Originally trained in ballet, Johnson branched into modern dance in college. It was there that her interest in geology and biology began. Johnson doesn't see the two as unrelated but rather views the natural dynamic movement of the earth as inspiration for dance. Johnson came up with the idea for Lava Love while visiting Mount St. Helens. She was shocked to see so much natural life growing up out of the ashes.
Life always comes back-it pushes right out of the soil.
Her interest in the circus came while living in New York. Fascinated by the downtown improvisers she learned juggling, stilt dancing, acrobatics and even fire-eating. Eventually, Johnson moved her troupe to San Francisco to attend circus school and add that lively dynamic to all of their work.