Joy Antoinette Harper is an OC native who began her dance journey at four years old. She is an elegant artist who is full of grace yet conversely with an African drum continually playing a rhythm in her soul. This duality is often reflected in her artistry and personality.

 

After graduating from Orange County High School of the Arts (Commercial Dance Department) she went on to acquire her bachelor's degree in Dance from University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and later received a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix. Soon after graduation from UCSB, Joy got representation by Clear Talent Group. Her professional dance experience consists of TV, stage, and film projects, including “Idlewild”(choreographed by the great Hinton Battle), Los Angeles Opera’s “The Grand Duchess”(choreographed by renowned Vincent Paterson) and the Chaka Khan US Promo Tour. As a choreographer for celebrities, musical artists, competition teams, dance companies, liturgical dance groups and professional basketball dance teams, Joy’s credits include “Redemption of a Dogg (starring Snoop Dogg/Tamar Braxton) and her pieces have graced the stages of The Kia Forum, USC Galen Center, and the Skirball Cultural Center to name a few. 

 

As a dance instructor for studios, performing arts programs, and workshops, Joy has had the pleasure of teaching ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop to elementary through high school students in the United States and abroad.  She has curated and led dance workshops in Uganda where modern and contemporary dance were introduced for the first time to the participants.

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As the Founder of Joyful Dance and Choreography Inspiring Others (J.D.A.C.I.O), her company’s group classes (modern, ballet, jazz funk, contemporary and praise dance), workshops, private instruction, coaching, and choreography consultation equip dancers to be authentic artists. Joy coaches aspiring to professional dancers on how to build confidence by connecting their choreography to story through her proprietary process called Inside/Out Movement Transformation. She is gifted in being able to story tell through choreography, helping dancers to authentically connect to what they’re performing so there is depth and richness in their movement. She believes that technique will entertain a crowd but when you impact a soul through effective storytelling, lives can be shifted in a way that benefits humanity. Her in depth focus on authenticity helps improve her client’s ability to produce unforgettable performances. Joy is affectionately called, “The Cleaning Lady,” because of her eagle eye approach and expeditious ability to clean choreography so that it is performance ready in the body and soul. She is passionate about using the art of dance as a tool to uplift, encourage, and inspire others into a greater version of themselves.

 

Joy’s storytelling artistry has seamlessly positioned her to cross over and book several national commercials, print work, and short films.