Biography
Joan Bayley was a Canadian-born dancer and choreographer’s assistant. She was born on 23 May 1920 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, and died on 5 January 2022 in Los Angeles, California. She trained in classical ballet with Muriel Stuart and Carmelita Maracci, and danced for George Balanchine in the film On Your Toes (1939) and at New York City Ballet.
Bayley worked at MGM during the studio’s golden era, appearing as a dancer in films including An American in Paris (1951), White Christmas (1954) and Phantom Lady (1944). She served as associate choreographer or choreographer on several musicals, among them South Pacific (1958) and There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954). She later taught ballet in Los Angeles studios, including the Westside School of Ballet, until she was 99. She was married to dancer and coach Ray Weamer.
