Hello and welcome!

I am Joy MacKinnon – Director of the MacKinnon
Dance Academy of Oxnard, CA. I was born into a
family of dancers, dance teacher and performers.
I don’t remember learning to dance – especially
Tap or Scottish Highland Dancing. My cousins and I
began to perform at 4 years of age and it wasn’t until I went
to kindergarten that I discovered the fact that all kids did
not know how to do ‘time-steps’ or the Highland Fling.

At about age 8 I began dance studies with the Eva McKeon Dance Theatre in Detroit and at the Detroit Conservatory of Music and Dance.

I have never stopped learning about dance and have studied jazz with Luigi in New York, Gus Giordano of Chicago, tap with whomever I could steal from, modern dance, ballet, character and musical comedy from teachers all over the country.

I have been, or am currently a member of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists, the American Guild of Variety Artists,  the British Association of Teacher’s of Dance, the Professional Dancers Society and the International Tap Association. Although I have performed in hundreds of cabaret venues, clubs, television and community theaters – teaching is my focus and my first love.

I have learned more about dance, love, expression, and commitment from my precious students over the years, than I ever learned in any dance class in my entire career. I began teaching at age 14, and produced my first ‘show’ at age 16 with three hundred people attending. Although I have had other jobs throughout the years, I have always been called back to teaching.

I am primarily a choreographer who teaches. I believe in dance and that the creative processes involved in dance should not be restricted to dancers or to those with pre-determined physical characteristics. There is great therapeutic value to be gained through being comfortable in your body and moving fearlessly through space. Dance can provide all who partake a new and exciting dimension through movement, music and challenge. My belief is that every child should have some sort of dance training. Dance elevates the soul, addresses the spirit, and enchants the human experience. Welcome to MacKinnon Dance Academy!

Joy MacKinnon

 

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Joy MacKinnon has recently been voted 2010-2011 "Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Professional Women 2010.

Joy is a member of The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, The British Association of Teacher's of Dance, and The Federation of United States Teachers and Adjuicators (FUSTA). In addition she supports local programs and charitable works such as (SNAC) Senior Nutrition Action Council, FOODSHARE, the State Street Ballet Company, American Arthritis Association and others.  Although she no longer regularly performs Joy is also a past member of (NADAA) National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists and (AGVA) American Guild of Variety Artists.

 

come dance

" . . . teaching is my focus and my first love."

~Joy MacKinnon