Jordan Ward: From St. Louis to London
Humility is the key to longevity and success.
Jordan Ward has done it all—taught professional dance classes, starred in music videos, danced alongside some of the biggest pop artists, and is currently on a world tour—his personal dream since he was 14 years old. It’s been a long journey, but for Jordan, it’s all about taking a leap and trying something exciting, even scary.
“I have wanted to be an entertainer since I can remember! Singing, dancing and performing have always been a part of my life,” says Ward.
Ward’s most intense audition experience to date? It was definitely the day that he auditioned for Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour. He was successful that day, and credits his perseverance for the incredible experiences that have come to him since then.
The Purpose tour has given Ward many opportunities to explore new cities, new foods and new languages, all while performing for thousands of fans on all six continents. Yet even with all of his adventures, Jordan notes that to stay competitive as a professional dancer, it takes three things: consistent training, a healthy lifestyle and humility.
“Humility is one of the most valuable assets a professional dancer can have," according to Ward.
"It is easy to get caught up in the hype of a good job or money, but you have to remember that like anything else in life, it can be taken away from you. Keeping that thought in mind allows consistent training, gratitude and health to be at the top of my priorities.”
Jordan enjoys passing on this piece of advice when he has a chance to teach: “Now that I am older, I see how my gifts in the arts can allow me to help other people, which is all the more reason to keep pursuing it. Kids are so great to work with because they are the perfect sponges! If we want to change the world for the better, we have to start with the children. They are the ones who will create the ideas of tomorrow, and if educators instill the right values in them early on, they will have even stronger foundations. I have a feeling my purpose in life will very much involve working with children.”