JESSICA WALKER
Jessica Walker is a force to be reckoned with—a trailblazing Jamaican-German Choreographer, training Stuntwoman, and Founder of WALKER Movement Theatre Company. With a passion for breaking barriers and blending art forms, Jessica has crafted a unique space where performance art and meaningful participation collide, moving audiences to think and feel deeply.
Jessica’s journey began with formal training in African Contemporary Dance at The Place in London, followed by an MA in Contemporary Dance Performance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Since then, her work has pushed the boundaries of movement research and choreography, with her acclaimed productions like Exit Eve, Neon Exodus, and TREAD captivating audiences nationwide.
Beyond her theatre work, Jessica is a powerhouse in the film industry, performing stunts for blockbuster projects such as Deadpool Vs Wolverine, House of the Dragon, Starwars: The Acolyte, and Wicked. Her work effortlessly merges her love for movement, performativity, and storytelling, making her an extraordinary figure in both dance and film.
Driven by a desire for inclusivity, Jessica launched Afroismassive, a brand and advocacy platform that addresses the lack of training and care for Afro hair in the entertainment industry. Through educational content, industry partnerships, and the launch of her own line of curl-safe hair products, Jessica is transforming the beauty standards in film and TV, ensuring that every hair type is celebrated and respected.
Jessica’s relentless drive, creative vision, and dedication to social change are making waves across multiple industries. From the dance floor to the film set, she’s rewriting the narrative and empowering future generations to embrace the beauty of diversity.
All information and links were correct at the date of original publication on
17 Dec 2024
Your career spans dance, stunt work, and advocacy. What drives your passion to excel in so many different areas?
I have always been such a big believer of embracing new opportunities; I often describe myself as a “yes” person. If ideas, inspiration, or opportunities cross my path I do my very best to actively engage in them and discover what learning there is along the way. This consistent curiosity is what keeps me inspired and energised in order to show up and contribute across a range of industries.
WALKER Movement Theatre Company is known for its innovative performances. How do you approach creating work that blurs the lines between watching and participating?
In WALKER we like to use different methods to turn dance performances into “safe thinking spaces” for audiences. We have become so used to being passive consumers of art due to social media, and thus we use social media in our performances to allow audiences to give their thoughts and perceptions of the work in real-time. This shapes the meaning-making of the piece and makes every performance of the work unique. It’s incredibly exciting to experience.
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Can you share a memorable experience from working on a high-profile film set, like House of the Dragonor Wicked, and how it’s influenced your choreography or performance work?
To me, movement is everything. Learning how to move in such a specific way for the big screen has been an invaluable part of my journey and now my practice. I have previously had to use movement techniques from martial art forms such as Taekwondo, Capoeira, Wushu Kung-Fu and Muay Thai, as well as from weapon work (sword/bo staff/archery), unarmed combat, and animal-based bipedal/quadrupedal motions. To be able to teach and apply these techniques to dancers’ bodies allows me to create rigorous and innovative dance pieces that really push my robust and athletic performers.
Afroismassive was born from the need for proper hair care for Black performers in the entertainment industry. What challenges did you face launching this initiative, and what has been the most rewarding part so far?
Afroismassive was born from a deep frustration and a powerful need for change. From my experiences as a training Stuntwoman, I saw firsthand how stylists often lacked the training or products needed to care for Afro hair. Watching talented performers having to bring their own products to set or left to style their own hair was heartbreaking. Launching Afroismassive itself wasn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges was getting the industry to listen; it’s hard to call out such a huge system that’s been functioning this way for decades and convince people that textured hair needs just as much attention as any other. There’s also a misconception that Afro hair is “difficult,” which only perpetuates the neglect…
But the most rewarding part? Actually seeing the enthusiasm from stylists about these products, and witnessing them gaining the confidence to work more with Afro hair. The industry conversations that we’re having now, especially after the SAG-AFTRA strike which saw demands for better conditions for Black actors, show that progress is happening. Knowing Afroismassive is doing its part to contribute to this shift is what keeps me going.
Your use of African Contemporary Dance and minimalist tools creates a unique style. How do you balance tradition and innovation in your choreography?
When you have a unique movement style and perspective it can be hard not to be seduced by what we see on social media and fall back into the traps of creating what’s “normal”. Instead, I choose to “look inward” and use creative tasks to unpack my own movement aesthetic and ideas deeper in order to create dance works that really get audiences to question what they are watching.
You’re also a digital marketer and content creator. How do these skills complement your work as a choreographer and advocate?
Being a digital marketer and content creator has been a secret weapon in everything that I do. It means I can wear multiple hats, and in reality marketing is just storytelling in a different form: understanding your audiences, crafting a message, and delivering it in a way that connects. Social media is such a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving conversations, albeit about afro hair, about lifestyle in the entertainment industry, or for teaching and education.
I can create content that engages, educates, and inspires, and no matter whether I’m strategising campaigns, producing visuals, or creating narratives, everything that I have learned as a content creator helps me amplify my messages across the industries that I show up in.
What advice would you give to young dancers or performers from diverse backgrounds who are just starting out in the arts or film industry?
Industries can often feel saturated, making you feel like a small fish in a big pond. My best advice is to stay true to who you are; know what makes you “tick” as a creative and dive deep into those waters. Your curiosity will lead the way on your artistic journey, and as a result you will be able to pave a path for yourself that is truly unique.
Connect and Be Inspired by Jessica Walker
Discover more about Jessica’s ground-breaking work, support her advocacy for Afro hair care in the film industry, and follow her inspiring journey:
🌐 Website: WALKER Movement Theatre
🛍️ Afroismassive: afroismassive.shop
📹 YouTube: Afroismassive Channel | Jessica’s Trading Journal
💼 LinkedIn: Jessica Walker
✨ Join Jessica in celebrating the beauty of movement, diversity, and fearless advocacy for change!
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