Today we’d like to introduce you to Corbin Johnson
Hi Corbin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Midwest girl, born and raised in the suburban charm of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. I grew up in a loving two-parent household with my mom, Tracii—who always makes sure you spell her name with two i’s!—and my dad, Mark. I’m the second oldest of five siblings, with two sisters, Parey and Harris, and two brothers, Halen and Patterson. We’re known and loved by many as “The Hunters,” and I love my family unconditionally. My family has grown even more special now that I’m married to the most amazing and handsome man in the world, Michael Johnson. Together, we share our home with the feistiest little 7-year-old Pomeranian who keeps us on our toes.
Life has changed so much over the past few years, but one thing that’s always been a constant is my passion for dance. Ever since I was 12, I had a simple but powerful goal: “Dance for Beyoncé.” And I was determined to make it happen—no one could tell me otherwise!
Let me take you back to where it all began. I’ve been dancing since I was two years old. My mom, who danced when she was younger, put my sister and me into dance early on, and it became my first love. I trained at Stage Door of Performing Arts in Coon Rapids, MN, until I was 14. Then, I had the incredible opportunity to attend St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in downtown St. Paul for high school. There, I was exposed to a wide range of dance styles, from Modern and Historical Hip Hop to African dance, and I continued my training with Poetry in Motion Dance Co., under the guidance of Ricky Palomino and Stacy Boedecker, Classical Ballet Academy with Cheryl and Andrew Rist, and TU, a Horton-based institution directed by former Alvin Ailey principals, Toni and Uri Sands.
At 18, I packed my bags and moved to California, driven by the dream of becoming a professional dancer. Once I settled in Los Angeles, I immersed myself in classes, exploring as many forms, styles, and traditions of dance as I could. In 2017, I received an incredible opportunity when I was accepted into the Debbie Reynolds Scholarship Program. This was the spark that ignited my career as a professional dancer.
I’ve been blessed to dance alongside some of the most amazing artists, including Ginuwine, Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D., Beyoncé (for both Coachella and On the Run II), Lizzo (at the Grammy Awards and BET Awards), and I was the original dancer for Megan Thee Stallion, working with her for four incredible years. My childhood dream came true. Every sacrifice my parents and I made for my dance training was worth it. I will forever be grateful to everyone who supported and guided me along this journey.
Dance will always be my first love, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered new passions that have captured my heart. Over time, I’ve fallen in love with teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers. In 2019, I taught my very first workshop, dedicated to “Beyoncé Day” in Minnesota. The Governor of MN, Mark Dayton, designated May 23rd as an official day, and that’s when I launched my first workshop. From there, my business, “Certified by Corbin,” was born.
Teaching young dancers brings me so much joy, and I also love working with adults—especially when I get to lead a fun and empowering heels class! Going back home to Minnesota to give back is something I truly cherish. I often stop by my old high school to teach or speak, offering words of encouragement. I remember what it felt like to be so hungry for my dreams, and how the right words from someone who had been there could ignite my drive even more.
With the success I’ve achieved in dance and the growth I’ve experienced personally, I felt a calling to use my voice for good, so I started motivational speaking. I want to make a difference. I want children to be set up to win, but I know that not all children have the same resources, and they’re doing the best they can with what they have.
Right now, I’m focused on speaking to young dancers about how to succeed and become the best they can be, but my dream is to expand that message to all children and organizations. The mindset it takes to be great in any field is universal, and I want to help as many people as possible realize their potential.
Who would’ve thought I’d follow in my mother’s footsteps and become an educator? My grandmother was also an educator—a first-grade school teacher. It’s funny how life works; they say you end up becoming the thing you least expect, and here I am! To deepen my impact, I’ve decided to return to school to earn my master’s in psychology, so I can keep growing and better serve others. With the future business opportunities I envision, this new journey will bring even more positive change into my life and the lives of others.
I’m genuinely excited to see where this path leads me and the difference I can make!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say it was smooth sailing along my journey but I had some struggles along the way. One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been learning to love myself for the beautiful creation I am. As a young teen, I struggled with anorexia, unable to fully see my own worth or beauty. This battle with self-image followed me through my early years, often holding me back from stepping fully into my potential. It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I could start to see my own strength and beauty clearly. That realization was a turning point, allowing me to embrace myself more completely. I sometimes wonder how differently I might have approached my career if I had loved myself more deeply from the start, but I’m grateful for the growth I’ve gained from that journey.
Staying true to myself in an industry that often expects you to harden your heart was another challenge. I’ve always had a sensitive and open spirit, but in Los Angeles, I found it hard to connect with others who shared those values. The entertainment world can drain you, leaving little room to refill your cup. I struggled to find a community that operated with the same heart and authenticity I valued, and it took time to build a true support system. Learning to nurture myself and keep my cup full amid the demands and emotional strain taught me resilience. I found ways to stay grounded, but it was a tough balance to keep.
Perhaps the hardest part of my journey was being away from my family for a decade while pursuing my career. I’m incredibly close to them, and sacrificing birthdays, holidays, and life’s little moments hit me deeply. My husband and I were in a long-distance relationship through all of it, seeing each other only a few times each month. Keeping that bond alive was no small feat; it required every ounce of commitment and love we had. After I reached the peak of my career, I found myself struggling with identity. I had spent so much of my life as Corbin “the dancer” that I didn’t know who I was without it. Rebuilding that sense of self has been a new journey, but one that’s taught me the power of transformation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear many hats in my career—I’m a professional dancer, model, actress, choreographer, teacher, and motivational speaker. Most people know me for my work as a dancer, especially through my experiences performing alongside artists like Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion. Those moments are cherished accomplishments, but as I branch out more into teaching and speaking, I’m excited to build a reputation for connecting with audiences across the country. My dance background has taught me the power of stage presence and performance, and that’s something I bring into my classes. I want my students to find that spark within, that “alter ego” that lets them bring everything they have to each movement and fully come alive on stage.
Of all my accomplishments, the one that fills me with the most pride is achieving my dream of dancing for Beyoncé. From a young age, that vision was my driving force, and to make it a reality was something truly special. It’s a reminder to me—and I hope to everyone I work with—that big dreams really can come true with the right mix of passion and dedication. I carry that belief with me into every class, every performance, and every speech. It’s why I focus so deeply on helping others unlock their potential, finding their own path to greatness.
What sets me apart is the connection I create with others. When I’m teaching, speaking, or simply having a one-on-one moment, I truly see the person in front of me. I listen, and I make sure they feel heard, respected, and supported. This industry can be tough, but I’ve made the choice to stay warm, compassionate, and real, and to always hold space for others. My hope is that anyone who spends time with me leaves feeling inspired, empowered, and enriched.
How do you define success?
Success is a deeply personal journey, and I believe it evolves as we grow. To me currently, success means building a life where my family enjoys true financial freedom and abundance. It’s walking confidently in my purpose, thriving in my career while nurturing a healthy and happy marriage. Success also means protecting my peace, setting boundaries, and embracing positivity, knowing when to put myself first so I can show up fully for others. It’s about aligning my life with my values and feeling fulfilled in every part of who I am and what I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Certifed_Corbin
