About Joan

Joan Zuehlke, Director of Joan's Studio of Dance, opened her school in Susanville in 1973. She had previously operated schools in Redding and Burney, California.



Joan sees dance as a rich, valuable, and enjoyable experience. All forms of dance teach discipline and are excellent exercise for good health. Her objective is to introduce the Art of Dance to all ages with the highest quality of dance education.

Ballet involves learning about technical skills, theory, history, and music from beginners to the professional elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. Ballet develops strong bodies, poise, self-esteme, confidence, and grace. Students are challenged to their fullest potential. Advanced students strive to develop their skills in artistry and musicality. Joan teaches using the Cecchetti graded method which is a balanced, analyzed system of training.

Tap is fun. It teaches a variety of rhythms and develops coordination. Joan teaches the
Al Gilbert and Glenn Shipley's Technique.



Joan keeps current on methods by attending summer workshops and being involved in dance organizations. She is a Cecchetti Fellow of the Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) and has received her Professional Advanced Teachers Certificate. She is a member of the CCA West Coast Committee and has been for the last 36 years. She currently serves as the Treasurer for that committee. Previously she has served as the Co-Chair for the Ballet Seminars at Mills College.

Joan will be joined for the 2011-2012 season by 3 outstanding student teachers who hold their Professional Student Elementary Certificates. They are:

Samantha Huskey

Sarah Salem

Jillaine Singleton