photo by steed media service

Josh Johnson - doing what feels right
It’s understandable if Josh Johnson’s tall, athletic frame makes some assume that he spends his time posting -up opponents on a basketball court. However, it’s something far different that sends Johnson flying through the air — dance. The 20-year-old began studying dance in his early teens in his hometown of San Fernando, Calif. During his senior year in high school he recognized that dance was the only thing he wanted to do. “I figured I was either gonna dance or basically do nothing because I wasn’t even planning on going to school,” says Johnson. Johnson is grateful that pioneers like Alvin Ailey paved the way for dancers of color. However, Johnson contends that remnants of the predjudice that Mr. Ailey encountered still remain. “It should make people master their craft even more,” he says. “I feel like it [is] motivation to be the best at what they do. It works for me.”

Jermaine Terry better late, than never
As a young boy growing up in Florida, Jermaine Terry quickly realized he loved dancing. However, it wasn’t until much later that he was able to heed the call. “[Initially] my mom said no, so I had to wait until I was 17 in order to convince her,” Terry recalls. Once his mother gave her blessing, Terry immersed himself in the world of dance during his senior year in high school. Given his late start, Terry found himself working twice as hard to catch up to his peers. Terry’s hard work has paid off. Since earning his bachelor’s in dance at the University of South Florida, he has gone on to study at the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio and is now in his second year as a member of Ailey II. “It feels good to be at this point,” the 22-year-old says. “I really love it.”

Aisha Mitchell dancing’s in her blood
It’s no surprise that 22-year-old Aisha Mitchell pursued a career in dance. As the child of a dancer, she grew up watching her mother perform and teach. However, it wasn’t until she saw a performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company in her hometown of Syracuse, N.Y., that a career in dance became her dream. “I enjoyed dancing, but wasn’t serious about it. But once I saw them perform, I realized that I could take my passion and turn it into a career,” she recalls. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts through a joint program between Fordham University and Alvin Ailey, Mitchell apprenticed with Ailey II, before joining the company full-time. Though she’s already achieved a lot, she realizes that there’s still room for growth. “You’re always trying to grow and be on top of your game,” says Mitchell.
Rachel McSween living her dream
There aren’t many people who can boast about making a career out of what they love. Twenty-two-year-old Rachel McSween is one of the few. As a first-year dancer with Ailey II, the Altadena, Calif., native gets to tour the world as a member of one of the dance world’s premier junior companies. “It has been amazing because I just never thought it would happen. I always looked up to the [Alvin Ailey] dancers, so it’s really a dream to be here. It’s been great,” she says. Life on the road includes giving lectures and performances as part of Ailey II’s community outreach work. McSween feels the interaction will come in handy in the future. “I’m interested in teaching, so doing the outreach is enjoyable for me. To know that you’ve influenced someone and that you encouraged them to pursue something is a powerful feeling,” she affirms.

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