North Carolina
Company Member since 2018

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Joanne is a Carolina girl who “followed her heart” to Wilmington. Inspired as a child by Shirley Temple, she always dreamed of tap dancing on stage. When Judy mentioned the Hi‑Steppers needed more tappers, Joanne immediately said, “I have tap shoes!” and signed up.

 

Along with dancing, she enjoys classical music, playing piano, drawing, painting, and paper art. An avid reader, one of her favorite books is Hemingway’s Cats Haiku by Andi Fraley. Joanne is also a published illustrator, most recently for the book Buddy & Me, written by former Hi-Stepper, Juliana Morgan. Joanne’s faith is central to her life; she prays and reads God’s Word daily.

Joanne calls the Hi‑Steppers “proof that dreams come true.” Favorite memories include Fabulous Friday tap classes, winning gold medals at the local Senior Games in May 2025, and winning gold again at the North Carolina Senior Games / SilverArts Follies in Cary in September 2025. She loves to perform and is excited to dance on stage at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts on April 3, 2026, for Arts Sensation!