About Us
Dancing With Joy Studio - The Foundation
Dancing With Joy Studio was officially established as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization in November 2018. We proudly serve the inner cities areas by providing spiritual dance classes, hip hop instruction, stepping and mime instruction, and creative opportunities for those ages 4 and older.
Our Vision
Inspire our community to appreciate the fine arts. We will build a community where dancing dreams are shared. Throughout our inner cities, we will strive for excellence and accept only positive thinking, self –confidence, discipline, and respect of the performing arts.
Board of Directors
Kathy Norwood
President
Kathy Norwood was born in Forrest City, Arkansas. The seventh of ten children to Freddie and Pearlie Honey. When she was four years old, the Honey Family migrated to a small town called Mountain Pine in Arkansas.
For over eighteen years, Kathy has been ministering through ASL and MIME worship dance, and interpretive and prophetic dance. She received her ministry training at Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Douglas Jones and Glady Jones.
Kathy is anointed and sanctified by God to destroy yokes and to set the captives free; she ministers with passion and power. Kathy is a giver of herself that seeks to honor and obey God in all His ways.
Kathy learned early she had a passion for dance. Aforementioned, the dance ministry was imparted to her by Pastor Douglas E. Jones and Glady Jones. In 2001, God allowed Kathy to take a small group of young ladies under her wing, and as God led, the dance ministry was formed.
Kathy cares so much about the dancer’s individual needs; not just for the dance. Just as anyone else, she is excited to share her years of knowledge and experience with her dancers, but balances knowledge with the power of positivity. It is with dedication and commitment that she builds the self-confidence as well as the skills of her dancers and she understands that as the dancers grow individually, it takes great care and responsibility to continue to serve their needs.
Kathy currently works at St. Cloud State University. She is an active member of the Shiloh Temple International Ministries where she serves as a Deaconess and Usher under the leadership of Bishop Richard D. Howell and Pastor Bettye A. Howell.
Away from work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family; husband, son, James Davis Jr., daughter Brittany Mitchell, and granddaughter.
Lucy Van Patrick
Vice President
Biography coming soon…
Theodore M. Norwood
Treasurer
Theodore M. Norwood (Retired Amy 23 years Active Duty) Last duty assignment June 2013-OCT 2014 In St Cloud MN. Under the 367th ENGR where duty Assignment was training /operation HHC. Theodore Norwood Assignment FT. Belvoir VA.1998-2003 Military District of Washington Engineer Company Attack on the Pentagon (Operation Noble Eagle 11th sept 2001) which we call 9/11. Theodore Norwood holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Associate of Arts in General studies also from Columbia Southern .Currently pursuing Master in social Worker.
Yacine Djoumbaye
Secretary
Yacine Djoumbaye holds a Bachelor in Theatre Major who graduated for St. Cloud State university. He worked played lead in the short film “Jungle” that screened at the Sundance film festival in 2016, and the web series “Three trembling cities” who won multiple awards in New York City, London, and won best drama this past September at the Minnesota Webfest.
He currently resides in Sauk Rapids. MN
Al Johnson
Board Member
Al Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University of St. Paul. He is currently working on his doctorate in education at Bethel University.
Mr. Johnson served five years as an equity integration specialist in Hopkins, Minnesota, facilitating before and after-school programs. He served as Site Administrator at Humbolt High School for two years and also worked as a student advocate.
“Over the last 12 school years, I have worked with students in suburban, urban and rural settings. I have seen many of them succeed in school and I have also seen a number of them fail. I have witnessed the outcomes that risk and protective factors present in school can have on students. I truly believe that all students, given the right amount of support and opportunities can find success in school and life. It is my hope to bring to a new perspective to the community of St. Cloud that can further the great work that has been done by so many before me.”
Mr. Johnson has seven children and three grandchildren. Mr. Johnson’s favorite quote from a student is, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself, you’re perfect just the way you are.”
Troy Johnson
Board Member
Troy Johnson holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Masters degree of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Troy Johnson served ten years as a Community Liaison for the La Cruz community in St. Cloud, Minnesota, organizing youth programs, family outreach. He served two years as a family therapist with Catholic Charities day treatment program. He has spent the last twelve years as an Equity Specialist with the Elk River School District at Elk River High School advocating and supporting young people through the educational process.
Troy also is an Entrepreneur, Barber and Business owner. He owns Southern Gentlemen’s Barber Shop in St. Cloud Minnesota. He started cutting his family and friends hair back in Bryan, Texas where he is from. He moved to Minnesota to attend college right from high school. He started his journey cutting hair in his dorm room in college and realized there was a need for a barber for those who were minorities in St. Cloud. He then attended Moler Barber School in northeast Minneapolis where he obtained his Barber License. He then began to cut friends and family hair at his garage to gain some experience and because the local barber shops would not give him a chance. He then found a space to open his own barber shop where he has been in business for three years and has five barbers working with him. Troy is a very passionate barber every year Troy volunteer his talents every year and gives back to the community where he provides free haircuts to those who maybe in transition. He is well liked and is well known in the community.
Away from work Troy is a husband and father where he enjoys spending time with his family, friends and enjoys fishing and football