Lisa Johnson-Willingham Celebrates 15 Years

Lisa Johnson-Willingham has served as director of Ailey Extension for 15 years. Today, she shares her gratitude for the experiences that have shaped her time at AILEY and that continue to inspire her. 

You have an extensive career with AILEY, from dancing with and choreographing for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and serving as director of AileyCamp Chicago for ten years. What has been one of the stand-out experiences that reminds you why you’ve been with organization for so many years? 

One of the most stand-out experiences that reminds me why I’ve been with AILEY for so many years goes back to before joining the organization. I remember seeing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC, for the first time as an aspiring young dancer. That performance changed my life; it changed how I saw myself and what I believed was possible.  

For the first time I truly saw myself reflected on stage. Watching beautiful and powerful dancers that looked like me, telling stories that connected me and my ancestors made it more than a performance. It allowed me to dream beyond my personal limitations. 

From that day forward, I decided on my path. I didn’t want to just dance; I wanted to create, teach, advocate and lead—like Alvin Ailey. That experience continues to remind me why my work at AILEY is so meaningful. It allows me to give the next generation the same sense of possibilities. 

This year marks your 15th anniversary as director of Ailey Extension. When you started in the position, what do you remember excited you most about the opportunity? 

When I became the director of Ailey Extension fifteen years ago, I was thrilled to return home to my Ailey family. It felt like a homecoming, reconnecting with former colleagues, meeting the next generation of Ailey dancers, and bringing dance to the community. I knew I was capable of meeting the expectations of the role, because it aligns with my passion. As a lifelong student, I was excited to lead this new adult program that offered access to the joy of dance. 

What has changed the most at Ailey Extension in the 15 years that you have served as the division’s director?  

As the director of Ailey Extension, I am intentional about building a global community that speaks a universal language of dance. When I rejoined the organization in 2011, the Extension was still in the early stages of development, figuring out logistics, and exploring possibilities. The timing of my arrival and my deep relationship with the organization allowed me to shape and refine the look and feel of the program. We have added more classes, developed a successful Kids & Teens Sunday Series, created legacy workshops and panels, as well as producing Adult Dance Showcases, which have been one of the most successful programs. In short, I prioritize the needs and wants of the dance community. In addition, partnerships with many organizations are key to our success. It is important to reach beyond our core audience to make sure that dance remains accessible, to build bridges, and continue to strengthen our impact. 

Ailey Extension reaches tens of thousands of people every year. Why do you think so many people are drawn to the classes specifically offered at Ailey Extension? 

Many people are drawn to the Extension classes because of the legacy of Alvin Ailey. The standard of excellence and the love for the organization is a big part of our success. Mr. Ailey created the blueprint and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison committed to keeping the flame alive. We have top instructors from around the world, an array of techniques, a welcoming and non-competitive environment, and of course, our classes are held at The Joan Weill Center for Dance, home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and one of the largest dance studios in New York City. The Extension team is another reason why people are drawn to the classes here. They are the most passionate and dedicated group of people that are so committed to providing a safe and unforgettable experience for everyone—because we believe that EVERYONE CAN DANCE at AILEY. 

We often talk about Alvin Ailey’s mission of delivering dance back to the people, and the Extension is a fully realized example of that mission. Are there any other values that Mr. Ailey expressed that feel particularly meaningful to you in your work? 

The most important value that Mr. Ailey expressed that I connect with is making dance accessible to everyone. His ability to see potential in others and foster that in a way that changed lives was his gift. He celebrated diversity in the arts through his commitment to creating an inclusive environment for dancers of all backgrounds. 

Mr. Ailey was a trailblazer and a visionary that challenged the norm, and I would describe myself as a person who actively works to improve systems and sees possibilities that others don’t yet recognize. 

I wish to teach self-love through movement and to see dance as an “act of progress, an act of growth, an act of music, an act of teaching, an act of celebration, an act of joy,” just as Alvin Ailey described. 

Ailey Extension is always expanding. What do you hope the next 15 years might bring for the public classes? 

I hope in the next 15 years Extension will be leading dance in the digital age as well as creating satellite classes around the world. Our global fans are asking for Ailey Extension to be a part of their community, and our mission is to give dance back to the people no matter where they are based. I am not here to impact only a small audience; my purpose is to use dance to inspire change around the world.