Alabama native Joy Denver Spears started her professional career in 2006 as one of the top 10 female dancers / Top 20 on season 2 of the hit FOX reality talent show So You Think You Can Dance. She then went on to begin her career, as well as receive her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Journalism from the University of Alabama. Her journey has taken her back and forth, maintaining many different responsibilities and roles, which is something she finds special to share as she educates and mentors.
"Each individual has their own journey that is true, winding, sometimes confusing, however valuable and unique to them."
After a successful commercial dance career in Los Angeles, Joy now resides in Nashville where she started her professional choreography career. She served as the choreographer on the final season of the ABC/CMT TV show Nashville and is now one of the most sought-after dancers and choreographers in Music City. Some artists on her roster include: Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, Kassi Ashton, Danielle Bradbery, Kelleigh Bannen, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, LOCASH, Blanco Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, Dierks Bentley (as well as Hot Country Knights), Madeline Edwards, Tenille Arts, Lauren Alaina, Chris Lane, Lee Brice, Little Big Town, Lucie Silvas, Tyler Hubbard, Leslie Jordan and many more, including "Mister Worldwide," Pitbull.
As a performer, Joy has danced alongside artists such as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Paula Abdul, Pharrell, Pitbull, Will.i.am, Fall Out Boy, Kat Graham, Priyanka Chopra and DJ Havana Brown. The experience she gained working under some of the most renowned choreographers guided her to where she is now — full circle, doing what the people she admired most have always done.
With a career teaching on the competitive dance convention circuit, studying dance in college, and working in television/film, music videos, award shows, world tours, industrials and commercials, Joy truly loves being a teacher and encouraging positivity, creativity, reality, vulnerability and accountability, as well as how to lead by example.
As of 2023, Joy is also represented by United Talent Agency (as well as FreshTalent Group Nashville and Independent Artist Ent Los Angeles), with many exciting new ventures coming up. She teaches weekly at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville, as well as several other studios locally and nationwide. Roll Tide.
Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town, Pitbull