Chris Johnson
Emerita Professor of Dance
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Email: johnsnc@beloit.edu
- Phone: +1 608-363-2713
- Office: Sanger Center for the Sciences
Description / Biography
I teach in the Theatre and Dance Department (dance) as well as in the Health and Society program. I am a passionate teacher who strives to create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere in class that offers a safe space for everyone to achieve their aspirations. One of my favorite courses to teach — Anatomy, Kinesiology and Somatics for Movers (part of the new Kinesiology minor) — is a fantastic course for anyone interested in human movement, people going into any healing profession including physical therapy, and/or anyone who wants to know more about their body! I am dedicated to the success of Beloit College students and was extremely honored to receive the James R. Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2002.
As a choreographer and researcher, my work draws attention to matters of social justice, exploring issues of privilege, marginalization and social identity. My choreographic awards include the inaugural commission of the Side Street Studio Arts Going Dutch Festival, First Place for Choreography at the New Prague Dance Festival, and the Laureate and Grand Prix at the Festival of Choreographic Collectives in Moscow. My dance “Wreath of Memories” was performed by special invitation at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
I have presented my work in Tanzania, France, Newfoundland, Belgium, and throughout the United States. I have been selected to present work nationally and internationally for Dance St. Louis, Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, Women in Dance Leadership Conference, and World Dance Alliance. My work, and my students’, has been regularly selected for the gala concerts at the American College Dance Association regional festivals.