Mary Johnson isn’t just a talented dancer; she’s a passionate advocate for its transformative power in young lives. She founded The Impossible for Every Child: Performing Arts Center (IMAGINE…), an organization that embodies her mission to empower children through classical ballet.
The Harlem-raised Houston-based dance educator started her journey with dance at the age of three. From that moment, it became a lifelong pursuit. Nurtured by esteemed instructors like Ruby Magby, Ruth Williams and Alvin Ailey, her talent blossomed under their guidance.
Johnson craved to share the joy of dance with others, especially youngsters who might not have access to such opportunities.
This desire took root when her family moved to Long Island. There, alongside her mother, Adele Johnson, Mary co-founded the first African American dance school – the Adele Johnson’s School of Performing Arts. Witnessing firsthand the impact dance had on her students, Mary’s passion to nurture young talent grew. She trained them and led them to prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the New York State World’s Fair, and Hofstra University.
However, she recognized that not everyone had the same opportunities she and her students enjoyed. This realization and her unwavering love for children and dance drove IMAGINE….
The Defender spoke to Johnson about her work here in Houston.
Defender: Mary, your passion for dance is evident. Can you tell us about your journey with ballet?
Mary Johnson: Absolutely! I started dancing at the tender age of three. My mom, a trailblazer herself, opened the first African American dance studio on Long Island. Growing up surrounded by dance, I witnessed its transformative power firsthand. By the time I was 12, I was already teaching.
Defender: What inspired you to create IMAGINE…? Why the focus on ballet, specifically?
Johnson: The name IMAGINE… comes from Ephesians 3:20, a verse that speaks to limitless possibilities. That’s the core of our mission – to empower young people to dream big. As for ballet, it might seem unconventional, but ballet isn’t just about tutus and tiaras. It’s about discipline, focus, and the joy of artistic expression. Yes, there are stereotypes about race and ballet, but Misty Copeland’s story is a shining example of how anyone can excel in this art form. Exposure to ballet opens doors – to music, theatre, and a whole new world. Even if a child doesn’t become a professional dancer, the lessons they learn here will benefit them for life.
Defender: What skills or values do you hope to cultivate in your students?
Johnson: We want our students to walk away believing they can achieve anything. Ballet is hard. It requires dedication and focus. But when they master a step, a turn, a pirouette, it instills a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other aspects of their lives. We tell them they’re special and have the potential to be the smartest in class, the most focused. And if ballet isn’t their ultimate path, they can take that discipline and confidence and excel in whatever they choose to pursue.
Defender: You mentioned stereotypes. What challenges have you faced in bringing ballet to the Fifth Ward?
Johnson: Let’s say I could fill a phonebook! There are many hurdles, from overcoming preconceived notions about ballet to getting used to proper posture. Then there’s the home life some of these children face. But we can’t let challenges deter us. We stay focused on the bigger picture. And the rewards are truly inspiring. We see shy children blossom into confident young people, their posture improving their grades going up. Teachers tell us they’re more focused in class. That’s the magic of IMAGINE…
Defender: This upcoming performance will raise awareness for a permanent performing arts center. Can you tell us about this vision?
Johnson: Absolutely! Right now, we rely on borrowed spaces. A dedicated facility would be a game-changer. It would provide a permanent home for our program, a space where these young artists can truly flourish. Beyond that, it would be a beacon of hope for the Fifth Ward community, symbolizing that access to the arts is for everyone. Imagine a space where these children can learn ballet and explore other art forms, where the entire community can come together to experience the magic of live performance.
Defender: Mary, what does the future hold for IMAGINE…?
Johnson: We dream of a future where ballet is woven into the fabric of the Fifth Ward. We dream of students going on to professional careers in dance, but more importantly, we dream of young people who are empowered, confident, and ready to take on the world. With a permanent facility and continued community support, IMAGINE… can continue to be a place where dreams take flight, one graceful step at a time.
