Michael James

Visual Designer / Movement & Equipment Choreographer

Michael James, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, graduated from the University of South Florida where he received a BA for Modern Dance Performance. After college, he performed in the American Stage Company’s “Shakespeare in the Park” Series for five seasons, as well as danced and choreographed for the Children’s Theater Tour.

Michael was a scholarship student at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Beckett, Massachusetts, where he studied under Linda Kent and Carolyn Adams. He also danced with The Men Dancers of Jacob’s Pillow International Touring Company, which allowed him to dance and teach in St. Petersburg, Russia and Novosibirsk, Siberia. And he was also a member of The Repertory Dance Theatre of Utah.

As a color guard designer and choreographer, he is currently working with Oviedo HS (2026 WGI Sch Open Class Champion), University of South Florida WG (2018 IA Finalist & 2022 Ind. Open Champion), The Cavaliers, The Colts, Steinbrenner HS, Walton HS, Kennesaw Mountain HS, and Floyd Central HS. He has worked with University HS - FL, Timber Creek HS - FL, Seminole HS - FL, Tarpon Springs HS - FL, The Company Winter Colour Guard, McNeil HS (TX),Miamisburg HS (OH), Pope HS (GA), Center Grove HS (IN), and Northmont HS (OH). He’s also been on staff with Carolina Crown, The Cadets, Crossmen, and The Magic of Orlando.

Michael’s choreography has also been viewed at Pleasure Island with the Pleasure Island Explosion Dancers, University of Central Florida’s Starlet Knights Danceline, Oracle Performance Ensemble, University of South Florida’s Herd of Thunder and winter guard, 1999’s Orlando Fringe Festival, and numerous other high schools and colleges around the country.