Michael and Joanna Dance Their Way to Joy

It all began when Joanna was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. The physical challenges were daunting, as Joanna underwent surgery right away, followed by a year of chemotherapy. Joanna was left with only 40% of her lung capacity.

The physical challenges, aches, and pains were one thing. But the mental weight Joanna carried was another. It was hard to resist the urge to withdraw, and Joanna struggled to do things she used to love.

“I was hardly active at all, and I couldn’t enjoy the activities that I liked to do,” Joanna shared.

But when Joanna heard that the local Fred Astaire Dance Studio was offering free classes to breast cancer survivors, she decided to put herself out there and try it—with Michael, her husband of 25 years, by her side.

“I was trying to get my life back together, to get the spirit moving and the joy back in my life,” she said.

Dancing helped Joanna overcome her mental barriers and regain her confidence. Joanna’s mindset also began to shift as her sense of self grew. “She started feeling better about herself; she transitioned from being sick with cancer to being healthy,” Michael explained.

The joy was back: Joanna spent many happy nights dancing at home in the living room with her husband, feeling her vitality return with every step.

“By expressing myself through dance, I’m not as nervous as I used to be,” Joanna shared.

Over the past decade, Michael and Joanna have learned new techniques from their instructors. They have formed new friendships and cultivated a new community of wonderful people through the dance studio.

As the couple became more serious about their newfound passion, a new dream began to take shape: to dance at a competition in front of a live audience.

With hours of practice behind them, Joanna and Michael were well-prepared for the challenge. “Once the music starts, the muscle memory kicks in,” Michael explained.

Before they knew it, they were on stage for their showcase dance, gracefully performing the movements with joy in every step. As applause erupted all around them, they were ecstatic to have fulfilled their wish.

“It was surreal, a blur,” said Michael about the experience.

“It was euphoria! It is a wonderful high for me – to feel that and to take everything in,” Joanna shared. “It is something I will never forget and always have great memories of.”

Since their wish experience, Michael and Joanna’s zest for dance has only grown. And they’ve continued to share the joy of dance with their community.

“Our dance instructor told us that we have inspired many people—both old and young— to dance,” Michael said. “We encourage all our friends to dance. Once you start, it’s a lot of fun. You can meet new people, which people our age should do. It is excellent exercise, and so good for mental health to have a goal and complete it.”

“Anything you can do to get your mind and body in coordination, you’re going to keep your mind sharp,” Joanna added. “Do whatever brings you joy!”