JoJean Retrum

JoJean Retrum is the Director and owner of Monona Academy of Dance and La Boutique Dance Wear. Ms. Retrum’s training includes studying at American Ballet Theater, Harkness House in NYC and with teachers such as Jean Adams, Gus Giordano, and Luigi and Joe Tremaine. She is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee in dance, music and theater. She danced professional with Milwaukee Ballet, Ruth Page Company and Melody Top Theater.

Ms. Retrum is known for her ability to teach technique and is often a sought after guest instructor in her specialty. She recently completed a guest educator position with the UW-Madison Dance Department teaching technique. She has been honored by the Dance Council of Wisconsin for her achievements in dance, as the Outstanding Teacher in 2002 by Youth America Grand Prix and served as Regional Dance America’s - MidStates President 2012-2014.

Ms. Retrum is dedicated to creating an atmosphere which fosters self-esteem, discipline and positive influences; all of which can be carried into other aspects of the dance student’s life. Her dream is that everyone would love dance and participate. As the founder and Artistic Director of Dance Wisconsin she provides performance opportunities for dancers all over southern and central Wisconsin. As the energy and organizer of Dance Wisconsin’s Dance in the Schools Program she brings dance to student’s in their physical education classes with two and three week residencies. These grant funded residencies bring dance into schools with free and reduced meal programs near or above 50% to begin the life long interest in dance.

Ms. Retrum is extremely proud of her dancers that have gone on to professional careers. They are numerous. She is also very proud of the dancers that have used the work ethic learned from dance to propel themselves into other amazing careers such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, choreographers, teachers, mothers, fathers and more.