Joan Kall Stewart, affectionately known as Miss Joanie, passed away in April 2023 at the age of 82. As founder and matriarch of Sawnee School of Ballet and Sawnee Ballet Theatre, Miss Joanie made an incredible impact on so many who walked through the studio doors.  Her wit, philosophies for living a long and fulfilling life, and her years of experience as a performer, dance teacher, and studio owner inspired so many.  Her students often described her as someone with humor, wisdom, and grace. According to alumnus Anna Lugus, she  was a person who "nurtured our souls, made us feel like we belonged to something, made us feel like we were doing something that mattered, made us feel like WE mattered."  

Miss Joanie taught classes well into her 78th year, and she will be greatly missed and remembered for many more than that.

To honor Joan Kall Stewart, Sawnee Ballet Theatre will annually award one company member exemplifying passion, dedication, and determination for dance with a Joan Kall Stewart Memorial Scholarship towards membership in the SBT company.