Dance is a body language that has been interpreted in many different ways. Some dance as a social activity or as a way to fit in amongst their peers. Others, may utilize it as a more exciting exercise routine. The most daring choose dance as a career.
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The 24-year old dancer, mother, choreographer, wife, and teacher, Delisa Johnson, was born in Miami, Florida. Since moving to the Houston area, she has used her environment as an opportunity to be fully involved in the city’s art and performance culture. Delisa recently performed the age-old ballet classic, The Nutcracker, with her students from the Sugarland Dance Center. Seeing it as an opportunity to help others grow, she has enjoyed teaching dance since the age of sixteen.
“I loved being able to teach younger students how to move and be part of the reason why they became great dancers,” she said. “I love the fact that I helped them grow not only as a dancer but as a person.”
Delisa performing with Eric Williams to Beyoncé's 1 + 1. Created By: Delisa Calvin.
Delisa realized her passion for dance at the age of six, when she began praise dancing and attending ballet classes at her church. She then trained for four years at the Southwest Dance Academy. Although the Houston location closed down, this did not keep Delisa from continuing her dance training.
“I decided that I wanted to train as a dancer at the age of thirteen,” she said. “I knew that dance was what I was born to do and nothing was going to separate me from pursuing my dreams.”
Delisa furthered her dance training at Houston Community College (HCC), Urban Souls Dance Company, and the University of Houston. After 18 years of dance training, Delisa has learned to fuse her technique with her life experiences in order to create unforgettable performances for her audience.
Created By: Omarion Shepard
“My choreography comes from my past experiences and things that are going on in this world,” she said. “I am a very emotional dancer, so I like to convey my feelings in all of my choreography whether it be joyful, depressed, or sexy.”
Knowing that she has the ability to influence the mood of her audiences used to be Delisa’s primary motivation. Nowadays, she has found an even greater reason to excel at her profession.
“What drives me…It used to be this feeling inside me, like this hunger that wouldn’t go away! But now, I would have to say it’s my husband and daughter. They are my world!”
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