An Interview with Sarah Haslock Johnson
Do you have more slow twitch or fast twitch muscle fibers? Does your body process B vitamins quickly making you more sluggish sometimes? Maybe you’re like me and you have no idea. So what if a genetic test could tell you specific information like that and even more like information about nutrition, and heart health, plus caffeine and sleep?
Today I talked with Sarah Haslock Johnson, founder of Dance RX … she is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England. She went on to be a professional dancer performing on shows such as the British Music Awards and MTV Awards. When her career shifted to teaching she was the department chair for North Atlanta High School’s dance program and extensively restructured their program through the lens of an educator. Sarah was also on the faculty at Atlanta Ballet and later returned to the Royal Academy of Dance as the artistic director. And show she is working on a new project Dance RX, which I’m telling you, is so exciting. It’s an at-home genetic test and wellness resource, specifically crafted with dance optimization in mind. In this interview, we talked all about Dance RX, but also what it takes to be a good teacher, the industry-wide mental health concerns that were part of her motivation to create Dance RX, and more. So this is the story of Sarah’s journey and the power of Dance RX.
Here are some highlights:
- [6m 26s] Dance RX: genetic testing for dancers
- [8m 35s] What makes a strong dance teacher?
- [10m 49s] Mental health concerns that we’re facing
- [16m 00s] Career pivots in the dance industry
- [21m 40s] Dance RX, health and wellness resource for dancers
- [31m 00s] How this genetic information can influence us as educators
- [35m 15s] Knowing your genetics and taking a positive mindset approach
Resources Discussed in the Show:
Sarah Haslock Johnson
Sarah Haslock-Johnson’s background chronicles close to 30 years of diverse dance experience. She is a distinguished graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance; London, England. At the RAD she had the opportunity to study under some of the greatest practitioners and teachers of our time. Her unique qualifications allow her the authority to teach the coveted RAD education syllabi.
Upon graduation, Sarah went on to accomplish a successful career in the entertainment industry in both the UK and Asia. She performed in numerous music shows such as the British Music Awards and MTV Awards. She has also performed with renowned artists such as Simply Red, Boyzone and Robbie Williams. While in Asia she had the opportunity to work with legendary film and pop artist, Andy Lau.
She has extensive experience instructing children in various national and international settings. She was the department chair for North Atlanta High School’s dance program and extensively restructured their program. Sarah was also on the faculty at Atlanta Ballet.
Under Sarah’s guidance, as the artistic director of The Royal Dance Academy, numerous students have gained acceptance into year-round programs, summer programs and companies such as American BalletTheatre, Alvin Ailey, The Bolshoi Academy, The RoyalBallet, Walnut Hill Performing Arts, Orlando Ballet, Colorado Ballet and more. She has also assisted students in gaining acceptance into local dance colleges including Kennesaw and Brenau University.
Sarah's passion for dance, combined with her desire to improve the physical and emotional well-being of her community, led her to co-found DanceRX. DanceRX is an at-home genetic test and wellness resource, specifically crafted with dance optimization in mind.
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