Ja’Moon and The Dancing Spirit, photo by Skye Varga
Javon ‘Ja’Moon’ Jones is a New York City-based performer, teacher, choreographer and creator whose work centers on themes of identity, storytelling, and collective healing. As the Resident Choreographer at Ballare Carmel (2024-present), Ja’Moon infuses his innovative vision into a variety of projects while continuing to develop solo works like The Ghetto Shaman: That Which Lurks in the Shadows. His performances have been featured at Institut Français Senegal, Navel.LA, and Arts on Site NYC.
Ja’Moon’s unique style blends physical theater and movement, drawing inspiration from recent performances in acclaimed productions like Sleep No More NYC and collaborations with artists such as Robert Moses and Kyle Abraham. Ja’Moon has taught workshops at Stanford University, ODC, and LINES Ballet.
His accolades include the Max Mara Young Visionary Award, a YoungArts Modern Dance Gold Medal, and a prestigious residency at École Des Sables, Sénégal. With an education from The Juilliard School and years of international performance experience.
The Ghetto Shaman: That Which Lurks in the Shadows The Ghetto Shaman: That Which Lurks in the Shadows is a visceral dance-theater work that delves into the mental and emotional landscape of the radical and wayward spirit. It explores themes of fragmentation, conjure, trance, and exhaustion as they manifest in the reckoning with social and political shadows.
“Thank you thank you and thank you to everyone who made this residency (Black Artist Space to Create) possible. These past two weeks have been a blessing! Not only have I been able to deepen my own personal/artistic practices, I was given the space to connect with people that I love! I was given space to reflect on love, and to prepare for what this next year (2021) will bring! Shout out to New Dance Alliance, Modern Accord Depot and Angie Pittman for the time, the space, and opportunity! I am forever grateful! It felt like a good meal, with dessert!”
– Johnnie Cruise Mercer
New Dance Alliance
182 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013