Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Morris Johnson Season 2 Episode 28

Morris Johnson, Jr is a choreographer, teacher and dancer who
started his formal dance education in Broadway District in New
York. He is a two(2) time recipient of the Judith De Jean
Memorial Scholarship Award from the New Dance Group  Studio
and also received scholarships from The Bernice Johnson Dance
Studio and the American Dance Machine under Lee Theodore and Ann
Rankin. 
Morris has performed nationally and toured internationally with
various dance companies and musicals including Africa, South
America, The Caribbean and the Netherlands Antilles. He has
performed for such noted artists as Eartha Kitt at the Apollo
theater, Desi Arnez, Barbara Striesand, Prince, Charles Moore's
Drums and  Dances of Africa, Pearl Primus, Arrow and Chuck
Davis. 
Morris has choreographed for stage and videos to include The
Steeles, Robert Robinson, the Jetts, Penumbra Theater, The Walker
and various other venues. He also premiered dance fables, Langa
and Naga at the Southern Theater and has collaborated with
Cassandra Shore's Jawaahir' s Caravan and Tree Tales with the
Ragamala Dance company.


Morris has taught for the U of Mn/Guthrie Theater BFA Actors
Training Program, U of Mn dance dept, The Arts  Connection
in NY, and community classes around the Twin Cities. He received
the Sage Award for Outstanding Dance Educator in 2012 and
received grants from The McKnight foundation, The Jerome
Foundation, MRAC, Dancer pool, SpaceSpace and a Travel Study
grant from the Jerome Foundation to study in Salvador, Bahia
with  Bale Folklorico Da Bahia