Billie Jo Villaverde

Billie Jo Villaverde, an Arizona native, was born and raised in Superior to parents Ygnacio and Dora Villaverde. After graduating in 1995, she attended ASU, where she studied accounting for 2 years before switching majors to elementary education. She struggled making the switch but was realizing that teaching was becoming such a passion that it would eventually lead to her purpose.

A year prior to making the switch, at 19, Billie Jo started volunteering her time between school and studies to travel weekly to Superior, to teach folklorico dance and carry on the traditions that were taught to her, at her Mom’s request. The experiences and knowledge she’s gained from beginning folklorico at 2 years and countless performances, singing, dancing, twirling, ballet, gymnastics, competing, cheering, pom-pom, she wanted to pass on to the next generation. Dance had impacted her life and taken her locally, nationally, and internationally to perform on the biggest stages.

That was 28 years ago, and Billie Jo continues to volunteer her time to give back to her community with free folklorico classes.  In 2015, she started Superior Dance Company, consisting of performers from 2 years and up and they perform a variety of dance routines and regions of dance at events and festivals. She is on her 2nd generation of dancers, hard to believe the little ones she taught in 1996, she’s now teaching their babies and some even wear the same costume!

Billie Jo feels honored to be invited to model and use her platform to raise money for Courage Under Cancer Foundation. She hopes more people donate to CUCF to help out so many cancer patients who need cancer treatments, but can’t afford to fight this terrible disease on their own. Many of her loved ones, including her Mom and Mother-in-law had cancer, battled and SURVIVED! Those that lost their lives to cancer, we will continue to fight for YOU!