Joni Wilson

Joni Urry Wilson began dancing at an early age with the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program and the Children’s Dance Thea- tre at the University of Utah. Joni was awarded the ER Hayes scholarship in dance at the University of Utah, where she re- ceived her honors BFA and was cited with an Orchesis award for outstanding performance. Joni received her MFA in dance per- formance and choreography from Mills College in Oakland, CA.
She has taught dance to students of all ages and levels and most recently  serves  as  a  full-time  dance  specialist  for  the  Tanner Creative Dance Program and the Children’s Dance Theatre at the University of Utah. Joni began dancing with Virginia Tanner as a child and has continued this unique, whole-child-centered training  and  philosophical  methodology  in  her  teaching.  Joni specializes in creative dance for all ages and also enjoys teach- ing special populations. The philosophical basis that defines her work and artistry creates fun, inventive and purposeful experi- ences for her students. Joni offers classes for ages K-12, special population students,  parent/child  classes,  teacher  workshops, curriculum  advisement,  assessment  and  rubric  development, and choreographic residencies.
She believes that when one has the true interest of children at heart there is a continual search for avenues to inspire, educate and  increase  their  awareness  of  the  world  around  them  and give deeper meaning to their everyday lives. Dance is one of those channels! Available for residencies, teacher training, ex- tended  projects,  collaborations  with  other  artists,  and  short- term activities.