Today we’d like to introduce you to Lashonda Johnson.
Lashonda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was a really shy and quiet girl and began dancing in the church to express myself. I loved dancing but didn’t have the resources for formal training. I took a chance on myself and audition for the BFA program at Slippery Rock University, after being pushed to do so by my father. Outside of dance, I loved to simply study people and would eventually incorporate that into my works when I was given that opportunity to choreograph. I felt like I lacked training because I felt I had such a late start. I put all of my energy in trying to be as creative as possible in my choreography and absolutely fell in love. I visited Atlanta and attended the Sweatshop Dance intensive held by T Lang and Teena Custer, where I was able to present work and eventually catch the attention of T Lang. She was creating a residency program and offered me to be a part of it. I moved to Atlanta two weeks after graduating with my BFA in dance with a concentration in performance and choreography. I’ve been on the grind ever since!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my opinion, dance is never smooth and there will always be obstacles. Part of my residency program was that I was to present work in a certain period of time, so I hit the ground running. I had a hard time balancing the transition of being a student to a professional choreographer. The opportunity I was blessed with called for me to move at a quicker pace than I anticipated but it only made me better. I came here with many ideas that I eventually scrapped and started completely over. I had to find a new voice for my work. And because I was completely new here, I didn’t have a large presence in the dance community. I wanted, I worked to reach as many people as possible while also knowing nobody at all.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My work tells the hard stories that people often don’t like to explore. It is usually driven by a lot of emotion and storytelling. I like for my work to be placed right in the viewer’s face in a way that doesn’t allow them to look away. I always attempt to break that wall between the viewers and performers. It is confrontational in a way even when it’s presented in an extremely soft manner. What sets my work apart is that it’s driven by passion first and technique second. I’m okay with imperfections and I encourage those I work with to take those risks, especially when it comes from the heart and in the heat of the moment. I am extremely proud of the fact that my work has started important conversations as long as it’s been presented.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success can be in many layers and is almost never-ending. In college, I felt extremely successful when my works would be adjudicated and make many shows. After graduating and moving to Georgia, I felt successful after a showcase when someone would tell me they would like to continue following my journey through dance. Money is nice but I don’t think it solely defines someone’s success. I think success is touching as many people as you can and using your gifts for good. I believe I’ll reach the highest form of success when I’m able to completely pour into an artist under me. I want to be able to help someone else’s career and pass on as much knowledge and resources as I can.
Contact Info:
- Email: lashondajohnsondance@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Ben Viatori, Melissa Alexander
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