Joan Baez: Dancing Queen of Folk and Circus

At 85, Joan Baez reveals why dancing is her true calling, blending music, activism, and circus art into one dazzling life.

The Dance That Defines Joan Baez

Joan Baez isn’t just a singer or an activist; she’s a bona fide dancing queen. Yes, you read that right. The legendary folk icon, who’s worn many hats — singer, author, artist, poet, and activist — confesses that dancing has always been her true essence. “I have been for a long time,” she shares. A medium once told her that while she was destined for singing, painting, and activism, the real reason she was placed on this earth was to dance.

It’s a revelation that makes perfect sense when you see Baez in her element — moving freely with a joyful abandon that belies her decades of activism and artistry. Dancing isn’t just a pastime for her; it’s the pulse that keeps her vibrant and engaged with life.

Back Where It All Began: Newport Folk Festival

This September, the 85-year-old icon returned to the Newport Folk Festival, the very same event where she first catapulted into the public eye back in 1959. That inaugural festival was a game-changer, not just for Baez but for folk music itself. She famously invited a young Bob Dylan onstage, introducing his soulful voice to her captivated audience — a moment that’s now etched into folk history.

Fast forward over six decades, and Baez was once again at Newport, sharing the stage with contemporary stars like Nathaniel Rateliff, Mavis Staples, and Brandi Carlile. Together, they closed out the festival with a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Yet, it wasn’t just her singing that caught the spotlight — it was her unexpected and exuberant dancing with Dave Matthews that set the internet abuzz.

Still, Baez admits, “I couldn’t get anybody dancing here in Newport. I’m staying at this beautiful place with a beach in the moonlight. I just plugged my ears into the Gypsy Kings and went and wailed down on the beach.” Clearly, the dancing queen knows how to make her own party!

Dancing with Legends: Lana Del Rey and Beyond

Joan Baez’s dance moves don’t just light up festivals; they’ve also sparked memorable moments with fellow artists. Back in 2019, Baez reportedly outlasted Lana Del Rey on the dance floor before the pop star brought her onstage in Berkeley for a heartfelt performance of “Diamonds & Rust.” The performance also featured Baez’s solo take on Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” a poignant reminder of her deep roots in folk.

Lana Del Rey’s admiration goes even deeper — she credits Baez as the inspiration behind her song “Dance Till We Die.” The two have also shared moments beyond music; Del Rey hosted a screening of the documentary Joan Baez: I Am a Noise in Los Angeles, conducting an intimate Q&A session with Baez and director Karen O’Connor.

Joan Baez: A Muse for Modern Artists

Baez’s influence transcends generations. Alongside Lana Del Rey, she’s been name-checked and collaborated with contemporary musical giants like Taylor Swift, Brandi Carlile, Maggie Rogers, Margo Price, and Hozier. Her legacy is alive and kicking in today’s music landscape.

The recent Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown renewed interest in Baez’s pivotal role in folk history. Actress Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Baez earned glowing reviews — and even an Academy Award nomination — capturing Baez’s spirit and complex relationship with Dylan. Baez herself spoke warmly of Barbaro, noting how impressed she was that the actress adopted one of her nervous habits: running her thumb across her fingers in a figure-eight motion.

From Folk Stage to Circus Tent: Baez Joins “The Soiled Dove”

In a delightful twist, Baez has embarked on a new adventure far from the traditional concert stage. She’s a featured performer in The Soiled Dove, an immersive and eclectic circus experience produced by Vau de Vire Society. Set under the Tortona Big Top on the waterfront at Radium Runway, Northern California, the show is anything but ordinary.

This isn’t your childhood circus; it’s a wild mix of vaudeville, burlesque, drag, and circus arts, complete with a three-course dinner. Baez stars as Paloma Blanca, a character noted for her blond mermaid hair and whimsical costumes reminiscent of “I Dream of Jeannie.” This role revealed another side of Baez — one full of playful charm and theatrical flair.

The show’s inaugural run in 2025 was a hit, with Baez as one of the standout attractions. Now, the production is back with a fresh plot and new songs, running through October 10. Baez will be dancing alongside talented performers, merging her love for music, activism, and joyous movement.

What’s “The Soiled Dove” All About?

Think of it as an evening packed with chaos, laughter, and breathtaking acts: pole dancers, acrobats hanging by their hair, a woman with a chicken on her shoulder who shoots beer cans off a table — the unexpected and delightful go on.

Baez describes her character Paloma Blanca as “all clean,” joking about whether that’s natural or the result of some cleanup. While the plot evolves, Baez says the story is less important than the overall experience. The show is definitely not kid-friendly; it’s bawdy, risqué, and full of bare skin — a true burlesque-circus hybrid.

And what about the music? Baez performs four or five songs, including some new ones alongside longtime favorites. She shares the stage with Sgt. Splendor musicians since she doesn’t play guitar herself, enjoying the chance to slip in and out of her “Joan Baez hat” for those familiar tunes, then back into Paloma for dance and a touch of drag.

For Baez, it’s a joyful escape from the world’s troubles — a form of peaceful resistance through pleasure, joy, and art.

Activism, Hope, and Focused Resistance

Despite her circus side gig, Baez remains deeply engaged in activism, especially supporting immigrant children who face daunting legal battles without representation. “Go do something. You have to do something, of your choosing,” she urges, emphasizing the power of focused, meaningful action.

Baez reflects on the changes in activism since the ’60s — the risks are different and often more perilous. She recalls jail time for protests back then, with relative safeguards that don’t exist today. Yet, the core remains: taking risks for what matters.

Drawing inspiration from author Ann Patchett, Baez says, “Hope is a muscle.” It’s something you work on, much like joy. She admits she wasn’t born hopeful but learned to cultivate it because hope makes survival easier. This balance of realism and optimism fuels her enduring spirit.

“If I did all that I did in the last 70 years without hope, then anybody can do anything.” — Joan Baez

Her message is clear: even small acts of kindness and resistance can mean the world to someone else. It’s the ripple effect of compassion that keeps her dancing through life.

FAQ

• How did Joan Baez describe her true purpose?
  She believes her real reason for being on earth is to dance, beyond singing, painting, and activism.
• What made Baez’s return to the Newport Folk Festival special?
  It marked over 60 years since her debut, and she captivated audiences with both her voice and her dancing alongside Dave Matthews.
• What is “The Soiled Dove” and what role does Baez play?
  It’s a risqué, immersive circus show blending vaudeville, burlesque, and drag. Baez plays Paloma Blanca, a whimsical and playful character.
• How does Baez blend music with her circus performances?
  She sings several songs supported by a band, alternating between her musical persona and the theatrical Paloma Blanca.
• What activism is Baez focused on nowadays?
  She’s passionately supporting immigrant children by aiding legal representation and encouraging everyone to find their own cause to contribute to.

Feeling inspired by Joan Baez’s timeless spirit? Celebrate her legacy by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a beautiful way to bring a piece of folk history into your home.