The Good News 2022-Current
The Good News is a set of choreographies honoring maker Johnnie Cruise Mercer’s upbringing in the Black Baptist church. Inspired by specific scriptures from Mercer’s childhood, the works are each intentionally crafted to be community responsive (giving each producer/presenter the opportunity to choose what work works best for their audiences). The Good News can be produced as a community block party, an outside event, an evening of concert dance, or even a school assembly.
“After seven years of process and practice building, I found my heart asking my mind; what messages or purposes will my work now carry? I am dedicated to the weight of this question, and I hope that these ‘workings’ provide a nest built from me (and my ancestors) during this time of uncertainty.”
Alongside a set of performances (generally three works are shared per location), The Good News offers multiple community engagement opportunities including:
-A pre-show grievance altar (where community members are asked to write and burn unwanted grief/negative energy)
-Opportunities for live local artists to be in collaboration (hired per location)
-Conversation/Community Workshop for of color, queer spiritualist
-Possible partnerships with local minority based educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and restaurants
-A chance for all involved to document a video testimonal tied to a moment of triumph following the concert
as requested by presenters/producers
Allow Surrender Embrace (Summer 2024)
The Good News runs 90 minutes including an intermission. The event includes a pre-show grievance altar (where congregation members will be able to write and burn unwanted grief/negative energy), a live drum ensemble (hired per location), food (chicken, okra, and sweet tea), and a chance for all involved to give their own video testimonal following the concert.
The work is site responsive, and can happen outside or inside, providing each community that holds it multiple entry/access points.
The Grace Suite. (Winter 2026)
Contemporary Dance Work
Premieres Jan 2026 @ Out Like That Festival curated by Pioneers Go East Collective
“The Grace Suite” is a music visualization, a tribute to the uplifting sounds of gospel music. Marking Mercer’s first work tied to his developing training method, ‘Foundations of Movement Theory’, the work follows five black movement artists as they skillfully surrender to poly-rhythm, collaboratively embrace grace, and jubilantly tackle themes of break-through! With a vibrant music score that includes music by Callie Day, Deniece Williams, and Kurt Franklin, the dance acts as a benediction of promise (a reminder that the spirit dwells close to our hearts when we listen to it).
"An Ode to Rescue" (Fall 2025)
Site Responsive Dance Work (can include community members)
Premieres @Revival 2025 (Oct 2025)
An Ode to Rescue is a short ensemble work carrying messages of safety, recuperation, and hope. With the gospel hymn, “Eyes on the Sparrow” at its core, the dance sprouts from one set phrase, accumulating into a semi-improvised score on survival. The work includes a live drummer (hired per location), and the opportunity for community members to join the cast.
This work requires a one-two week residency if community members are casted.
Mercies of a Butterfly. (Fall 2025)
Physical Theater Work
Premiere: Fall 2025 @Revival 2025: The Oaks of Righteousness: Seed Towards the Good News
"Mercies of a Butterfly" is a one act physical theater work performed and created by Johnnie Cruise Mercer. A movement allegory about change, the work follows a recently born spirit as they contend with weight, build strength to run, and eventually learn how to fly! With ring shout, vogue, and house music at the center of the work’s structure, Mercer leans into his meta-physical history in order to give a testimony on letting go.”
The solo involves close collaboration alongside a creative team of long-time collaborators and peers including music producer Young Denzel, film/video artist Torian Ugworji, and fashion designer Pierre Rashad.
Revive Us Again… (Fall 2024)
Site-Responsive Dance Work
Premieres @Revival 2025 (Oct 2025)
Revive Us Again… is a lyrical work driven by six black professional movement artists. Teethered by a simple yet meticulous running score, the short dance work is crafted as a message of perseverance, and a compositional attempt to physically push through our world’s current tribulations.
