Jared Jenkins on Dance, Longevity, and Moving With Purpose on a Global Stage

Jared Jenkins has spent more than 15 years shaping movement at the highest levels of the entertainment industry. A globally respected dancer and choreographer, Jenkins most recently toured with Brandy and Monica on The Boy Is Mine Tour, contributing to a live production that carried both cultural significance and emotional resonance for audiences worldwide.

Known for his precision, versatility, and intentional approach to performance, Jenkins has collaborated with some of the industry's most influential artists, including Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and John Legend. His career spans more than 25 countries, with credits across live tours, television, film, and major award shows.

As dance continues to gain visibility across global platforms, Jenkins remains focused on craft, longevity, and purpose. In this interview, he reflects on honoring legacy, navigating the business behind performance, and staying grounded in music and movement as the foundation of his work.

Congratulations! You recently toured with Brandy and Monica on The Boy Is Mine Tour, a moment that holds real cultural weight. What did that experience mean to you personally and professionally?

Jared: Being part of The Boy Is Mine tour was surreal. It was a blessing to dance to timeless music night after night - music I grew up with and genuinely love, which made the experience even more meaningful. I'm still in awe.

Professionally, watching the tour resonate so deeply with fans around the world was incredibly fulfilling. The cultural impact Brandy and Monica have cemented over their 30-plus-year careers was fully realized on this tour. Seeing the outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow artists alike was inspiring, and I'm honored to have played even a small role in their legacy.

From a dancer's perspective, what did it take to honor their legacy while still bringing something fresh to the stage?

Jared: For me, it came naturally because I was already a true fan. Once the music started, I was locked in. Their songs are deeply embedded in my personal soundtrack, so bringing the movement to life felt instinctive.

R&B gives you permission to feel, and putting movement to Brandy and Monica's music allowed me to fully step into my role as a storyteller. We were also fortunate to work with a creative team that crafted choreography rooted in the essence of this timeless music while giving us the freedom to shine on stage. It was the perfect alignment.

Your work is often described as precise, elevated, and intentional. You've navigated live tours, television, film, and corporate spaces with ease. What lessons have you learned about adaptability and longevity in a fast-moving industry?

Jared: The greatest lesson I've learned is the importance of having a strong sense of self. I was fortunate to develop that before entering the industry, and it continues to be my greatest asset.

Before dance became my career, I played sports and worked in the corporate world for a Fortune 500 company. Those experiences taught me the value of professionalism, adaptability, discipline, consistency, and dedication to a craft that others might overlook. I treat dance with the same respect and seriousness as any thriving industry - because to me, it holds that level of value.

Longevity has also come from staying curious. Continually learning and drawing inspiration from outside my immediate wheelhouse - whether through different dance styles or by understanding production, camera work, lighting, styling, and financial management - has been essential.

The dance world doesn't always get the visibility it deserves. What do you wish audiences understood more deeply about dancers and choreographers behind major productions?

Jared: Dance has gained more visibility in recent years, especially through blockbuster productions, Broadway tours, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I believe there's a growing respect for dance as an art form.

Where growth is still needed is in compensation. Dance and choreography often play a major role in a song's success - whether through viral challenges, live performances, or film placements - yet dancers and choreographers aren't always compensated in proportion to their impact. Dance is frequently a driving force behind success, and that contribution deserves greater recognition.

For dancers watching your journey, especially those dreaming of global stages, what mindset do you believe is just as important as talent?

Jared: Understanding when not to take things personally has been essential to my career. As fulfilling and expressive as dance is, it remains a business. Many decisions are driven by metrics and finances, and emotions don't always factor in.

Having a strong sense of self, along with clear morals and boundaries, helps you navigate those moments. You'll often face choices that pit business against personal values, and learning how to weigh those decisions is crucial.

What excites you most about where your career is headed next - creatively, professionally, or personally?

Jared: I'm excited by the unknown. I spent years preparing for opportunities that hadn't yet arrived, and now I'm embracing exploration rather than expectation. I'm creating from passion, not necessity.

I've also been reconnecting with other creative interests - fashion, styling, and even my finance background. Recently, trusting my intuition and allowing the universe to guide the process has become a driving force in my journey. It's a far more peaceful place to be.

When everything is stripped back - no lights, no audience - who is Jared Jenkins, and what continues to drive you to move?

Jared: At my core, I'm introverted, sensitive, and - quietly - one of the funniest people you'll meet. What continues to drive me is music.

I'm deeply drawn to music with storytelling, depth, soul, and emotion. Music shapes my everyday life; there isn't a day that goes by without it. Movement is my physical response to artists being vulnerable and sharing pieces of themselves with the world. I'll always be indebted to music.

What else would you like our readers to know about you at this time?

Jared: I'm currently developing a project I've been wanting to bring to life for quite some time. I can't share much just yet - but it's on the way.

How can we keep up to date with you on social media?

Jared: You can find me on Instagram @_jjenks and on TikTok at JaredJJenkins.