James Washington Manning, a native of Rochester, NY graduated from the Conservatory at Point Park University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. His choreography credits include Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Slippery Rock University, Pittsburgh CLO, New Hazlett Theater, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Cleveland School of the Arts, Houston Met Too Youth Company, Netflix (Archive 81) , Lifetime Television (Dance Moms) and Apple TV (Cha Cha Real Smooth Film). James was the male recipient of the “Brazzy Award” given for outstanding achievement in the field of dance.

Concert Dance Credits Include: August Wilson Dance Ensemble (Dance Magazine, Top 25 to watch) , Owen/Cox Dance Group, Houston Met Dance Company and Ballet INC. Musical Theatre Credits Include: West Side Story (Paper Mill Playhouse), Broadway Dance Lab, “In The Heights” (PCLO, LPPAC), “Newsies” (PCLO), Footloose (WAACS – Choreographer), 9 to 5 (WAACS- Choreographer), Hairspray (Pittsburgh CAPA – Choreographer) and Memphis (LPPAC – Choreographer).

James is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, former faculty member of Revel Dance Convention, Groove and Millennium Dance Complex PGH. James has served as the Dance Department Lead at Westinghouse Arts Academy, a performing arts high school outside of Pittsburgh, PA. He is currently the Dance Department Chair at Pittsburgh CAPA, which is the largest performing arts magnet school grades 6-12 in the Pittsburgh public district. James has written curriculum, created virtual mentorship programs and developed academic programming, allowing students to create tools, establish connections with industry professionals and feel prepared for post secondary education.

James has always thrived as an educator by creating a positive energy in the learning environment. He encourages you to be fully present while focusing on musicality and details and encourages you to give all you have during every class.