Payton Johnson’s Dance Career: From Juilliard to Staging Bobbi Jene Smith’s Work

How Payton Johnson Reconnected with Dance After a Hiatus

Payton Johnson, a 27-year-old dancer and stager, made a triumphant return to the stage in Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber’s *Seven Scenes at Little Island* in New York City. The performance marked her first onstage appearance in two years, following a period of injuries, autoimmune issues, and burnout that led her to temporarily retire from dancing. “I had so much anxiety leading up to it,” Johnson said, reflecting on the emotional and physical challenges of reengaging with her craft. “But I was proud of myself for doing the work to feel strong again.”

What Defines Payton Johnson’s Unique Approach to Dance?

Johnson’s style is characterized by a blend of precision and spontaneity, a duality she attributes to her training at the Jean Leigh Academy of Dance and The Juilliard School. “Juilliard really cracked me open,” she said, noting that her early experiences in Louisiana’s competitive dance circuit—where she earned a Senior National Title at The Dance Awards—provided a foundation for her versatility. “That setting gave me the foundations that I still use, picking things up quickly, using all these different styles.”

How Did Payton Johnson Transition From Performer to Stager?

Johnson’s role as a stager for Smith and Schraiber began during her time with L.A. Dance Project (LADP), where she worked with choreographers like Kyle Abraham. After a seven-month hiatus from the company due to health issues, she shifted focus to staging their works. “I reached out offering to help them stage *Fugue in Crimson* at Juilliard,” she said. Since then, she has staged their pieces at Oregon Ballet Theatre and Rambert, contributed to the film *The Bride!*, and performed in *Satyagraha* at Paris Opéra. “The work I had to do to step into that role and embrace all of the fears of failing—I was really proud of myself for doing that work to feel strong again,” she added.

What Challenges Has Payton Johnson Faced in Her Career?

Johnson’s career has been marked by both rapid ascents and setbacks. After joining LADP in 2022, she left in 2023 following a combination of injuries and burnout. “I remember telling Bobbi and Or, ‘I’m done. I’m never dancing again,’” she recalled. However, her relationship with Smith and Schraiber persisted, with Smith praising her “sense of humor, specificity, musicality, and generosity—both to others and to the work itself.” Johnson’s recent stint in Paris with *Satyagraha* provided a rare period of stability, but she remains focused on long-term health. “Number one on my bucket list is to just be healthy,” she said.

What’s Next for Payton Johnson’s Career?

While Johnson remains open to new opportunities, including potential company engagements, her immediate priority is recovery. “I just have to keep focusing on myself, and releasing, and then maybe things beyond my dreams will hopefully continue to come my way,” she said. Her journey—from competitive dance kid to Juilliard student, LADP performer, and now stager—reflects a career defined by resilience and adaptability. As she navigates this next chapter, Johnson’s ability to balance artistic ambition with self-care may prove as crucial as her technical prowess.