Horton technique with James Johnson

Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents

Friday ,September05,2025-9:30 am

Event Description

Modern / Contemporary

Class

90Running Time

Horton technique with James Johnson: Dive into the concepts and nuances of Horton in this class, designed to strengthen and expand the dancer’s foundation. Students will break down core exercises, explore key concepts, and develop an understanding of the essential techniques that make Horton such a powerful and versatile form. With a focus on alignment, strength, and clarity of movement, this class emphasizes building and maintaining a strong base upon which dancers can grow in any style.

James Johnson, a proud Belizean American from Chicago, IL. Trained at the Chicago Academy for the Arts under the direction of Ana Paskevska and Randy Duncan. Johnson continued his education at SUNY Purchase College, where he was able to represent America in Hong Kong for the International Dance Festival, performing works by Lauri Stallings, Paul Taylor, and Mark Morris. He has worked with choreographers Robert Battle, Sidra Bell, Mario Schroeder, Randy Duncan, Eduardo Vilaro, and Donald Byrd. Other credits to his name include Hubbard Street 2, Muntu Dance Theater, West Indian Folk Dance Company, The Willingham Project, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, DanceWorks Chicago, Creative Outlet, and Forces of Nature Dance Theater. He was also in productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera House (soloist dancers), San Francisco Opera House (s/o dancer us), and Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas. James was recognized as a recipient of the NAACP Award for choreography and solo dance performance. James has also worked with The Guthrie Theater productions of Guys N Dolls and West Side Story. He completed two national tours of Broadway’s The Color Purple and Disney’s The Lion King. TV/Film credits include The Chi (season 5), The Color Purple (2023).

Join us at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts for Open Technique Classes with the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program*, on Fridays at 9:30 am. The class will feature rotating guest artists and Ruth Page School of Dance faculty. Method and technique will vary by teacher.

*Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program (PDTP) serves as a bridge between studio training and a professional dance career. Dancers train and rehearse daily, 9 am – 4 pm, from August – June at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, focusing on refining ballet and contemporary technique in an international environment of performers, educators, and mentors. PDTP is designed for dancers between the ages of 17-25 who have completed high school and are preparing for a professional career. Trainees receive individualized coaching from accomplished faculty and curated international guest choreographers. The Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program also offers international travel* (when available), limited need-based scholarships, and affordable housing. For further information about the Professional Dance Training Program (PDTP), reach out to the Artistic Associate, Maray Gutierrez, at pdtp@ruthpage.org