Birmingham Native Earns Opportunity Through Video Audition

                                                                                                                                                          By Jay Mayes Jr.

For Jordan Todd, a senior majoring in liberal arts with a concentration in urban planning at Alabama A&M University, performing with R&B icon Usher was more than a career highlight. It was the culmination of years of dedication, passion and self-belief.

Todd, a Birmingham native and member of House Arrest 2 Championship Dance Team, was selected through a video audition to perform during The R&B Tour: Starring Usher Raymond & Chris Brown at Protective Stadium in Birmingham on July 28-29. The opportunity came through Get Backlit, a program that gives local dancers the chance to showcase their talents on stage during the tour.

Membership in House Arrest 2 has played a major role in Todd’s growth as a performer. The Chicago-founded dance team is known for its high-energy footwork and house music performances, challenging him to step outside of his comfort zone while embracing new dance styles and opportunities.

“The funny thing is, I'm not a professionally trained dancer,” Todd said. “I'm just someone who’s always had a natural love for performing and entertaining people.”

Three years ago, he joined House Arrest 2 as an outlet to showcase a talent he always knew he had. That decision eventually led to one of the biggest opportunities of his dance career: performing during The R&B Tour: Starring Usher Raymond & Chris Brown.

For Todd, the experience was a full-circle moment that reinforced the importance of believing in himself and continuing to pursue bigger stages.

“Dance has helped me become more confident, disciplined, and open to new experiences,” he said. “It's taught me to trust myself, even in rooms where I may feel out of place or underestimated. Performing with an artist like Usher showed me that opportunities come when you're prepared and willing to take a chance. It reminded me that hard work and consistency really pays off, and now it motivates me to dream even bigger.”

Todd hopes his story inspires others who may hesitate to pursue dance because they lack formal training.

“My advice is to not let the fact that you're not professionally trained stop you,” Todd said. “Just start. Be willing to learn, stay consistent, stay humble, and never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Dance is about expressing yourself, having fun, and growing over time. Every opportunity won't come overnight, but if you keep showing up and putting yourself out there, the right doors will open.”

Looking back on the experience, Todd said his favorite memories weren't just about sharing the stage with a global superstar.

“There were so many exciting moments throughout the R&B Tour, but my favorite part was doing what I love alongside other talented dancers who were selected for the opportunity, especially those from Birmingham and across Alabama,” Todd said. “Watching all of us come together, represent our city, and express ourselves through dance was something I’ll never forget. It was bigger than just performing. It was a moment of pride, community, and seeing our local talent shine on such a major stage.”

Through the Get Backlit program, selected local dancers are paid for their performances, receive complimentary tickets to additional shows, and have opportunities to network and audition for performances in other cities.

As he reflects on the experience, Todd hopes his journey encourages others to keep pursuing their passions.

“This opportunity reminded me that dreams don't have an expiration date. Keep showing up, keep believing in yourself, and when preparation meets opportunity, amazing things can happen,” Todd said.

Jay Mayes Jr. is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student content team.