While visiting Jamaica in the summer of 2023, CJ Jackson checked out some of the trendy spots with fellow Canadian Megan Soo and Jamaican deejay E-Dee. One of the places they checked out was Uptown Mondays in Kingston, where the hottest names in dancehall gather.
As Soo’s lead dancer and choreographer, Jackson felt at home checking out the latest dancehall moves.
“The most fascinating thing to me about Jamaican dance culture is how the style of dancehall was developed. Jamaican dance culture is very traditional but also free,” he noted. “New school dancehall wouldn’t have been created if it wasn’t for the traditions of old school. However, at the same time dancehall is such a freeform of art, that mixing old school with modern styles created new school,” Jackson added. “If it wasn’t for moves such as the Gully Creepa, Bogle and World Dance, modern day steps would have no foundation.”
Formally trained in commercial dance studies at George Brown College in Ontario, Jackson has been a professional dancer for 10 years. His credits include lead dancer and choreographer for Michigesso, a song by Soo and E-Dee, the video for which was filmed in Cuba.
As the son of Jamaican parents, he absorbed dancehall culture since his youth, pointing to the iconic Gerald “Bogle” Levy of Black Roses Crew fame as a major influence. Jackson also considers early hip hop dancers as inspiration for him becoming a professional dancer.
As much as he admires the moves out of Kingston, Montego Bay, New York City and Los Angeles, CJ Jackson is determined to leave his mark on the world of dance.
“It is very important for me because my own style is a reflection of myself. There can never be a replication of me and you must apply your uniqueness to your craft,” he said. “Being original showcases you as a person and your best craft will always be from originality.”
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