Today we’d like to introduce you to Janiyah Johnson.
Hi Janiyah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hey there, I’m Janiyah Johnson, and my journey of being creative has been nothing short of a whirlwind of passion and dedication. It all started when I was just 7 years old, discovering my love for dance. From that moment, I knew I wanted to make something beautiful out of it.
By the time I hit 13, I won the title of Queen of Baltimore. That, later on, was broadcast on the Netflix documentary “Dark City Beneath the Beat”. Being the youngest ever to compete and dance besides amazing dancers was amazing. Being able to receive the crown and be given so many opportunities by the Bmorethandance family and owner Neek was forever an impactful moment and journey in my life and career. But you know what? Despite the recognition, I’ve always kept my feet on the ground, staying humble and cherishing the art that fuels my soul.
During my middle and high school years, I dived deep into my love for dance by majoring in it. Those were the years when my mom and I would hit the road, traveling to cities like Los Angeles, Philly, and New York. We’d sleep in cars, hustle through auditions, take on dance jobs, and then hustle back for school the next day. It wasn’t easy, but that hustle shaped the grit and determination that define me today. As my career unfolded, I found joy not just in my performances but in collaborating with other creators. The dance world became my canvas for expression and connection.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve taken on the role of a dance educator. For me, dance isn’t just about movement; it’s a powerful outlet, especially for little brown girls and boys like me who face unique challenges. Teaching allows me to share the transformative power of dance with my students.
But that’s not all—I’ve expanded into other creative projects. I’m passionate about showcasing dancers and their talents, providing a platform for those aspiring to make their mark. I also dive into conversations with creators from all walks of life, shining a light on the incredible diversity within the creative spectrum. My journey is a mix of resilience, passion, and a commitment to elevating the art of dance while inspiring the next generation of artists. And trust me, I’m just getting started.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been a smooth glide; it’s been a dance of challenges and triumphs. Juggling school and dance was a struggle I knew all too well. Picture this: waking up at 6 am, enduring the school grind from 8 to 2:45, staying after for rehearsals, and then heading straight to the studio from 7 to 9 every other day.
Weekends? Packed with competitions and dance conventions. It was a relentless schedule, demanding blood, sweat, and tears to fight for my dreams. Nothing was handed to me; I had to earn every pirouette and plié. Battling insecurities was as much a part of the routine as perfecting routines themselves. I fought not only against my doubts but also against the odds others cast upon me. But you know what? I embraced the challenge, and I fought harder.
Through it all, my village, especially my mom, dance teacher, and dance family, stood like pillars of support. They had my back, lifting me when my legs felt too heavy to dance. Their belief in me fueled my determination, reminding me that I wasn’t alone on this stage. It’s in those moments of struggle and doubt that I found my strength, my resilience, and the unwavering support of those who believed in my journey as much as I did. And now, as I venture into new projects, my village supports me even further.
They’ve been here every step of the way, allowing and guiding me into my creative and creator/influencer journey. Their encouragement fuels my passion, turning the spotlight not just on my dance moves but also on the stories I want to tell. It’s an incredible feeling to have a village that not only witnesses your journey but actively participates in shaping it. Together, we’re turning dreams into reality, one graceful step at a time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional dancer and choreographer, and my work extends beyond teaching dance steps. I specialize in imparting the foundations of dance to my students, not just in terms of movement but also in navigating the professional dance world. I guide them on what to expect, how to cultivate resilience, and how to exude confidence both within themselves and in their movements.
What makes me most proud is where I’ve come from. It might sound a bit crazy, but those early struggles shaped me into the person I am today. Those experiences allowed me to see and embrace life in all its facets, providing me with a rich tapestry of stories to tell. Now, I take pride in sharing that wisdom and offering feedback to aspiring dancers. Witnessing others grow and celebrating their victories brings an unexplainable sense of fulfillment.
What sets me apart from others is my charisma. When I walk into a room, it’s not just about the steps I can perform or the creative content I can make; it’s about the energy I bring and the confidence I exude. I understand I’m not perfect, but I know what I can and will bring to the table. This blend of humility and assurance, combined with a genuine passion for the art, is what makes my approach unique in the dance world and the artistic industry.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis has been a profound teacher in my life. One of the key lessons it brought to the forefront is the art of patience. With uncertainty looming and plans constantly shifting, I learned to embrace the waiting, to be patient with the process, and to understand that sometimes life unfolds on its timeline. Moreover, this period highlighted the importance of cherishing those who love you. In a time of isolation and distancing, the value of genuine connections became crystal clear. I learned to appreciate the relationships that stood strong despite physical barriers and to reciprocate the love that was showered upon me.
Walking by faith, not by sight, took on a whole new meaning. The unpredictability of the pandemic emphasized the need to trust the journey, even when the path ahead seemed foggy. This mindset not only brought me a sense of peace but also allowed me to navigate the challenges with a resilient spirit. On a practical note, the pandemic prompted me to be frugal with both my time and money. With the world slowing down, I reassessed my priorities, focusing on what truly matters. I became mindful of how I invested my time, ensuring it aligned with my goals and values. Similarly, financially, I adopted a more prudent approach, recognizing the importance of saving for an uncertain future.
Amid adversity, these lessons became guiding principles, shaping not only my personal growth but also influencing how I approach my dance career and creative endeavors. The pandemic taught me that even in the face of challenges, there is room for growth, love, and a steadfast belief in the journey ahead.
Pricing:
- Mentorships are always free. Email me and we can go on this journey together @janiyah1102@gmail.com
- Private dance classes start at a flat rate of $25 an hour
- Open classes vary depending on the class. You can always email me or reach out to me via social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/_nirow_
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_nirow_?utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJaniyahJ
Image Credits
Logan Jones: Lamour Productions and Lamourproductions02@gmail.com
