Patricia Johnson-Vierra
Oakland Ballet
Patricia Johnson-Vierra began studying ballet in 1970 at the age of 10, inspired by her best friend’s classes. Under the instruction of Ms. Ingeborg Heuser, she performed in The Nutcracker annually, dancing roles such as a Page, Mouse, and in the Waltz of the Flowers, choreographed by John McFall.
Her repertoire grew to include Ruth Page’s Alice Through the Looking Glass (Scorpio), The Firebird (Princess and Spider), and Heuser’s Huapango. In The Nutcracker, she also performed the Spanish (Hot Chocolate) and Arabian (Coffee) variations.
In 1976, after seeing Dance Theatre of Harlem perform in Dallas, Patricia met Arthur Mitchell, who offered her a full scholarship to attend DTH’s summer program. At 16, she studied with Mitchell, Karel Shook, Tanaquil LeClercq, and Geoffrey Holder in New York.
Later that year, she was introduced to Ronn Guidi of the Oakland Ballet Company and invited to join as an apprentice. One week after high school graduation, she moved to Oakland to begin her professional career.
With the Oakland Ballet, Patricia danced in works by renowned choreographers, including Leonide Massine’s La Boutique Fantasque, Anna Sokolow’s Rooms (Escape), Eugene Loring’s Billy the Kid (Dance Hall Girl, Gun Girl, and Pietà), and Time Unto Time. She also performed in Marc Wilde’s Bolero and The Rite of Spring, Michel Fokine’s Scheherazade (Odalisque), and in productions such as Salon de Mexico, Coppélia (Prayer), Waltz of the Hours, and The Mazurka.
Her four years with the Oakland Ballet left her with lasting memories and lifelong friendships that have endured for nearly five decades.
Later in her career, Patricia Johnson-Vierra developed a deep passion for teaching and became an Apprentice Instructor with KidsExcel, a transformative dance program founded by the late Jacques d’Amboise through the New Mexico branch of the National Dance Institute (NDI). Through this program, which aligns with state curriculum standards for dance, Patricia discovered a calling to work with children with special needs. She was especially drawn to students who were wheelchair-bound or who faced learning challenges, and was committed to ensuring that every child could experience the joy of accomplishment through movement. The spark of recognition in her students’ eyes when they realized they could participate and succeed became her driving force. “Never give up!” became the guiding principle in her mission to create inclusive, affirming environments for all children.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Patricia has inspired generations of young dancers from all backgrounds to pursue their artistic dreams and to express themselves through movement. Merging her love for dance and education, she sought to enrich children’s lives through the joy and transformative power of the arts.
Patricia attended the University of Texas at El Paso, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Special Education. During her career as a Special Education Teacher, she extended her advocacy by launching after-school ballet programs across multiple schools. These classes offered arts access to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity and culminated in two annual performances, allowing students to showcase their growth and creativity.
Influenced by her mother’s words—“Music can tame the beast in all of us”—Patricia championed the arts as a means of cultivating well-rounded, expressive, and musically inclined young people.
Now retired from teaching, Patricia continues to explore her artistic passions through visual art and design. In March 2025, she launched JOHVIELLE, an online boutique offering her original artwork on mobile phone cases, travel and dance bags, kimono-style robes, matching slippers, and other apparel. At 65, Patricia has embraced a new creative chapter, building JOHVIELLE as a space for dancers and art lovers—a brand born from imagination and crafted by a fellow dancer.
Source: Patricia Johnson-Vierra
Social Media: Instagram @pajovie
Website: https://johvielle.com