Today we’d like to introduce you to Eboni Johnson.
Hi Eboni, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from Pensacola, Florida, and I attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and Education. Growing up in Pensacola, I always knew I was destined for greatness, and after graduating from FAMU, I moved to Atlanta to pursue acting.
I was hired as an acting coach for children at The Art of Confidence, where I was also given my own hip-hop dance team. That experience is where my journey truly began. Shortly after, I created Dance 4 Your Life, and we quickly became one of the most innovative and sought-after kids’ dance teams in Atlanta.
Most people operate from the mindset of, “What if I try and fail?” I’ve always lived by a different belief:
“What if I don’t try, and it would have been a success?”
That mentality became the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished.
The young dancers I started with weren’t “industry kids,” but they became those kids. Their growth was tied to my willingness to be selfless and to guide them—not just as dancers, but as whole artists and leaders. I encouraged them to train outside of D4YL and exposed them to programs that strengthened their versatility. They became some of the most well-rounded young dancers in Atlanta.
But Dance 4 Your Life was never only about dance. Every child was required to build their own business, because I understood that the dance industry is not one-size-fits-all. My dancers learned to choreograph, creative direct, mix music, run front and back of house, lighting and design, visuals, and—most importantly—charge their worth. Every other month, they were evaluated by creating a one-minute piece, and no matter their age, they became some of the flyest young choreographers in the city.
They are also talented hairstylists, rappers, film directors, chefs, fashion influencers, athletes, and more. Whenever an opportunity arose for them to expand who they were, I encouraged them to take it.
My daughter Kaisley, age nine, dances with D4YL as well, and watching her evolve year after year has been nothing short of inspiring.
My greatest success is not just in what I’ve built, but in watching the products of what I’ve built continue to rise.
And this is still not even an eighth of what I’m here to do. I am destined for more. I aspire to establish three schools of performing arts in Atlanta, Tallahassee, and Pensacola.
Stay tuned—this journey is just beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not always been smooth. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn how to adapt, rebuild, and persevere. There have been seasons where I had to start over—new students, new parents, new competitions, new rules—but the outcome has remained the same: growth and success.
Our greatest challenge came during COVID-19. We suddenly couldn’t meet in person, and rehearsals shifted to FaceTime. Connections would drop, dancers moved in opposite directions, and it felt impossible to imagine things returning to normal. None of us were prepared for a complete stop.
But even in quarantine, the dancers were eager to move. I refused to let the circumstances break our momentum. Instead of waiting, I drove to each dancer’s house. They came outside and performed their one-minute piece from their driveway or front yard. It was powerful to witness their commitment—full-out, determined, and unstoppable.
COVID may have paused the world, but it didn’t stop D4YL. We continued our legacy, and looking back, I’m proud—not only of their dedication, but of the mindset we built together. I taught them to persevere no matter what they hear or see, to make their ceiling their floor, and to keep elevating. There is always a new ceiling to break.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I come from a family of actors, so performing has been a part of my life from a very young age. I’ve appeared in several film and television projects, including The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey with Samuel L. Jackson, the TLC biopic, and Florida Girls, among others. Storytelling and the arts have always been at the core of who I am.
In addition to my work as an actress, I am the founder and director of Dance 4 Your Life, where we’ve achieved significant success on both national and international stages. Our dancers are 5-time World of Dance finalists—competing against adults and winning—2-time Hip Hop International finalists, and Prelude finalists in both the junior and adult divisions.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the accolades, but the mindset we build. I expose young dancers to major platforms early so they learn there are no limits. They step on those stages without fear because they understand that with discipline, work, and belief, anything is possible.
Our style stands out above the rest because of our breathtaking introductions and exits. With my background in theatre, I use creative storytelling to craft exciting moments that captivate from beginning to end. Every performance has a clear theme and structure—a beginning, middle, and end—which I believe is a major reason we win. It’s not only about the choreography, but about the storyline and the dancers’ ability to convey emotion and intention at such a young age.
We’ve won best theme, best costume, and crowd at several competitions.
We also tackle powerful and relevant themes such as bullying, school shootings, and anxiety, while still creating fun and imaginative shows like Chucky, Ninja, Bring It On, and so much more. Our work reflects both the realities young people face and the joy and creativity they deserve to express.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One childhood memory that shaped me was teaching myself to dance at fifteen. I remember someone saying, “Eb, you can’t dance,” and instead of believing it, I used it as fuel. I spent the next year or two training my body—watching YouTube videos of Luam and Tucker Barkley and practicing every day until movement became second nature.
By my senior year of high school, a group of friends and I choreographed a routine for the talent show, and we won first place. That moment became my foundation. It taught me that anything is possible when I commit and that there are no limits to what I can create in my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Eb_inspired_you and dance4yolife
- Facebook: Eboni A. Johnson and D4YLKIDSDANCE
- Youtube: Dance 4 Your Life
