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Meet James (Washington) Manning

Job Title & Employer
Dance Department Chair, Pittsburgh CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts)
Major/Program
Dance (jazz)
Graduation
2011
College Activities
Dance Club
Hometown
Ontario, N.Y.
High School
James A. Beneway High School
Now Living In
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests
Time with family, podcasts, the beach

"Mr. Manning is an extraordinary addition to the CAPA community. As the chair of our Dance Department, he has worked to reimagine our curriculum to provide dancers with high-quality arts instruction rooted in a superior seven-year course of study that blends performance with purpose. His teaching philosophy is rooted in putting students at the core of all that he does, and this is evident inside and outside the classroom. The positive relationships he builds with our dancers and their families is invaluable. During these challenging times, he has supported students to rethink how dance and space can be sources of inspiration. Students are encouraged to self-advocate and incorporate their personal experiences into their work. This approach has allowed our dancers to showcase dance in the virtual setting with immense passion and pride."

Melissa Pearlman, Principal, Pittsburgh CAPA

"The Conservatory of Performing Arts schedule and rigor allowed me to feel prepared to enter the professional field; the versatility and class offerings played a huge part in that. As a student, you are treated and training like a professional dancer ... Point Park continues to produce exceptional talent in a city that has a vibrant arts community — including concert dance, musical theatre, film and television and plenty of teaching opportunities."

James (Washington) Manning

How did your Point Park University experience prepare you for professional success?

Point Park University allowed me to create the foundation for my career. The training, connections and relationships built have helped with every step along the way. The friendships and connections I established in Pittsburgh have been extremely helpful within my career. 

Briefly highlight your career path.

You recently accepted the position as chair of dance at Pittsburgh CAPA. Tell us about your responsibilities. 

As the dance department chair, I oversee grades 6-12 alongside a fabulous team of four other educators (including Point Park alums Denise Azzari, Tanya Garcia and Kaylin Horgan). My goal as chair is to help students develop their craft and gather the tools necessary for a career in the performing arts.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Entering during an all-virtual setting has had its challenges, but during this time I have learned that anything is possible. With dance, I created a streamlined schedule where students are still receiving all of their technique classes, introduced two dance academic courses, hold accountability check-ins with faculty as well as launched our virtual masterclass series. Allowing students to learn and grow, and be exposed to working artists and professionals is very important. I enjoy seeing the growth, development and passion from students.

What do you believe sets Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts apart from other universities?

The schedule and rigor allowed me to feel prepared to enter the professional field; the versatility and class offerings played a huge part in that. As a student, you are treated and training like a professional dancer. I continue to say that the connections and relationships built in Pittsburgh have had a major impact on each step of my career. Point Park continues to produce exceptional talent in a city that has a vibrant arts community — including concert dance, musical theatre, film, television and plenty of teaching opportunities. I am thankful for each professor and mentor I had a Point Park, who all seemed to become more like family. As the program continues to grow, I am proud to see the progress and the remarkable opportunities being offered to the current students.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I chose Point Park after attending International Summer Dance. I broke my foot during my senior year of high school, and luckily my audition at Point Park was three weeks prior to my injury. Seemed to all be fate!

Connect with James (Washington) Manning


More About: Pittsburgh CAPA, Downtown Pittsburgh, dance, success story, Dance Alumni, alumni, Conservatory Alumni, jazz, faculty, Conservatory of Performing Arts, international summer dance