Up in the Air is a feature-length documentary about legendary dancer, choreographer and director Louis Johnson. Narrated by Johnson, with additional commentary by his colleagues and friends- people he’s known and influenced for over six decades. The artists who have committed to share their experiences with Johnson include as luminaries as: Chita Rivera, George Faison, Carmen De Lavallade, Sylvia Waters, Desmond Richardson and Troy Powell. The initial goal is to raise $30,000 for the pre-production and production costs through a Kickstarter campaign.
The project is the brainchild of choreographer, writer, producer, and teacher David Robertson, who has interviewed Johnson over the last few years. The goal of Up in the Air is to create an endearing and enduring tribute to Louis Johnson; a lasting testament to his creative genius that will inspire future generations of artists.
The 84 year-old Johnson has had a prolific career. Throughout the 1950s Johnson performed in both concert and commercial venues. His Broadway credits include My Darlin’ Aida, House of Flowers, Hallelujah Baby!; and both the stage and screen versions of Bob Fosse’s Damn Yankees. In 1952 Johnson performed with the New York City Ballet in the premiere of Jerome Robbins’ Ballade.
Johnson began making dances in 1953. Two of his most notable dance works are Forces of Rhythm (1972), created for the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Fontessa and Friends (1981), first performed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Johnson’s choreographic style combines classical ballet technique, Dunham-inspired modern dance, social dances set to popular music, dance theatre and acrobatics. Additional career highlights include Purlie (1970), a musical version of Ossie Davis’ Purlie Victorious, which garnered Johnson a Tony Award nomination for his choreography. Johnson also choreographed the films Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) and The Wiz (1978) starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
For more information and to contribute to this important project visit http://kck.st/1usNzfW
