With great excitement, we introduce Bambi Johnson, the final remarkable female director in our series. Bambi’s journey in the arts began in Baltimore, where she started her dance training at age two and went on to study with legendary teachers. She has performed with prestigious ballet companies and directed blockbuster musicals such as Tarzan, Shrek, and Cats. Her extensive career includes choreographing for Maryland’s top theatres, judging national cheer and dance competitions, and working with stars like Tony Danza and Andrea McArdle. Currently, she is the Director of Production for All Star Challenge and Chief of Parks, Events, and Recreation for Havre de Grace. Join us in celebrating Bambi’s incredible contributions and her direction of Cats at Cockpit, as she continues to inspire and lead with her unparalleled expertise and creativity.
Bambi Johnson
Director for CATS
Bambi Johnson was born in Baltimore and began her dance training at the age of two. She studied summers at Jacob’s Pillow and under many great teachers through the years including Myra Kynch, Michael Nickeloff (Tampa Ballet Company’s Arististic Director/Choreographer), Igor Youskevitch of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Anthony Tudor formerly of the Royal Danish Ballet, Harriet Sauber Eisner, Edith Joesting, Earline Stevens, Sylvester Campbell and Wally Saunders. Trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop, Bambi performed professionally with the Back Alley Dancers, Maryland Ballet, Harbor City Ballet and the small jazz ensemble, “Red Hot.” Her musical theatre career dates back to 1970 when she auditioned for her first show. Now happy to be on the production side, she has directed such blockbuster hits as Tarzan, Shrek, West Side Story, Bring it On, The Little Mermaid and the critically acclaimed production Cats.
Bambi began teaching dance in 1976. For 25 years, she was the Artistic Director for Harford Community College’s semi-professional dance company, Harford Dance Theatre’s annual Halloween production. Her musical theatre choreography and direction can been seen in many of Maryland’s professional and community theaters including Milburn Stone Theatre, Cockpit in Court, Phoenix Festival Theater and Dundalk Community Theatre, as well as Cab Calloway School of the Arts where she also taught annual theatre camps each summer.
Over the years, Bambi has had the opportunity to work with many talented performers including Tony Danza, John Ritter, Danny DeVito, Sally Struthers, Sid Ceasar, Lorne Greene, Andrea McArdle, Richard Simmons, Tammy Grimes, ‘Nsync, 98 Degrees, Salt ‘n Pepa, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Cris Judd and Wade Robson. She was privileged to perform with Colin Dunne in Riverdance and to work with the dancers of the touring production of Fosse.
For seven years Bambi was an NFL cheerleader & dancer with the Colts. She also worked with the All-American Cheer & Dance staff to choreograph and produce the halftime show at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Featured several times in the popular American Cheerleader & Dance Spirit magazines, Bambi is also listed in the national “Who’s Who Among American Dance Directors.” She brushes up on her dance training each summer in New York City at Steps on Broadway. Her competitive hip hop teams received many state & national awards over the years, including the innovative choreographer award for six consecutive seasons.
Bambi Johnson also works for All Star Challenge, a national cheer and dance competition company, as the Director of Production where she designs their sets and the large screen digital/social media output. Throughout the season, she judges cheer and dance competitions on a national level for Cheersport, Jamfest, All Star Challenge, American Championships, Athletic Championships, Atlantic Cheer & Dance and The Worlds Championships. She is also a frequent speaker at coaches’ conventions for many of the same companies.
On the personal side, she is a very proud “Mimi” to eleven grandchildren, and is privileged to be the Chief of Parks, Events, and Recreation for the beautiful city of Havre de Grace and its Mayor. She is married to Eyvo Johnson, a popular performer in the area, and the two enjoy collaborating on shows whenever they get the chance!
See CATS July 19 – August 4 at Cockpit in Court, CCBC Essex, Robert & Eleanor Romadka College Center
F. Scott BlackTheatre
Performances:
July 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8 p.m.
July 21, 28 at 3 p.m.
August 2, 3 at 8 p.m.
August 4 at 3 p.m.
Tickets:
Tickets: $22 Adult | $20 Senior | $15 Child. Purchase tickets online at www.ccbctickets or call the Box Office at 443-840-ARTS.
CATS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com
