Suzanne M. Johnston

Suzanne M. Johnston, 87; our beloved Mother and Wife passed away on March 20, 2016. Suzanne was born December 12, 1928 in Macon, Georgia to Raymond and Alice Moore. Since the age of 3, Suzanne was trained and schooled in dance, especially ballet. She danced professionally on Broadway in numerous shows including "High Button Shoes and "Oklahoma". Some of her most influential teachers and choreographers were Agnes De Mille and Jerome Robbins. After her Broadway dance career, Suzanne established her first ballet studio in Knoxville, Tennessee. She also met the love of her life, Sidney F. Johnston Jr. in 1952 and they were married for 63 years. Suzanne started ballet studios at Holloman Air Force Base and her crown jewel, Suzanne's School of Classical Ballet in Albuquerque in 1962. She and Sidney formed the New Mexico Ballet Company in 1972, where she mentored hundreds of dancers and artists throughout the world, helping many start their professional careers. Suzanne was well known for her choreography and artistic talents. She also taught at the UNM Dance and Theater Department for over 10 years and was a master teacher and rehearsal coach at multiple dance studios in the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area. Suzanne's adherence to ballet fundamentals pushed many of her students to excel in their dance skills.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Sidney F. Johnston Jr. and daughter, Bridget Holloman. She is survived by her daughter, Pumpkin Cary; grandson, Tristian Fernandez and wife Annie Fernandez; son, Fowler Johnston and wife Susan Johnston; granddaughter, Breanne Smith and fiancé Evan Pedroza. A celebration of Suzanne's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Suzanne's name to the New Mexico Ballet Company or the Animal Humane of New Mexico.



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