Meet Khalil Johnson of Special K Style in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khalil Johnson.

Khalil, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Choreography and dance have always been something that I love and have been immersed in since I was born. According to my mother, I even had natural rhythm and dance in my soul as a baby.

I used to rush home from school and finish up my homework, so I could learn the choreography to Janet Jackson and Micheal Jackson videos, among others. That is when my mom put me in dance classes at the age of eight. I took styles like hip hop, modern and jazz, as well as gymnastics and martial arts. Always loved making art with my body. After my first class, I was hooked.

I continued dancing through high school even cheerleading in school, and teaching all my friends the latest videos.

I booked my first music video with girl group TLC and then RnB sensation Monica at the age of 23. That’s when I decided to move to Los Angeles and make dance a full-time situation. It was amazing getting signed with Clear Talent Group and even getting to teach classes at Millennium Dance Complex, on top of getting amazing training from some of the dopest choreographers.

Currently, I am an instructor at The Atlanta Dance Academy and Groove 2 Music Studios. Allowing me to teach my hip hop fusion to amazing students of all shapes and sizes and levels. I also am a dancer on ILuminate, an amazing company that allows me to dance around the world, lighting up the stage literally.

Getting to do artist development and private lessons for clients alike puts the cherry on top because it really shows me how I’m able to touch lives and give training through the beautiful art of all things dance.

In a time with so many fads and at times, unhealthy competition in dance and the choreography world, I’m always sure to stay true to myself and talent shining through with my “Special K Style” and a true smile.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to dance has definitely had its share of speed bumps, especially within the audition process, at times, here and there, but the biggest one came this past year.

I had an issue with my abdomen and had to have emergency surgery done. It was tough, especially the 10-week recovery and physical therapy.

Yet, by the grace still, I’m back choreographing, teaching, traveling and oozing my love for what I do as well as spreading the energy of dance. Some parts of the journey will be hard, but keeping your head up and tenacity for what I love, are just two of the things that got me through it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Special K Style – what should we know?
Special K Style is me, it’s certainly part of my energy and being. I have even been called the “cleanest guy dancer” in Atlanta.

It’s a mix of every style I have ever done, all balled up into one. It’s truly a style!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I definitely have to send many many thanks and lots of love, to my mother and father for allowing me to train and take classes, and always being supportive of my dream. Also, every single dance teacher I ever had, my family, best friend, and all my friends. Every studio owner who allowed me to share my talents, and every boss that has allowed me to be part of the team! All of you have no idea how you have made my journey that much more amazing with your love and support in so many ways.

Contact Info:

• Email: Kboogg@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @specialkdancer

Image Credit:
Photography by: @iamklearshot

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