Written in partnership with Rubicon PR Group
From the ballet stage to the cinematic universe, Anthony W. Johnson‘s portfolio is a testament to an artist’s ability to transcend boundaries. As the founder of BALLET MAGIQUE®, a company known for pioneering dance creations, Johnson’s journey has been filled with trials and triumphs. Now, as a judge at the upcoming World Choreography Awards, where BALLET MAGIQUE® has a performing act, his expertise and experiences are firmly in the spotlight.
The road to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. For 23 years, Johnson has faced various setbacks, including legal hurdles, and has emerged resiliently. His identity as an African-American gay individual offers a unique lens through which he perceives the arts, often highlighting the struggles and breakthroughs of marginalized communities. His background in Wushu – Chinese martial arts – also provides another facet to his rich tapestry of experiences.
One of Johnson’s latest ventures, the film “Alexis Colette,” is a manifestation of his personal and professional evolution. The film is not just another motion picture; it’s an artful blend of drama, suspense, and profound emotions. Drawing inspiration from a harrowing near-death experience, the story is anchored in reality and complemented by layers of interpretative narratives.
The movie is described as a new-age film noir, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Through an engaging dance-action thriller format, “Alexis Colette” delves into the Tibetan-Buddhist concept of the “Bardo,” an intermediate state post-death. Johnson’s interpretation of this belief is visceral, underscoring the journey of souls trapped between realms and their eventual choice of reincarnation or the pursuit of Nirvana.
The storyline weaves the past with the present, drawing parallels between its protagonist, Eric, and Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a famed French author. Colette’s perceived duality in her existence, living under a manly demeanor and grappling with her identity as a mulatto woman, forms a compelling subplot in the movie.
The inclusion of sensuous music and dance sequences only amplifies the film’s appeal. For Johnson, it was essential to bring black and brown ballet dancers to the forefront, often overlooked in mainstream media. Many of these dancers come from prestigious companies such as the English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, and the National Ballet of Cuba.
The quality of “Alexis Colette” is further elevated by Johnson’s dynamic songwriting and music composition talents. In a collaborative endeavor spanning eight songs, Johnson journeyed to Italy to work closely with Alessandro Elena & Sebastian Marino. Together, they collectively composed the soulful melodies and rhythms that breathe life into the score. Johnson’s credentials as a Society of Composers & Lyricists member and a Dramatists Guild member testify to his prowess in the realm of music.
Supported by Franco Sama and Stanley Grabowski as Executive Producers, “Alexis Colette” promises an unmatched cinematic experience.
The journey to create “Alexis Colette” has been filled with introspection for Johnson. He hopes the film will not just entertain but also inspire budding artists to persist in their passions despite the odds. It’s a story of overcoming adversity, both in its narrative and its real-life creation.
In a world of fleeting successes, Anthony W. Johnson stands as an emblem of perseverance, dedication, and authentic artistry. With “Alexis Colette,” he not only unveils a piece of his soul but also sets a benchmark for what meaningful cinema can achieve.
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