Ryan K. Johnson (Artistic Director/Performer ), MFA, is the first African American body percussionist to receive a Guggenheim Fellow for choreography (2024) and Executive Artistic Director of SOLE Defined. Ryan has performed with Gregory Hines, Marvin Hamlisch, and in STEP Afrika!, STOMP, Cirque du Soleil, and Diary of a Tap Dancer v.6. Most recently he performed at the grand opening of the new Doris Duke Theater at Jacob’s Pillow and guest choreographer and Assistant Director of Ayodele Cassel’s The REMIX at The Joyce Theater. His work has appeared at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, The Joyce Theater and in 20 countries across the globe. He is the first percussive dancer to receive the Kennedy Center Social Impact Residency. Learn more: @rkjdance / soledefined.com
Photo: Becca Vision. Courtesy of SOLE Defined