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Anthony W. Johnson is the founder of Ballet Magique® (https://trademark.trademarkia.com/ballet-magique-87875120.html), an entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California, that blends dance, magic, music, theatre, and Wushu (Chinese martial arts) into dynamic performances. His work has earned international acclaim and multiple Lester Horton Award nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography, Costume, and Lighting Design for Ballet Magique's "Ring of the Rose." Most recently, he performed at the World Dance & Choreography Awards and presented "The 'C' Diaries" at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California.
Johnson also established Laughing Man on Fire Productions, where he develops and produces innovative content across various genres. He is set to make his film directorial debut with the motion picture "Alexis Colette," which has already attracted high-profile heads of departments and received exceptional screenplay reviews.
A proud member of both the Dramatists Guild and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Johnson has a rich background in dance, theatre, magic, music, and Wushu. Beginning with local speeches at age eleven, he excelled in theatre and speech competitions, culminating in State and District Championships in solo acting at the Tennessee High School Speech & Drama League in 1985. He also performed at the Circuit Playhouse, Playhouse on the Square, and Theatre Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee.
Johnson toured with Sir Paul McCartney's "Drivin' U.S.A." and participated in multiple Pacific tours on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. His television and film credits include "Son of the Beach," "Hoodlum," "Skin Walker," "The World Magic Awards," "Jackson's: An American Dream," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," and "Black Limousine."
Beginning to write at age nine, Johnson's poetry has been published in several anthologies and has earned him multiple awards. He was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Tommy Gomez in "Me and Ms. D" at the Black Ensemble Theatre of Chicago, which tells the story of Tommy Gomez and legendary Katherine Dunham. His other lead roles there included "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Amen Corner," as well as numerous children's theatre productions with the Ebony Talent Association in Chicago.
Johnson authored a second musical drama titled "Da Vinci," a compelling and polished production about the life, art, and creations of Leonardo da Vinci. He also created a science-fiction fantasy television series called "C," based on his book, which he plans to publish in 2021.
His ventures into independent feature films include serving as both screenplay writer and creative producer for the thriller "Vodun," which has been optioned by Samaco Films, LLC. He will also make his directorial debut on the film "Alexis Colette," which he wrote; principal photography is scheduled to begin in early 2021.
Johnson has extensive experience in dance and theatre, having performed for many years with the Lyric Opera of Chicago under the mentorship of Kenneth Von Heidecke in operas such as "Aida" and "The Ghosts of Versailles," where he performed aerial acts 80 feet above the stage. He has worked with numerous ballet and modern jazz companies, including the Los Angeles Opera Company, Ballet Theatre of Chicago, Ballet Chicago, Chicago Festival Ballet, International Ballet of Rotaru, Tampa Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Contemporary Ballet Theatre, Moscow Ballet, Ballethnic, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Physical Rhythm Project, James Kelly Project, Second City Ballet, Media City Ballet, Those Funny Little People, Colors Dance Theatre, and Demetrius Klein & Dancers.
His accomplishments as a dancer and actor include performances in Broadway productions such as "Marat/Sade," a Broadway tour of "Dreamgirls," and "Randy Newman's Faust." At the Black Ensemble Theatre in Chicago, he earned a Best Actor nomination for his role as Tommy Gomez in "Me and Ms. D," and performed lead roles in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Amen Corner."
In 2004, Dance Spirit Magazine featured an interview with Johnson, recognizing him as the premier male lyrical dancer in Los Angeles, California.
As director of Ballet Magique, Johnson has received accolades from Master Magician Lance Burton, renowned illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, the Orange County Chinese Association, the Beverly Hills Outlook, and most recently, the World Dance Awards. He earned a Lester Horton Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography, Costume, and Lighting Design for Ballet Magique's "Ring of the Rose." That same year, his student Nobutaka Mochimaru won the Male Dancer of the Year award from the Beverly Hills Outlook for his performance with Ballet Magique, surpassing dancers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Carlos Acosta.
Johnson has taught dance across the United States and internationally, serving on the faculty at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, International Dance Academy (IDA), Millennium Dance Complex, The Edge Performing Arts, and Westside School of Ballet.
He has judged numerous dance competitions, including Showstoppers Dance Competition and I Love Dance. Johnson continues to inspire and mentor students and professionals, many of whom have gone on to perform with artists and companies such as Janet Jackson, Madonna, American Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Alberta Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, National Ballet of Canada, Béjart Ballet Lausanne; on Broadway in "The Lion King," "The Color Purple," "Come Fly Away," and "Mamma Mia"; and on television and film in productions like "So You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing with the Stars," and the "Step Up" film series.
His influence extends to numerous prestigious schools and colleges, including the School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet School, The Rock School of Ballet, The Ailey School, Béjart Rudra, Boston Conservatory, and Juilliard. Johnson has also composed multiple songs for Ballet Magique's live productions and plans to release several tracks on iTunes and Amazon in 2021. His songwriting has led to collaborations with music producers Alex Elena, Stevie B, and Art Dixie of Hottraxx Inc. on new projects for notable artists.
Johnson credits his late partner, Gene Wooley, former VP of MCA Records, as a significant inspiration fueling his continued pursuit of excellence in music and the arts.
