Ken and Josie Johnson, who purchased Johansen Olympia Dance Center from founders Bud and Mary Johansen in 2008, are at the helm of Olympia’s flagship dance studio. This October, the dance center will hold a celebration to commemorate its fortieth year in business. That’s a long time to teach, influence and inspire kids. No one could be better suited to carry the torch.
When he was a youth, Ken studied at the dance center, then named Johansen School of Ballet. He and Josie trained and danced professionally on the East Coast and elsewhere. Following their retirements from professional dancing, both earned higher degrees, Ken in arts administration and dance and Josie in dance pedagogy.
But there’s more to the Johnsons than their official credentials. Their enthusiasm about teaching dance as part of a well-rounded childhood experience makes them the perfect pair to be leading many of Thurston County’s youth in exploring the art form. They believe the discipline and relationships that are part of a solid dance experience will carry students far, no matter what path they choose to take.
“I think it’s fun too to see the kids grow up and mature and see how dance plays a role in that,” Ken says. “The discipline and the lessons learned play a large role in who they become and how they go through life.”
Good examples are former students Ashley Baker, Samantha Chisholm and Mariah Mao. Baker’s years of training at the dance center have prepared her for study at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle, where she is currently a student. Chisholm is pursuing a medical career at the University of Washington while incorporating dance into her course load. Mao was on the dance team at the University of Arizona and is preparing to apply to graduate programs in physical therapy. Additionally, four former students are pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in dance at nationally recognized conservatories.
The Johnsons beam with the pride of a parent when they talk about the accomplishments of their students. But they avoid esteeming dance careers above other pursuits.
“It doesn’t matter if they end up becoming a dancer or not,” Josie says. “They’re learning about the importance of art and dance and if they’re not a dancer they’re going to be a supporter of dance.”
The Johnsons, who are also co-artistic directors of the nonprofit performing company Ballet Northwest, take a careful and technical approach to their dance curriculum. Both are American Ballet Theatre certified teachers, successfully completing the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT National Training Curriculum in New York, a step above the typical qualifications of professional dance instructors. Since completing the certification last February and incorporating the curriculum’s techniques into classes at the dance center, they say they’ve noticed a difference, especially in their youngest dancers.
“They’re starting out as strong, clean, healthy dancers,” says Josie. “Already you can see a huge difference.”
Other instructors at the dance center are highly qualified. Instructors have studied and performed around the world, in Chile, Jamaica, South Africa and Hungary, as well as across the U.S., in cities such as New York, Las Vegas and Seattle. A number of them are Ballet Northwest alumni. In addition to the Johansens, who remain at the dance center in a teaching role, the dance center staff includes nine instructors who teach ballet, tap, modern, hip-hop, jazz and other specialty classes.
But there’s something even beyond an excellent curriculum and top-notch instructors that makes Olympia Dance Center unique.
“All our dancers are so supportive of each other. You don’t find that everywhere,” Josie says. “They see how we treat them and they see how we should treat each other. We absolutely love it that they’ve picked up on that.”
Because of their commitment to students and lifelong learning, the two have structured their syllabus and the tone of the studio around providing “high quality dance in a positive and nurturing environment.”
Children of any age can sign up for classes. The dance center offers parent-child classes from birth to age four. Pre-ballet classes begin at age three. At age four children have a chance to shine under the stage lights for the first time.
Olympia Dance Center offers a full range of ballet classes as well as instruction in jazz, tap, hip-hop and contemporary styles. They also have specialty classes such as Stretch and Strengthen, a Pilates-based class for teens and adults, and Downs’ at Dance, a class specifically designed for students with Downs syndrome. And an insider tip: they run a free, 6-week Boys Dance class for elementary-aged boys.
Most classes begin on September 12, just a week after classes in most Thurston County schools begin. You can download the class schedule on their Web site and sign up for dance classes that will have a positive effect for a lifetime.
Johansen Olympia Dance Center
http://olympiadancecenter.com/
412 Jefferson Street Southeast
Olympia, WA 98501-1126
directors@olympiadancecenter.com
360.943.8011
