Breaking with Jesus

EAST PEORIA— Roy Johnson, 23, of Peoria, is an artist of various mediums; he paints, draws and… break dances?

“Dancing is my gift; that’s the thing for me,” Johnson explained. “It allows me to express my art through music.”

It began when Johnson was a senior in high school and there was a talent show. He wanted to be in it and decided he’d take up break dancing. He practiced and by the time it came around, “No one signed up, [they] didn’t do the talent show.”

That may have discouraged some, but Johnson has been breaking ever since. For awhile, he didn’t have a group to dance with, but the music didn’t stop.

After moving to Illinois, (previously in Idaho) Johnson began dancing with “Dope Stylez,” a group of several guys that get together and do what they love. Johnson stressed, “Always remember that ‘Z’.” Influenced by the other breakers, he was driven to improve his dance. Johnson and DS(z) performed many shows around the Peoria area and have even brought the funk to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria Campus on multiple occasions.

There was a halftime performance at the CougarPlex of which Johnson said, “we had the whole gym court that day. I just felt so free to do whatever.” Anyone who attended the 2013 fall semester talent show isn’t likely to forget it. Members of DS(z) were spinning on their heads and back flipping under low ceilings to some b-boy grooves.

As aforementioned, Johnson is an artist in many respects so it’s only fair to mention his canvas art. His art is for the most part symbolic, whether it represents his love for fashion, nature or his sympathy for those who went to battle for America’s freedom.

The smooth picture of the woman sporting a fashionable hat is extremely symbolic.

“I’ve got to think of a name for it,” Johnson said smiling, “It’s got it’s purpose.” Because of Johnson’s aspiration to start a clothing company later in life, he created the piece with fashion in mind. Some of the designs, like the one the woman is wearing, is something that he’d like to create in his line. The cityscape represents the fashion in the city and the rose laying in the center represents the beauty and preciousness of it.

Another of his many works is titled “Breaking with Jesus.” In the center there is a tower which represents God and a lamp beaming light through the darkness over a man break dancing. To his side is Jesus, with His hand out, giving purpose to the dance. There’s a heart in the center that shows that God is love and doves flying throughout. “[The] boombox [represents the] Holy Spirit. Dancing can’t be without the music.”

Roy Johnson’s spirituality plays a major role in his art, whether it be the dance floor or canvas. “Any expression of art is for God. He’s my biggest fan. How could I not express for my biggest fan? How could I not dance for my biggest fan?”

He encourages everyone to dance. “Even if you’re not a born dancer, music does something to the body.”