Virginia Johnson (dancer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Virginia Johnson
Principal dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem Virginia Johnson and Eddie J. Shellman with Irina Nijinska during the curtain calls after DTH's revival of Les Biches, 1983.
Born	1950 (age 74–75) Washington, D.C. United States
Education	The Washington School of Ballet
Occupation	ballet dancer, magazine editor, artistic director
Former groups	Dance Theatre of Harlem
Alma mater	Fordham University

Virginia Johnson is a famous American ballet dancer, choreographer, and journalist. She was a founding member and a main dancer for the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She later became the artistic director of this important dance company. She retired from this role in 2023. Before that, from 2000 to 2009, she was the editor-in-chief of Pointe magazine.

Early Life and Dance Training

Virginia Johnson was born in 1950 and grew up in Washington, D.C.. She started learning classical ballet when she was only three years old. Her first teacher was Therrell Smith, a friend of her mother's.

Joining The Washington School of Ballet

When Virginia was thirteen, she received a special scholarship. This allowed her to train at The Washington School of Ballet. There, she learned from a well-known teacher named Mary Day. Virginia was the only African-American student at the school at that time. She finished her training and graduated in 1968.

Her Amazing Dance Career

After graduating, Virginia Johnson moved to New York City. She studied dance at New York University. While there, she took a class with the famous dancer Arthur Mitchell. This meeting changed her life.

Founding Dance Theatre of Harlem

Arthur Mitchell offered Virginia Johnson a chance to help him start a brand new ballet company. This exciting opportunity led to the creation of the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969. Virginia became one of the main dancers, known as a principal dancer, for the company.

Famous Ballet Roles

As a principal dancer, Virginia performed many important roles. She danced in famous ballets like Agon, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Swan Lake. She also performed in Creole Giselle, Concerto Barocco, Allegro Brillante, Fall River Legend, Les Biches, and Glen Tetley's Voluntaries. She spent twenty-eight years dancing with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

After Dancing: Editor and Director

After her long career as a dancer, Virginia Johnson decided to try something new. She went to Fordham University to study communications.

Leading Pointe Magazine

Later, Virginia was chosen to be the very first editor-in-chief of Pointe Magazine. This is a magazine all about ballet and dance. She worked there from 2000 to 2009.

Returning to Dance Theatre of Harlem

After her time at Pointe Magazine, Virginia Johnson returned to the Dance Theatre of Harlem. This time, she became its artistic director. She led the company until her retirement in 2023. Her work helped shape the future of ballet and inspired many young dancers.