Life & Work with Marcus “MJ” Johnson of Dallas, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus “MJ” Johnson.

Hi Marcus “MJ” , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Story…

1. The Beginning

When I first got introduced to breaking it was at my freshman homecoming school dance back in 1997. I went with some buddies hoping to score some numbers but ended up seeing something that would change my life forever from that day forward! After we paid for our tickets we walked into the school cafeteria that was decorated to look like a club, and right in the middle of the Dance Floor there was a big circle and I saw a bunch of upper classmen individually go out into the circle and throw their best moves with each person taking turns immediately after the other was finished. I was hypnotized and watched them (from afar) all night! I remember attempting to try some of the more basic moves that I thought I could do off to the side where no one could see me of course but after that point I was bitten by the bug!

What sparked my interest was watching how each person had a different style when they danced, but each one of them were doing amazing acrobatic tricks that I knew they had been practicing on for some time. Today guys we’re so good that you could tell that they practice on a daily basis to be able to do the things they were doing and like it wasn’t nothing! I instantly knew then that I had to be apart of this underground world.

2. The Grind / Early Journey

Challenges I faced early on weren’t many, but one the sticks out the most to me and my buddies having to teach ourselves certain moves since those same upperclassmen were a bit standoff-ish to us freshman. It didn’t take long before they saw that we were serious and began to let us come around, inviting us to their open gym practices at our high school. After that we were certified to them!

First milestones I achieved were landing my first teaching job at 19, performing locally at shows and finally getting headspins! A master move that I’d been working on for almost 2 years prior

3. The Turning Point

The turning point in my dance career was when I met 2 mentors that inspired me to be the best and taught me countless lessons that could be applied to both life and dance. Daryl DC Campbell and Zach Sek-1 Strounk were the pivotal leaders that pushed me further then I knew I could ever do

The moment I realized dance could be more than a hobby was when i auditioned for a Christian all girl group who is about to go on a US tour, which was choreographed by my mentor DC. This experience opened my eyes to the possibilities that the entertainment industry had to offer.

Key opportunities and decisions that shifted my path was staying booked and busy doing local gigs around the city, but the biggest the decision that shifted my path was dropping out of college (twice) to pursue my passion.

4. Building & Growth

What drives me to keep going is my family and memories of wise words from my late father

5. Where I Am Now

My current role as the director of my very own dance training program: Next Chapter Dance, will be the legacy that I leave behind! What I’m building here in Dallas, GA will be something fun and new for children of all ages to enjoy!

My vision for the future is to bring dancers of all ages and styles to my brick and mortar dance studio to learn from the best staff of instructors while having a positive impact in and around the community!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. There were times when I questioned if I was on the right path — struggling to find consistent opportunities, balancing work and personal life, and even moments where I doubted myself. But every struggle taught me something, and it pushed me to stay disciplined, creative, and persistent.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I represent breaking and the culture behind it. People know me for my style, my musicality, and for passing down the knowledge that was given to me. What I’m proud of most is keeping the culture alive while still evolving it for the Next Chapter . What separates me is that I stay true to the roots, but I also push to make sure kids see breaking as something bigger than just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle and a community.”

How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about trophies, stages, or even financial gains. As a dancer, success was defined by growth — pushing myself, mastering the craft, and earning respect in the culture. But as a business owner, my definition has evolved. Success now means creating opportunities for others, building something that impacts the community, and seeing the Next Chapter grow through what I’ve built. It’s not just about how far I’ve gone, but how many people I’ve been able to bring with me. That’s real success to me!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextchapterdance
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15z15LfgSZ/
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/TV3XYHXhPu7F6Mf2Yf

Image Credits
Stasha Johnson