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Joan-Marie Schoen: Classical Excellence and a Lifelong Love of Ballet 💃

Joan-Marie began dancing at an early age right here in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, training in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern. Her deep love for ballet led her to pursue elite professional training across the country — and she is delighted to bring that expertise home to MPSD. ✨

Professional Training 🌟

Joan-Marie pursued professional ballet training with some of Canada’s most prestigious programs:

  • The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School (full scholarship)
  • The National Ballet School’s Professional Program (scholarship)
  • The School of Alberta Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program, under the direction of Murray and Nancy Kilgour

She continues to study under the tutelage and artistic guidance of Nancy Kilgour, Order of Canada.

Credentials & Certifications 🎓

Joan-Marie holds an impressive range of professional qualifications:

  • Intermediate I.S.T.D. Modern
  • Advanced 2 in the Cecchetti method
  • Associate Diploma teaching certificate in the Cecchetti method (currently pursuing her next level of certification)
  • Certified Pilates teacher (Stott Pilates and Neu Pilates)
  • Certified member of the Progressive Ballet Technique

She is also the founder and creator of Core Connection, a Pilates and dance conditioning program designed specifically for intensive-level dancers.

Performance Career 🩰

Joan-Marie has represented her province and performed on notable stages:

  • Selected for the first-ever National Artists Program, performing at the Canada Summer Games (2002)
  • Chosen to perform in the 80th Cecchetti Anniversary Gala in Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Performed with professional companies including Alberta Ballet, Ontario Ballet Theatre, and The Banff Centre

After a major ankle injury brought her performing career to an early close, Joan-Marie channelled her passion into teaching and dancer development.

A Legacy of Mentorship 📚

Over the years, Joan-Marie has trained with renowned teachers and choreographers including Brian McDonald, Victoria Simon, Edmund Stripe, Nancy Kilgour, Murray Kilgour, Christine Richardson, Joyce Shietze, Wendy Wright, Peggy Baker, Carol Chadwick, Deborah Bowes, Diane van Schoor, and Stéphane Léonard, among many others.

Teaching Philosophy 🌟

With 25 years of teaching experience — including The Wright Studio, DJD, The School of Alberta Ballet, and studios across the St. John’s and metro area — Joan-Marie combines her Pilates, Progressive Ballet Technique, and classical ballet training to develop strong, well-balanced dancers. She is grateful to share her passion and love of dance with her students, and is excited to pass on her deep knowledge of ballet wherever she goes.

Join Joan-Marie’s class and train in the tradition of classical excellence! ⭐