People of DJD – Raymond Jordan Johnson-Brown

RAYMOND JORDAN JOHNSON-BROWN
Dancer, Choreographer, and DJD Alumni

1. When was the first time you came to DJD?

I first came to DJD in 2005!

2. How did your training at DJD shape you into the dancer and choreographer you are today? Did you always know that dance was going to be a big part of your life?

DJD developed my technical caliber as a dancer and shaped me beyond a dancer into an artist. I always knew that dance was very important to me as it was my form of therapy as I went through a chaotic upbringing. Dance is my form of healing and processing some of that chaos.

3. What was your experience like in the Professional Training Program?

The Professional Training Program really challenged a lot of my views of what it takes to be a dancer and how to efficiently develop to utilize all of my body’s capabilities. The program also introduced me to many cultural styles of dance that expanded my vocabulary.

4. Who are some of your role models?

One of my favourite dancers and inspirations is Jamie Freeman Cormack. She was always my number one supporter and would work 1:1 with me to ensure I was training properly and adapting exercises to better reflect where I was at the time. Additionally, I’ve always admired every talk I’ve had with her where she was able to speak so much wisdom into my journey.

5. What advice do you have for the next generation of aspiring dancers?

Find a balance between advancing/developing your strengths and making time for areas of dance that you’re not as strong in. Being a well-rounded dancer is what makes you employable, and the more vocabulary you have to pull from, the better you are to a choreographer in the future.

Training & Artistic Growth at DJD
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks provides transformative dance training through our recreational classes and pre-professional development programs, empowering artists to build strong technical foundations and authentic self-expression.

Interested in training at DJD? Explore our Professional Training Program or check out current Adult Dance Classes.