Viral dance video star Johanna brings her sass to new movie

The sassy, spunky video of Johanna Colón's dance recital performance of Aretha Franklin's "Respect," at Heather's Studios Inc. in Knightdale went viral after her mom posted it to Facebook. Three years later, Johanna is filming in the Amazon Studios movie "Troupe Zero."

Posted 1:28 p.m. Jun 6, 2018 — Updated 1:28 p.m. Jun 6, 2018

Maggie Brown

, WRAL.com

Almost three years ago, Raleigh native Elissa Colón posted a cell phone video of her 6-year-old daughter’s dance recital on Facebook, and it went viral.

Local video star Johanna Colón has been rising to fame ever since her performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” in Knightdale. Since, Johanna has interviewed with Michael Strahan, on Good Morning America, Ellen and Steve Harvey.

"She wasn't trying to start a career. It was totally a blessing from above," Elissa Colón said.

Johanna has been featured as a guest star in the TBS series, “The Guest Book,” as the character Glenda. Now 9 years old, she is filming for her first movie in Louisiana, "Troupe Zero" with Amazon Studios, working with featured actors Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Mike Epps, Jim Gaffigan and McKenna Grace.

"She is just enthralled and enjoying every minute of it, so everything is totally worth it," Elissa Colón said.

Johanna has been dancing and performing ever since she was 2 years old, working with Heather's Dance Inc. in Knightdale. Elissa Colón said she has been a performer "from the time she has learned how to walk."

Through her new role in "Troupe Zero," she will be able to continue doing what she loves.

"There is definitely some performances within the movie so she is definitely able to bring her skills she learned at Heather's into the movie," Elissa Colón said.

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