Jessa Doll is a long-time member of Answers4Dancers. We met her during the very earliest days of her career and watched her grow into a vibrant and in-demand performer, teacher, and mentor. We asked Jessa to share a bit of her journey and with so much incredible advice, we decided to turn her story into a permanent page on the site to help new dancers. Here’s the first installment in Jessa’s own words.
TELL US ABOUT THE CHANCE YOU TOOK TO MOVE TO THE USA
Pursuing a career in the dance industry was never something I questioned. While moving from Canada to Los Angeles — the epicenter of commercial dance — was certainly a bold step, it never felt like a risk. It felt like a calling. The journey has demanded hard work, resilience, and a lot of heart, but without a doubt, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
HOW LONG UNTIL YOU GOT AN AGENT?
I started working toward representation before I even moved to L.A. I was intentional about building my foundation — training consistently, attending classes to grow my network, and making sure I had a strong portfolio with a headshot, demo reel, and résumé. I’m often asked by younger dancers if having an agent is necessary — and in my experience, absolutely. While securing one can be challenging, the right agent can open doors and advocate for your career in powerful ways.
DID YOU KNOW THE TYPE OF DANCER YOU WANTED TO BE?
When I first moved to LA I was still discovering my branding and who I was. I knew the types of artists and choreographers I wanted to dance for and somewhat knew my strengths but it really took a few years of trial and error to identify and lock into the areas I excelled in naturally. I say this because sometimes what you see for yourself isn’t always what your look, vibe, or style of dance aligns with, so it’s important to see what naturally flows and lean into that!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE JOBS?
I have so many favorite jobs, each for unique reasons! One of my career highlights so far was traveling the globe dancing for artist Maluma. I was fortunate to be part of the tour for a significant duration (four years), allowing me to experience incredible places I might never have visited on my own and performing in front of crowds of thousands. Recently, I had the chance to dance in a music video for an artist whose work I deeply respect and admire.
In addition to these high-profile opportunities, I truly enjoy teaching throughout Canada and Los Angeles at Timeless Studios (formerly Millennium Dance Complex OC) and collaborating with a fantastic team of dancers at AMAX Entertainment, a prestigious entertainment company. One of the aspects I cherish most about all of these experiences is the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
MESSAGE TO NEW DANCERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS:
My first piece of advice to aspiring dancers would be to fully immerse yourself in opportunities that involve traveling or working with guest teachers and programs. These experiences can be incredibly valuable, and I wish I had taken even more advantage of them when I first moved to L.A.
I encourage every dancer to focus on strengthening their self-worth, self-love, identity, and resilience. The dance industry can be quite challenging, often filled with rejection, so it’s crucial to learn how to accept setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth rather than allowing them to discourage you.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, don’t hesitate to “shoot your shot.” You must advocate for yourself and cultivate confidence. A small moment of courage, whether it’s introducing yourself to someone influential or reaching out to someone you admire, can potentially lead to more opportunities that wouldn’t happen if you played it safe. There’s always a time and place — but approaching your career from a mindset of possibility is always a powerful place to start.
We continued Jessa's story with Part 2 that was recently published in our weekly DanceBlast neweletter. There's even more great information in this interview:
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO CONTINUE GROWING IN YOUR CAREER?
What keeps me motivated is a deep sense of purpose and inner drive. I truly can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I’m inspired by the idea of growing within my career — evolving into leadership roles and expanding the impact I can make through my work.
Like anyone in a creative field, I have moments of doubt or discouragement which is completely normal. But I’ve learned not to let those feelings take over. Instead, I use them as fuel to reflect, and elevate to the next level.
WHAT ROLE DID ANSWERS4DANCERS PLAY IN GUIDING YOUR CAREER?
Answers4Dancers played a huge role in my early journey. As a young dancer determined to move to the U.S. and pursue the industry, I spent hours on the website taking notes and learning everything I could. It was a goldmine of information and inspiration.
A4D also supported me directly by awarding me a demo reel makeover — something I used in my first auditions and castings. That early encouragement made a big difference. I’m still connected with a few dancers I met through the platform and will always be grateful for A4D’s support and impact.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE TEACHING AND SHARING WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED?
Teaching is a true passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate to become more involved in it over the years. I’ve taught across Canada as a guest instructor and regularly teach throughout California. Currently, I’m a faculty member at Timeless Studios (formerly Millennium Dance Complex OC), where I specialize in Jazz Funk, Heels, and industry workshops.
WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU HELP YOUNGER DANCERS BREAK INTO A DANCE CAREER?
In addition to studio work, I launched an online mentorship program designed to guide dancers in areas like branding, portfolio development, and navigating the professional industry. I’m also grateful that my teaching experience has led to leadership opportunities where I’ve served as dance captain on several major projects, allowing me to support both creative teams and fellow performers.
THAT’S AMAZING! TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
I like to brand my mentorship as a 1-on-1 personalized dancer development program. It takes place over the course of a month where we meet once a week over Zoom. We focus on different industry topics, assess current habits, training, and branding.
Together, we will formulate a game plan designed to propel them toward their goals and aspirations within the industry. Drawing from my personal experiences, my aim is to help every dancer embrace and show up as a more elevated version of themselves—one that is bold, confident, and enthusiastic about the journey ahead in a supportive and positive environment.
HOW CAN DANCERS LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM?
To learn more about my mentorship program you can visit my website or Instagram page!
https://jessadoll.wixsite.com/jessadoll/about-3
@dollinmotion
You can learn more about obtaining an O-1 Work Visa on Answers4Dancers HERE. Jessa even created a great checklist to help you navigate the process! Thanks so much to Jessa for sharing her story and for her strong leadership!
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