Today we’d like to introduce you to Lalo Johnston.
Hi Lalo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My dad was a dancer (FX) and since I was five, he used to take me to the dance battles in west port and other parts of the city, he said it was something I picked up right away and I fell in love with dance/dancing. Being able to move to music is just such a fun feeling to me, putting on shows and seeing hard work pay off, entertaining people and being able to teach if they want to learn. So I would just say it’s something that’s always been a part of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road!! I stopped dancing for a while because it became more stressful then it was enjoyable. I ended up getting back into dance because I had a friend who danced and I didn’t know he could, he and I began to make videos for YouTube and it became fun again.
Then I started teaching and that got put to the side during Covid. But I still make videos and practice and I have a performance coming up in July so even though it’s been slowed down it hasn’t stopped and I’ll make sure it won’t stop because it’s something I love doing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been performing since I can remember. Dancing, plays, filming, small parts in local movies. I’m a part of the cure production team that I help lead. I don’t know if I could say I’m most proud of one thing because personally, I’m not really satisfied with anything that I do, LOL, which I feel like helps me keep working towards something I will be proud of.
My morals set me apart, I’m very firm in what I believe and I think that’s how everyone should be if you believe in something, why would you let someone move you. I’m a Christian, and it can be difficult sometimes in dance to be a Christian but I always make sure I find a way to do what I love and not compromise.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I want to still be in KC; we have so many talented people here but they always want to move somewhere else. I want to build up the creative culture here and show other cities what we really have here and we are not just BBQ. I would also like to own a building and do a gym/dance studio. Fitness is also very important to me and I actually just got certified as a personal trainer and would like to work that into my career.
Contact Info:
- Email: Lalo24tttt@gmail.com
- Instagram: lalo_johnston
Image Credits
Chelsea Barlow
