For the past decade, Johnny Byrne has served as in-house choreographer, editor, story board artist and frequent co-director for artist David LaChapelle. Johnny began his career as a dancer with Paul Taylor Dance Company after studying at NC School of the Arts, The School of American Ballet and the Juilliard School. Johnny’s knowledge of multiple movement styles, understanding of art history, and passion for filmmaking can be seen in his diverse portfolio which includes music videos, film, television and stage projects. Johnny’s professional approach to his work in choreography and staging has led to frequent collaborations with top directors including Ellen Von Unwerth, Annie Leibovitz and Lacey.
Johnny choreographed and co-directed Florence & The Machine's popular music video Spectrum with David LaChapelle, and as part of DLC Studio, often directs video portions of LaChapelle's print projects, including multiple campaigns for KENZO and Happy Socks. Johnny choreographed the 5-year run of Elton John's Red Piano Tour, which premiered at Caesar's Palace. He has staged music videos for artists including Mariah Carey, Elton John, Britney Spears, Joss Stone, Lady Gaga, No Doubt and Mary J. Blige.
Other notable choreography credits include series “The Royals,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Rupaul’s Drag Race,“ Mozart In The Jungle,” “First Dance,” and commercials for Timberland, TARGET, H&M, Capital One, Kate Spade, Walmart, Bacardi, DIESEL, USA Today, PEPSI and White House Black Market.
As a presenter, Johnny appeared on “SYTYCD Canada,” and served as a host and choreographer for STV's reality-dance drama "First Dance" in the UK. He has appeared as a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show as well as NBC's Today Show, ITV's "Dirty Dancing the Time of your Life" and is the host of the top-selling dance fitness DVD, "Dirty Dancing the Official Workout." Johnny directed SONY's live activation launch for the VAIO products, as well as live activations for “America's Got Talent”.
In the fine art world, Johnny’s dance installation From Darkness to Light in New York's Lever House Gallery garnered positive press from the NY Times and Backstage.
For 15 years, Johnny has worked as an Arts Educator for Education In Dance and the Related Arts, a NYC program bringing movement, visual art, music and nutrition into over 60 under-served schools. From 2015-2017 he served as Artist Director of Fort Wayne Dance Collective, a non-profit serving over 30 thousand people of all abilities throughout Indiana with dance programs in schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
