The International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) is delighted to announce that Joanne Clifton has been appointed as one of our honorary patrons. This exciting news was celebrated at the IDTA Musical Theatre Awards, which took place this past weekend.
Joanne, accompanied by her partner AJ Jenks, received this prestigious recognition in a heartfelt ceremony. She’s a celebrated dancer and performer, renowned for her exceptional achievements both on and off the dance floor. She is best known for her time on the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” where she captivated audiences with her incredible talent and charisma. Her career includes winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship, accolades that propelled her to join the “Strictly” team as a professional dancer. During her tenure on the show, Joanne participated in the “Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour,” won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd, and clinched the glitterball trophy in 2016 with her partner Ore Oduba.
Joanne’s versatility extends beyond the ballroom. She recently played the role of Princess Fiona in the UK Tour of “Shrek.” Her stage career includes roles such as Jacqueline in “Windfall” at the Southwark Playhouse, Morticia Addams in “The Addams Family” UK Tour, Berthe and Fastrada in “Pippin” at The Garden Theatre, Janet in the No. 1 UK Tour of “The Rocky Horror Show,” Alex Owens in the No. 1 UK Tour of “Flashdance,” and Dale Tremont in “Top Hat,” where she received her second Offie nomination. Her acting debut as the Streetwalker in Irving Berlin’s “Face the Music” earned her first Offie nomination.
Additionally, Joanne has showcased her dance prowess in the UK Tour of “Burn The Floor – Reunion Tour,” and has enchanted audiences as the Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella” at the Sheffield Lyceum and The Grove Theatre in Dunstable, and as the Fairy in “Jack and the Beanstalk” at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. She has also made appearances on BBC Radio 2’s “Friday Night is Music Night.”
Her remarkable career and dedication to the arts embody the spirit and passion we strive to inspire in our members. Her presence at the IDTA Musical Theatre Awards was a highlight of the event, and we look forward to her continued contributions to our community.