Founder
Mary Johnson was born in Harlem, New York and at age three began a lifelong journey in the power of dance. Her passion for dance was born! Mary’s dance blossomed as she was taught and influenced by Ruby Magby, Ruth Williams, Alvin Ailey, and Steps on Broadway, in addition to being trained professionally with Frank Hatchett of Broadway Dance Center.
Mary and her family moved to Long Island, New York when she was twelve, where she assisted her mother, Adele Johnson, in starting the first African American dance school, the Adele Johnson’s School of Performing Arts. It was there that Mary saw the transformative power of dance on young people, which fueled her passion to influence students who might not otherwise have an opportunity.
Mary began training students in and for the performing arts – leading them to performances at Carnegie Hall, New York State World’s Fair, and Hofstra University, among others.
Because of Mary's love for children, dance, and her passion to leave the world a better place, Mary founded IMAGINE... the Impossible in 2002.
Mary Johnson
Accomplishments
Toured with Babatunde Olatunji (Drums of Passion), Nina Simone; traveled with Three Sisters’ Tappin
Student of Tony Award-winning choreographer and Tap Dance Teacher, Henry LeTang
Founder, Artistic Director, and choreographer – On Time Dance Studio, in Westchester, NY
Taught weekly dance classes at The Taconic Correctional Facility, a women’s prison in Bedford Hills, NY
Finer Womanhood Service Award Woman of The Year – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc
Outstanding Citizen Award for both Community and State of New York – New York State Assembly Citation
Certificate of Merit - Westchester County Board of Legislation
Shared stages with Gregory Hines and Savion Glover
Taught weekly dance classes to the children at Lakeview Cottages (a homeless facility) Peekskill, NY
Taught biweekly dance classes to the Orphans at Global Vision Citadelle Ministries, Mirebalais, Haiti
Certificate of Achievement, Foundation for Community Empowerment
Community Service Grant / Outstanding Service to the Community, Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America
Taught weekly dance classes to the Somali Bantu Refugees, in collaboration with Refugee Resources Inc., Dallas, Texas
