Johnson to lead ‘artistic exploration’ March 29

Marin Johnson is inviting the community to a free performance that will serve as an “artistic exploration” and a showcase that is part of a thesis project in her Master of Fine Arts in Choreography degree program from Jacksonville University. Johnson, co-owner of Forte Studios in Mount Horeb, began the program in June of 2024 and is on track to graduate on May 2 of this year.  

“I’m exploring the importance of multigenerational exchange with a focus on the value of older dancers - go figure right! I’m an older dancer, haha!” she said. 

The cast consists of eight dancers, including Johnnson, ranging in age from pre-teen to their 70s. All of them have collaborated and contributed to the choreography. 

“My hope is for the audience to have an experience that is reflective, entertaining, and showcases the value that we all have and the importance of spending time with and learning from people of different generations, whether they are older or younger,” said Johnson. “Audiences will be invited to write on note cards and share a short story or lesson they have learned from someone of a different generation. They can post their cards on a bulletin board to share with others. Four of the cards will be chosen by the dancers to be read as part of the performance. This is one way we are including the audience in the experience.”

Performances will take place Sunday, March 29 at noon and 2:30 p.m. Each will last roughly 30 minutes with an optional Q and A afterward. The show is recommended for ages six and up. It is free and walk-ins are welcome, but organizers are hoping for reservations for planning purposes. 

Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has studied with former Radio City Rockette, Jean Kettell, as well as with Nashville School of Ballet, Gary Harrison, TN Dance Theater, Royal Academy of Dance, TN Association of Dance, and Lou Conte Studios. She is a certified member of Dance Masters of Wisconsin and had earned certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique and Acrobatic Arts.

Johnson has enjoyed being a professional dancer, choreographer and dance educator throughout the United States and abroad since 1992. She has shared the stage with artists such as Brenda Lee, Wynonna Judd, Lee Greenwood, Pam Tillis, Steve Winwood and more. Her television credits include videos and specials for CBS, CMT, TNN, TBN, VH-1 and an array of local networks. 

Johnson has also choreographed several large scale productions for companies such as Radio Shack, Office Depot, Information Technologies and Redken, as well as for main stage shows such as Tribute in Concert, Superstars Live in Concert, and Country Tonight Theatre in Pigeon Forge, TN. Additional choreography credits include Music Theatre of Madison’s “Floyd Collins”, “Held”, “Parade”, “The Yellow Wallpaper”, “Ten Days in a Madhouse”, and “Who’s Your Baghdaddy?”; Celebrity Cruise Lines (Assistant Choreographer); Jigsaw Entertainment’s “Calling All Classics”; WSB Promotions; and several college and high school show choirs and dance teams.

At Forte, she has worked with all ages and skill levels from three-year-old beginners to adult working professionals. Before coming to Mount Horeb, she and her husband Wes successfully owned and operated A Step Ahead School of Performing Arts in Lavergne, TN, just outside of Nashville. The pair also directed, taught and wrote shows for Cannon County Arts Center’s summer intensive workshops.

Find out more at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qxKFwkqCk3_jdM5Ay1ZdNE7Tse6ILli9...