Jermaine McGhee: From Stage to Screen—Dance, Choreography & Storytelling Through Movement

What does it take to transform a lifetime of dance into powerful storytelling for film, opera, and television? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Les LaPage sits down with Jermaine McGhee—scholar, choreographer, educator, and former principal dancer for the LA and San Francisco Opera, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar.

Jermaine shares his journey from performing in blockbuster films like Dance Flick to choreographing works that merge ballet, jazz, and American dance culture. He opens up about:

• The pivotal moment he shifted from dancer to choreographer.
• How communication shapes the relationship between directors, performers, and dancers.
• Why iconic sequences like White Nights set the standard for dance on film.
• Advice for young artists on finding their unique voice instead of copying others.
• The future of dance in film and streaming, and how projects like Tule are sparking a new renaissance.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, choreographer, or dance enthusiast, Jermaine’s insights reveal why movement is more than performance—it’s storytelling with purpose and impact
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👉 Listen in and discover how to elevate dance sequences from background filler to unforgettable cinematic moments.