JoAnna LaSane facts for kids

JoAnna LaSane (born 1935 – died January 16, 2019) was an amazing American woman. She was a model and a dancer. She also worked as an arts administrator, which means she helped manage and support art programs. JoAnna LaSane was part of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, helping to make art available to everyone. She also led the Atlantic City Children's Theatre, where she helped kids learn to perform. In 1996, she was honored by being added to the Atlantic City Women's Hall of Fame.

JoAnna's Early Life

JoAnna Emma Foreman was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Her parents were John Wesley Foreman and Viona Marie Foreman. JoAnna's mom ran a beauty salon. JoAnna finished Atlantic City High School in 1953. After high school, JoAnna studied dance and acting in New York. She learned from famous teachers like Katherine Dunham and George Balanchine. However, JoAnna was quite tall, about 5 feet 10 inches. This made it hard for her to become a ballet dancer.

Her Exciting Career

JoAnna LaSane had a very interesting career. She danced on Broadway, which is famous for its theater shows. She also performed at the 1964 New York World's Fair in 1964.

A Trailblazing Model

JoAnna was also a successful model. She appeared in many popular magazines. These included Vogue, Redbook, Glamour, Ebony, and Life. She even appeared in a national TV ad for Pepsi. People said she was the first Black model to be in a prime-time national TV commercial.

Her Unique Style

In the 1960s, JoAnna taught dance in Atlantic City. She was known for her short, natural hairstyle. This style was becoming more popular. JoAnna said she always liked it and never looked back. In 1966, she was on the cover of Jet magazine. Her natural hair on the cover was a big deal at the time.

Helping Kids Through Art

JoAnna LaSane loved helping young people. She created the Atlantic City Children's Theater program. This program helped kids learn to speak in public. It also helped them build their confidence. She was very active in groups that supported the arts. She worked with the Atlantic County Cultural and Heritage Commission. She also served on the Atlantic City Arts Commission. In 1996, she was honored in the Atlantic City Women's Hall of Fame. In 2005, she received the Pop Lloyd Humanitarian Award. This award recognized her great work with young people.

JoAnna's Family Life

JoAnna Foreman married Karlos R. LaSane, a businessman. Karlos became the first Black city commissioner in Atlantic City in 1968. They had a son named Karlos R. LaSane II. JoAnna LaSane passed away in 2019 when she was 83 years old. There is a special historical marker in Atlantic City that tells about her life.