"iN tHEir miNd" an excerpt from "Journey to Freedom"
Choreographer/Director: Charlotte D. Johnson
Dancers: Katherine Smith, Tamoy Prawl, and Terrence Jamison
Spoken Word Poets: Diana “Di Nguyen” Nguyen and Raheem “Reality” Gordon
Musician: Vincent Sims (Guitarist)
Text written in collaboration with Diana Nguyen and Raheem Gordon inspired by the JTF cast members.
Music arranged by Vincent Sims
Visual Content arranged by Katherine Smith.
Note:
"iN tHEir miNd" highlights the reality of mental illness within our community, within those we love and within ourselves.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
The Journey to Freedom Movement is an arts organization whose Mission is To Empower, Inspire and Rebuild the community by providing therapeutic services through the Arts! To be the catalyst that brings about a positive change in today's world by evoking a shift and change in people's lives via the arts. We will provide a wide array of services including but not limited to; Dance, Drama, Poetry, Visual, Literary, Music, and Vocal art Classes, Workshops, Master classes, Private sessions and performances all to aid in promoting health and wellness. Our Primary focus is to bring about peace, healing and freedom from all forms of trauma for all in need. We are dedicated to reaching our untouched and underprivileged communities by providing Counseling, support group sessions, Psychiatric services, food pantry, feeding the homeless, Transitional housing, and Christian based religious meetings. Our ultimate goal is to be the safe haven for those in need, creating a safe, positive, and peaceful outlet in which to cope.
Charlotte Johnson
Charlotte D. Johnson, a native of Saint Petersburg Florida began her dance training at the early age of seven attending The Academy of Ballet Arts under the direction of Suzanne Pomerantzeff. She later went on to attend the rigorous Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School, graduating in 2002 then continued her training and became a 2006 graduate of The Juilliard School, where she appeared in works by Paul Taylor, José Limón, Ronald Brown, Ohad Naharin and more. Ms. Johnson also apprenticed with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company from 2007 to 2008. Johnson was also featured in both the 2008 Puma commercial and print campaigns and worked as a freelance dancer for Ballet Noir and Trainor Dance in New York City.
Ms. Johnson returned to Florida in 2011 to teach full time at John Hopkins Middle School Center for The Arts and to start a family. In the summer of 2014 Ms. Johnson returned to the stage performing a duet in “Journey to Greatness” Choreographed by Sir Brock Warren held at Studio 620. In 2016 she was featured in “Our Town” a walking dance tour in downtown Saint Petersburg in a work called “Face the Jury”. She was also featured in “Within the Bounding Line” the Motherhood Project dance film both choreographed and produced by Helen Hansen-French.
In January 2017 Ms. Johnson performed in multiple works in Beacon17 and again in Beacon 18, a performance Series held at The Palladium Theatre.
Charlotte was first brought on to perform as a project-based dancer with Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company in May 2017, and then shortly after she became a full- time company member. In January 2019 Charlotte Johnson was awarded the Professional Artist Grant in the category of Dance Performance from Creative Pinellas, an arts organization based in Largo, FL. The Grant allowed Ms. Johnson to create and direct her first self-produced Dance Production titled “Who I Am: Journey to Freedom”. This accomplished endeavor enabled Charlotte to start her very own non-profit arts organization in 2020 called “The Journey to Freedom Movement, Inc.”. The organization was built with the goal of using the arts as a form of healing from the effects of trauma of all kinds. After completing two full seasons with SCD, Ms. Johnson is now focused on building her artistic career through her non-profit, as a choreographer, director of dance and as a dance healing facilitator.
Di Nguyen
Nguyen is a vessel, a listener, creator. They center most of their poetry, fashion, & film around being first generation, Vietnamese American, queerness, and mental health. They’ve competed at Brave New Voices, Button Poetry Live & has had their work published at several universities. They’ve self published their first poetry chapbook “Kissing God’s Gravel” followed by self producing, directing, starring, and styling in their first short film in November 2023. They are developing Karma Klub, a multidisciplinary platform rooted in challenging disposability culture, where they currently plan to elevate and normalize conversations around suicide.
Katherine Smith
Katherine Smith is a Saint Petersburg native whose profound passion for the art of dance has been a driving force in her life. Introduced to dance at a young age through her older sisters' dedication to the art form, Ms. Smith followed their lead and became the fourth-generation graduate of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School.
She continued her pursuit of excellence at The Florida State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health. During her time at FSU, Ms. Smith actively engaged with the campus community, contributing her talents to organizations such as Mahogany Dance Theatre and SISTUHS Inc. Her involvement extended beyond dance, as she participated in a pageant, fashion show, The Flying High Circus, and served as a host for the Homecoming performance.
Now, Ms. Smith has returned to the Tampa Bay area with a clear vision of pursuing a career in professional dance and modeling.
Raheem Gordon
Poet.
Tamoy Prawl
Since a young age, Tamoy Prawl has grown up in a world of artistry that has shaped her life in more ways than one. She was blessed to have a childhood that established her in the arts, working with other amazingly gifted individuals throughout the years who helped to transform her talent and aided in the growth of the artist she is today. Although multifaceted, Tamoy gravitated towards the world of movement and trained to become a professionally skilled dancer. She first started her training at a local arts organization under the direction of Jai Hinson, now known as Arts 4 Life, learning the foundations of ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop, diversifying to other various styles such as African and Caribbean dance. She is also a member of Dundu Dole, a traditional West African Dance company, and a proud Alumna of Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) Dance Program that was directed by the formidable Patricia Paige Parks and Suzanne Pomerantzeff. Tamoy has received scholarships, attended and participated in prestigious dance workshops and competitions, and performed on countless stages.
Throughout the years, Tamoy has continued to perform in numerous projects but has now shifted her talents into a new lane. So much of her upbringing has been immersed in the arts, and she credits her years of training for her newfound love and growing success within the modeling industry. Being a trained dancer, fluidity in front of the camera and walking the runway has been a natural grasp for her. She has brought her talents to model in diverse photoshoots and walk multiple runway shows, recently such as the Tampa Bay Fashion Experience for their SUBURBAN STYLE & SUBSTANCE CHARITY GALA fashion show as well as THE ART OF FASHION AT NEIMAN MARCUS RUNWAY SHOW. Tamoy also walked in Miami Swim Week 2023 and was selected to walk in NYFW 2023.
Tamoy also prides herself on even having the vision and talent to creatively direct her own shoots and design and sew her own garments/costumes. Tamoy is a performer, an entertainer, a creator. An artist who is passionate and eager, always ready to share her talents.
Terrence Jamison
The Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School is where Terrence Jamison began his dance training under the instruction of Ms. Suzanne Pomerantzeff and Ms. Patricia Parks. Following the completion of his arts diploma, Terrence attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. In addition, he holds a Master's degree from Webster University in Business Administration. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Jai Hinson, Terrence is a principal dancer and resident choreographer for Dundu Dolé Urban African Ballet. Among many individuals Terrence has trained and studied with are Pedro Ruiz, Dr. Reginald Yates, Harry and Julie Belafontae, Donald McKayle, Walter Nicks, Mr. John Parks, Baba Chuck Davis, Youssouf Koumbassa, Mustapha Bangoura, Mr. Youssouf Koumbassa, Mr. Youssouf Koumbassa, Mr. Mr. In addition to Freddick Bratcher, Marie Basse-Wiles, Katherine Dunham, Cleo Parker-Robinson, Pupy Felix, Jean-Leon Destiné, Mohamed DeCosta, Mouminatou Camara, and Peter London, his diverse training has influenced him greatly. As a choreographer, Terrence has worked with the National Chocolate Nutcracker Tour, the Family Blessings at the University of Florida, and various competitions. In addition, Terrence taught many classes in communities and schools at both the local and national levels. Terrence is an excellent actor and vocalist and an energetic and vibrant individual. Last but not least, Terrence is a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc
Vincent Sims
Vincent Sims raised in St. Petersburg, FL attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and received a Bachelors degree in Information Systems from The University of South Florida.
He has played with many recognized artists in the jazz and blues fields.
Artists such as Al Downing & The AllStars, Lucky Peterson, James Peterson, Koko Taylor, Belinda Womack and the Lauren Mitchell Band.
Vincent is a former President of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association.
