 and 26 at the Emmett Robinson Theatre.
Watch a video of Jordan Maria dancing at the International African American Museum:
