Joan Myers Brown

Goddess Energy and Black History Month

Goddess Energy and Black History Month

Joan Myers Brown

12/25/31 Philadelphia, Capricorn

As a child, Joan studied dance and was often the only Black student in white classes with white teachers. She had the opportunity to go to NYC to pursue a professional career but decided for more study under Ms. Katherine Dunham.

Joan did not become a professional ballerina, but instead spent her time training other ballerinas to become professional and be placed in companies. She focused on training Black women because at the time she was training, she said there were little to no opportunities for her as a Black woman in ballet.

She did become a successful review dancer traveling with Cab Calloway, Sammy Davis, Jr, and Pearl Bailey.

She currently sits as Chair of the International Association of Black Dance (est 1991) and is the Founder of the International Conference of Black Dance Companies (1988).

Her goal was to make sure Black women of all complexions were mainstream.

She did this with the Philadelphia Dance Company (est 1970). Dancers learn with classical music like Tchaikovsky and jazz by Mingus and Duke Ellington.

She was also a visiting professor at Howard University in their School of Arts. A multi award winner, Joan received the National Medal of Arts for dance, choreography, and artistic direction in 2012 by Obama.

Goddesses open roads for others and create opportunities with their vision and talents.