JoElla Fitzpatrick
Dancer & Choreographer
Performance
As a visual artist and athlete, I welcome performance opportunities that allow me to explore my artistry and athleticism. I'm currently heading into my third season as a company member with ConteXture dance Detroit, where I have had the incredible experience of performing at venues such as the Detroit Institute Of Arts, The Redford Theater, and The Michigan Science Center. Performance art is my first love, and I am grateful to have created a career from that love.
Teaching
Teaching truly holds a special place in my heart, as it allows me to connect with my community at large and pass the proverbial torch from one generation to the next. Currently, I work as the Head Coach for the Dance and Cheer program at Lawrence Technological University, while also teaching and choreographing at Dance Beat in Plymouth, MI. I find so much joy in teaching students proper dance technique, but my true passion lies in shaping dancers into the best artist, athlete, and person that they can be.
​Choreography
I find myself drawn to the process of creating movement as a way to communicate and express my most vulnerable thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Much of my work is inspired by Nina Simone's sentiment that "an artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times." I create work that integrates athleticism, artistry, and philosophy, leaving audiences reflecting on the performance long after they leave the theater.