Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Visiting Instructional Assistant Professor of Dance | Dance Program Coordinator
FPA 130A
956.326.2625
terrance.johnson@tamiu.edu

Terrance Johnson is a dance educator, choreographer, performer, arts advocate, and cultural leader whose work is grounded in the belief that dance is both an artistic practice and a powerful vehicle for education, cultural expression, and community engagement. A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, Terrance was raised within a Louisiana-French Creole heritage and a family deeply connected to cultural traditions. The vibrant cultural landscape of Louisiana; shaped by its people, music, movement, and traditions, instilled in him an enduring appreciation for the expressive arts and continues to inform his artistic and educational perspectives.

Terrance earned a Bachelor of Science in Sales Marketing from Southern University A&M College. Following graduation, he relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he developed a successful career in corporate America as a sales and marketing professional with Fortune 500 companies, including Bank of America and International Business Machines (IBM). Alongside his corporate career, he pursued his passion for dance, training at the Dallas Black Dance Academy and performing with Dallas Black Dance Theatre II. His professional dance experience provided opportunities to study with master teachers and perform works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers.

He continued his artistic training at institutions including The Ailey School, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, American Dance Festival, and The School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas. As a professional dancer, Terrance performed with Beckles Dance Company, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Dallas Neo-Classical Ballet, and the Dallas Opera.

Terrance earned a Master of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from Texas Woman’s University. His academic and professional career has included teaching appointments at Dallas College, Tarrant County College, and Texas Woman’s University. He also served as Head Coach of the Langston University Golden Feline Dancers, the official dance auxiliary of the Langston University Marching Pride Band.

At Southern University A&M College, Terrance served as Adjunct Professor of Dance and Dance Minor University Liaison for Advancement. In this role, he brought together his experience in dance, higher education, corporate leadership, and advancement to support the development of students and the growth of the dance program. His work included cultivating donor and alumni relationships, building external partnerships, and identifying resources to strengthen opportunities for students and the program.

In 2016, Terrance founded the TMJ Dance Project, an organization committed to expanding access to high-quality dance education for children and families in underserved communities. Through dance, culture, and education, the organization continues to create opportunities for young people to develop artistic skills, confidence, creativity, and a deeper connection to their communities.

Terrance currently serves as Visiting Instructional Assistant Professor of Dance and Dance Program Coordinator at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). In this role, he contributes to the continued development, growth, and reimagining of the university’s Dance Minor Program. His teaching and creative work center on developing well-rounded artists, educators, and cultural leaders while creating meaningful connections between dance, education, community, and the broader arts landscape.

Across his career, Terrance has brought together the seemingly distinct worlds of corporate leadership, professional dance, higher education, choreography, and community engagement. This interdisciplinary perspective shapes his approach to teaching and mentorship and reflects his commitment to preparing students not only for careers in dance, but also for lives of creativity, leadership, service, and cultural impact.