Quynn Johnson

Pronouns: she/her

A multidisciplinary creative, Quynn stands at the powerful crossroads of rhythm, education, and cultural legacy. With degrees from both Harvard University and Howard University, she brings brilliance, balance, and a bold commitment to embodied learning.

A master of the stage and the classroom, Quynn uses tap dance and body percussion to tell stories that echo across generations and geographies. Her programs have reached more than 150,000 learners and educators worldwide, from Uganda to South Africa and from St. Thomas to New York City, transforming traditional learning spaces into stages of discovery.

As a Master Teaching Artist, Nationally Credentialed Teaching Artist, and Arts Integration Specialist, Quynn’s participant-centered approach has made her a trusted arts education leader. Prestigious institutions like The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning, and Arts Ignite of New York have showcased and shared her professional development, interactive residencies, and live performance experiences. Quynn is also the co-founder of SOLE Defined, a groundbreaking percussive dance nonprofit she created alongside Ryan Johnson. Together, they use the power of tap and body percussion to amplify underrepresented stories and reimagine what education can feel like when the arts take center stage.

Her artistry has earned her accolades, including the John F. Kennedy Center’s Local Dance Commissioning Project Award and three Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Awards for Choreography. She’s lit up stages across the country and beyond with most recently noted for her sand dance titled “Quicksand” as being “eloquence of motion.” Performance highlights include Ayodele Casel and Torya: The Remix, The Joyce Theater, Ayodele Casel and Torya: Diary of a Tap Dancer, A.R.T.; Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic, The Joyce Theatre; Great Gatsby, The Washington Ballet; Dormeshia: Unsung Sheroes of the 20th Century, Jacob’s Pillow; Zaz: The Big Easy; Latida Negro; Savion Glover’s TiiDii3000 Company. Tour: After Midnight (Soloist), Norweigan Cruise Line.

Artist Statement

Arts-based Educational opportunities in the classroom create a bridge for deeper learning experiences. Because of this, learners create a personal connection to academic subjects, thereby creating lifelong learners and art enthusiasts. Through Arts-based Education, participants learned to express themselves creatively and discover ways to positively communicate with others.

In addition to being on our K-12 teaching artist roster, Quynn Johnson is also a Maryland Wolf Trap Early Childhood teaching artist. Learn more about our Early Childhood programs.