CANTON DANCE TEACHER TO BE HONORED

Joanne Zavisa, owner and artistic director of Joanne's Dance Extension, will be honored for her more than 40 years of teaching dance on July 9th at the 132nd Annual Dance Masters of America convention in Nashville, Tenn.

Zavisa has been teaching dance in Plymouth-Canton and traveling the country as a dance competition adjudicator for more than 40 years. She is also the current president of Dance Masters of America (DMA), a non-profit organization dedicated to certifying teachers to teach dance. DMA has thousands of members internationally.

The Dance Masters of America convention will host approximately 300 member teachers and 950 students, who will participate in daily classes, teacher workshops, group, duo, trio and solo competitions. Zavisa will be recognized at banquet at the end of the the convention for her many years of service. She will relinquish the presidency of DMA to her successor.

Zavisa is preparing her 37-member dance company to travel with her to Nashville. Her students will compete in 58 routines and will take 30 hours of class from master teachers. Five of her students have earned the right to represent the Great Lakes Regional Dance Masters Chapter #46 in DMA's National Title competition. Madison Landin (19), Ava Lovsin (15), Emily Popa (12), Gracyn Ray (9) all of Canton, and Jayden Jordan (7) of Southgate will be judged on their talent presentation, their performance and technique during classes, and an interview with the judges.

"I'm proud to provide my students with the opportunity to expand their view of the dance world this summer in Nashville," said Zavisa. "Our dancers will gain exposure to some of the best master teachers in the country, have the opportunity to perform in a beautiful venue, and develop friendships with their peers from across the United States that will last far beyond the end of the convention."

Many of Joanne's former "kids" have returned to enroll their own children because of the family-friendly atmosphere she has built over the years. Others have gone on to own dance studios, teach dance, and perform professionally.

"Joanne has cultivated not just beautiful, talented dancers, but also a family in the Plymouth-Canton area," said Jennifer Ray, former student and parent of Gracyn Ray. "My parents took me to Joanne as a three-year-old and now I am watching my daughter develop into a strong, confident young lady under Joanne."

JDE students will be performing in their annual dance concert at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm on Saturday June 25th at Huron High School in New Boston, MI. Tickets can be purchased by calling 734-455-4330 or at the door. For a tour of the JDE facility or to enroll in Summer or Fall sessions, call 734-455-4330 or email joannesdance@gmail.com. You can also visit them on the web at joannesdanceextension.com.