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MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHERS - KYRA JOHNSON

Meet Kyra Johnson

         Kyra Johnson is a senior psychology major and a second year dance major. The title of her piece is How Come...? Learn more about Kyra and her piece below.

State your name, major(s)/minor(s), class, and name of your piece.
         The movement style I choreographed is modern with a few pedestrian inspired qualities. Overall, my idea of the piece came from my personal testimonies, as well as, from the experiences of my peers that are minorities attending a predominantly white institution (PWI). Formally, the work takes a journey into the everyday life of an African-American women. Within the journey, there are adversities that one must face when walking into the world.

How do you personally prepare for your rehearsals? Do you choreograph on the spot or come with material prepared? What is your process like?
         Often I choreograph on the spot. I believe in the semester I’ve come with material to rehearsals a total of three times. I found it most effect to choreograph on the spot for I could connect with my dancers and depict what shape designs and movement quality worked best. Sometimes when having predisposed ideas on movement, it can hinder stepping outside of one's comfort zone.

How do you think your cast would describe you as a choreographer/teacher?
         They would say that I changed my mind often, however, when my mind is made up I mold my set movement to bring out the respected qualities. In addition, they would say that I make sure that the dance is theirs as much as it is mine.

How does being a Choreographer for Afterimages differ from choreographing for any other projects? If you’ve never choreographed before, how have you approached this process differently than when you were just a performer/dancer?
         Choreographing for Afterimages has been different for I am creating to send a message versus creating to show off skill sets.

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