All that Glitterz

Kyra Johnson has 17 years of dance experience. Ms. Johnson has earned a BA in Dance and a BS in Psychology from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP). She has a foundation in styles of modern, jazz, hip hop, and ballet. Ms. Johnson has 7 years of organizational leadership experience, as well as, 7 years of dance instructing experience. Johnson has previously danced with other local dance organizations such as Madison Contemporary Dance [where she choreographed three works], Barrio Dance Studio [featured in an international artist music video], and featured in works choreographed by Aubrey Dalley. Outside of dance, Ms. Johnson is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater and is earning her Masters of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May. Ms. Johnson founded KLJ Movement December 7th, of 2020 in hopes to generate a company with representation, history, and a greater sense of belonging offered to the community in the art of performance and dance.

Originally from Minnesota, Madalin (She/Her) grew up dancing from a very young age and continued to carry her curiosity and desire to dance into adulthood. She received her BA in Dance from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, where she studied numerous styles including modern, ballet, jazz, and improvisation, broadening her technical skill set and artistic expression. After receiving a scholarship to study Early Childhood Dance Education at the 92nd Street Y in New York, she found her calling as an educator. She is currently teaching at Preschool of the Arts (PSA), and has a passion for working with all ages through various forms such as choreography, movement workshops, and dance films.

My (he/him) passion for dance started at a very young age. My grandmother used to take me to the dance studio while her and my godfather rehearsed swing dance routines for hours on end. As I got older I began to take the route of music, however, dance was always what I was drawn back to. During my teenage years I trained and took classes in the area before starting to compete. I currently train and teach ballet, jazz, majorette and more! Dance has made me a very determined and resilient person. During my journey as a dancer I have heard “No.” a lot. It’s made me fight that much harder to be who I am today at 25! I wouldn’t change a single thing about my path. I have the opportunity to not only coach dance, but to be a performer again as well. Nothing will ever be out of my reach as long as I continue to learn, grow, and execute. Being a company member at KLJ Movement has provided so many opportunities for me. I’m looking forward to my personal growth and the growth of this incredible organization. 

“Tenacity”

The quality of being very determined; persistent forward momentum with a game plan; to never stop trying to achieve a goal even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Althea René Miller-Sims is a multi-genre artist, educator, advocate, and minister-in-training. She prides herself in the powerful meaning of her first name, derived from the Greek language, meaning "healing.” In an effort to live up to her name, she employs art as a pedagogical tool and change agent in endeavoring to encourage spiritual, psychological, and emotional healing, as well as the advancement of various liberatory policies and practices.  Althea holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and is currently there pursuing a master’s degree in Multicultural Education. Althea has foundations in ballet, liturgical, West African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Modern dance; her childhood dream was to be part of a dance company, and through KLJM, her dream -and more- has been realized. 

Mara was born in and grew up dancing in Madison, WI. She trained at the Madison Professional Dance Center. She danced competitively for three years. After high school, Mara performed professionally with Madison Contemporary Dance. She attended Grinnell College receiving a Bachelor's in Sociology, as well as completing college dance courses and performing with the dance ensemble. Mara has taught dance for the past 9 years, focusing on healthy physiology and empowerment through all styles and levels. She is now dancing for KLJ Movement and teaching dance in the community. 

Marquel Norton, Ed.S, NCSP (they/any) is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program and licensed School Psychologist in Massachusetts. They attended Tufts University for undergraduate education (majors: Child Development and Clinical Psychology, minor: Dance) and graduate education in school psychology (concentration: Educational Studies).