jordan medley

@jordan.medley
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"Dance is my platform, my translator, my outlet. It is a vehicle for change and as a young artist, we should strive to be instruments of change in our world. I believe that dance will help me do that."

​Most dance students start taking lessons at an early age. Jordan Medley did not. At 17 years old, Jordan decided to start ballet and modern dance training. By taking the risk to start something new, Jordan gained a perspective on life that reshaped his future.

An east coast native, Jordan was born in ​Buffalo, New York, and moved to Charlotte,  North Carolina, when he was 11 years old. He still calls Charlotte ‘home’ whenever someone asks.


 “I didn’t go to college right out of high school,” told Jordan. “I spent two years trying to find my way, working, training as much as I could, and surviving. I didn't always trust myself, or my process, during this journey of mine but I'm learning how to more and more everyday,” he explains.

“I had to want to be a better me, and self evaluate and reevaluate so many times. I am forever grateful to have had people in my corner — whether it was friends, family, or strangers,” Jordan indicated. “Find people that will encourage you  and that will fight for you when you can't do those things for yourself.”

​Jordan will become a graduate of the University of North Carolina’s  School of the Arts (UNCSA) in May of 2018. In the future, Jordan sees himself choreographing, traveling the world, and teaching dance.

Although he has other passions, like music, musical theater, and law, dance is his life. Dance gives him the ability to express his feelings and ideas through movement. He loves the connection it gives to humans, and that it gives us all common ground. Through dance, he is learning to trust his instrument. 

One of Jordan’s favorite composition teachers, Trish Casey at UNCSA, taught Jordan that he is not a product of his past, he is a process. 

“Don't get tied down in the details of your shortcomings,” remarked Jordan. “They're a part of life. What really defines your character is the way that you choose to move forward.”