Hi I’m Joanne Carey
I have been in the dance world for over 30 years, 23 of which I owned my own dance school, The Westfield School of Dance, serving as its artistic director. Thousands of children and families have come through its doors – a community inside a community. A place to “Dance with all your Heart!” And that we did, each and every year!
WSOD was born out of a love and passion for dance & the art form, believing and instilling that there is a dancer in everyone.
Work with JoanneDancer
Certified Dance Teacher
Professional Educator
Published Writer
Presenter
Arts Advocate
Community Volunteer
Ministry Leader
Dance touches lives on so many levels and creates some of the best story tellers alive
While everyone does not go on to have a professional career in dance, ask anyone who has taken a dance class and they will tell you how it made them more confident, strong, and gave them the ability to discover things about themselves they never thought they could do.
So once again out of this passion for dance and the desire to keep telling dance stories, “Dance Talk with Joanne Carey” was born.
Tune in as I welcome guests, each with an expertise in their own field, who share the same passion and desire to bring to the community a conversation that will educate, inspire and offer the community a close up view of this beautiful art form!
So, Let’s talk dance!Bio
Joanne Carey Haid began her career as a professional modern dancer and dance educator. Joanne directed a studio for 23 years; the studio was named ‘Best of Best’ Children’s Dance Studio in 2020. Under her direction and ownership, the studio was the first in the area to implement a special needs dance program, the program’s work was featured in a symposium for nurses and medical professionals at the Children’s Specialized Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Joanne also curated the studio’s yearly benefit performance for the Ronald McDonald House, The Children’s Specialized Hospital, and The Arc.
For five years Joanne served as a board member for Dance New Jersey, giving a voice and representation to the neighborhood community dance studio. Her motto, “Dance with all your Heart!” created an atmosphere of acceptance, warmth, and community; a place where ALL are welcome.
In 2021, Joanne published her first book, ‘The Other End of the Barrel,’ which rose to #2 in Hot New Releases on Amazon in its category and was nominated for Readers Choice Award by TCK Publishing. In addition, Entrepreneurs Herald Magazine named her one of the ‘Top 30 Inspiring Women to Look Out For’ both in 2022 and 2023.
Joanne currently hosts “Dance Talk® with Joanne Carey”- a podcast that provides a behind the scenes peak into each guest and a platform where dance artists come to share their stories. She continues her own work as teacher, coach, mentor, curriculum consultant and dramaturg.
In addition to her work in dance, Joanne is an active volunteer at the Sanctuary of Lourdes, France where she is a member of l’Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes serving the sick and handicapped in the healing baths of Lourdes. Joanne holds a BA degree from Rutgers College, a business certificate for International Commerce through the Paris Chamber of Commerce, holds an AOA Degree from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and is an ABT® Certified Teacher, earning her teacher certification from American Ballet Theater in the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3. Joanne is also a member of NDEO, and Le Conseil International de la Danse.
