We were lucky to catch up with Corbin Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Corbin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I ever took was moving to Los Angeles at 18 years old to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer. I had a clear vision—since I was 12, I’d dreamed of dancing for Beyoncé, the biggest artist in the world. Growing up in competition dance, I was versatile, and my training reflected that. I attended a performing arts high school, trained at a classical ballet academy, joined a contemporary and ballet company for three years, and finished high school at a modern/Horton-based facility. I had options—I could’ve studied dance in college or even gone to Alvin Ailey in New York. But that wasn’t my dream. I wanted to be in LA, dancing on television, just like the dancers I grew up watching.

A lot of people thought I was crazy. They said I’d be just another number in LA, that I’d never achieve my goal. But I’ve always had a stubborn streak, and I didn’t care what anyone thought. I believed in myself and refused to live with the regret of not trying.

When I arrived in LA in 2013, I quickly realized it was nothing like I imagined. It was hard—really hard. I’d grown up sheltered in an amazing family, but I was naïve about the realities of living in California. I worked two jobs—one at Hooters and another at Aldo—just to scrape by, but the cost of living was overwhelming. I started to question if I could make it. My faith wavered, and I fell into a tough place.

It took four years to finally break into the industry. My first opportunity came in 2014 when I met an artist at Aldo who let me be in her music video. That moment gave me a taste of what I’d been chasing, but it still wasn’t Beyoncé. I got an agent and started auditioning, but the big break still didn’t come. Then in 2016, I got an email: an audition for Beyoncé’s Formation tour.

I poured everything into that audition—it was a grueling two-week process that tested me in every way. I made it to the final cut, but I didn’t book the job. I’ll never forget the heartbreak of seeing a close friend book the tour instead. I cried harder than I ever had before. For the first time, I doubted myself: Was I good enough? Was I too curvy? Too inexperienced? Should I just pack up and go home?

For two weeks, I let the disappointment consume me. But then, my stubborn Taurus spirit kicked in. I realized I hadn’t been ready. My friend had spent six months preparing through intense training, while I had been juggling shifts at the bar I worked at. I promised myself that the next time Beyoncé held auditions, I would be ready.

I joined the same program my friend had completed and dedicated myself to becoming the best version of me. When auditions came around again at the end of 2017 for Coachella, I walked in prepared. And in April 2018, I achieved my dream. Not only was I on stage with Beyoncé for Coachella, but I also joined her and Jay-Z for their On the Run II world tour.

Looking back, the risk I took at 18 to move to LA—through all the heartbreak, self-doubt, and struggle—was worth it. Hitting that stage in 2018 was proof that dreams do come true, as long as you’re willing to work, believe, and ride the wave.

Corbin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

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 Poole, 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 age 18, I moved to California to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer. Once I settled in Los Angeles, I continued with classes and exposing myself to as many different forms, styles, and traditions of dance as possible. In 2017, I was accepted into the Debbie Reynolds Scholarship Program, which led to the start of my career as a professional dancer. I have been blessed to say that I have danced with Ginuwine, Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D., Beyoncé (Coachella and On the Run II), Lizzo (The Grammy Awards and BET Awards), and I was the original dancer for Megan Thee Stallion and worked for her for 4 years.
My childhood dream came true. Everything not only myself, but also my parents sacrifices that went into my dance training didn’t go in vain. I will forever be grateful to those who helped me in any way along the 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, even though I do still dance, a focus of mine is speaking to young dancers about how to succeed and become the best they can be. I plan to eventually expand that message to all children and different organizations. The mindset it takes to be great in any field is universal, and I want to help as many people as I can to realize their potential.

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.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely! Here are some of the books that have profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial journey: “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza, “Abundance Now” by Lisa Nichols, “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, “The Power of One More” by Ed Mylett, “The Power of Discipline” by Daniel Walter, and “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. And, of course, the Bible—it’s a timeless guide in every aspect of life.

For videos, I highly recommend diving into Jim Rohn’s talks on YouTube, anything on The Law of Attraction, and Eric Thomas’ motivational videos. They’re game-changers!

Lastly, finding a mentor in your specific field is invaluable, as is investing in personal development seminars. I attended PSI Seminars, and it completely shifted my perspective. It taught me that my choices directly shape my outcomes—professionally, financially, and personally. That accountability was life-changing!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely! I wish I had known earlier about self-submitting casting sites. As a struggling artist in Los Angeles, there were so many resources I could’ve tapped into to make money doing what I already loved. For instance, platforms like Casting Networks allow you to self-submit for hundreds of jobs daily, and Central Casting sends background job opportunities regularly, which could’ve provided extra income while also building my résumé and experience.

Beyond just the financial help, these resources offer invaluable opportunities to network with other actors, dancers, casting producers, and directors. Being surrounded by people in the industry you’re pursuing is a game-changer! Looking back, I realize these tools could’ve helped me focus on my passion instead of juggling unrelated jobs. It’s something I definitely would’ve told my younger self!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/certified_corbin
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@certifiedbycorbin?si=j5pJBeL86-R4CJFn