The idea for Animated Love came about when Cory Johnson came by The ArtHouse with Rhonda Davis one afternoon to help move some things. When asked, “What did he like to do?” Cory responded “dance.” He is self-taught in a type of hip hop dance called animation, a style that involved layering new age concepts like strobing, cartoon animation and slow motion affects onto old school hip hop moves like break dancing and pop locking. He says, “You cannot know how to animate without knowing how to wave or pop or glide.”

Founder Joan, feeling inspired, invited him to perform with Arthouse violinist Laura Bossert. Cory sent Laura a song to arrange for violin. Laura, in Arthouse spirit, hired a student of hers to help her arrange the song in exchange for lessons. Cory and Laura didn’t meet until the date, then only practiced four or five times before the performance and filming began. Laura said “It was so beautiful to see how his rhythms came to life the more he danced.”

Cory plans 4 workshops in Body Animation, where any beginner can learn new moves and body expression. People with disabilities are encouraged to attend. "Cory" is self-taught, and has learned his trade from studying other dancers for inspiration.