Dance was more than an interest but a true passion for Patricia Hipplewith. Her formal study of ballet, jazz, and tap dance began as a youth at the Rod Rodgers Dance Studio and Double Image Theater. Patricia later honed her craft at the Clark Center for Performing Arts with renowned teachers such as Alfred “Pepsi” Bethel and Charles Moore. Throughout adulthood, if there was a dance class, Patricia was there. And if there was a party, Patricia was the first and last one on the dance floor. She loved dance in every form: dance videos, dance concerts, and Broadway shows. Patricia was one of Audrey’s first students in the modern jazz dance classes at Charles Moore’s dance school. Committed and dedicated, she immediately signed up when Audrey started teaching her own independent classes at the YWCA. Patricia was a founding member of the MoJazz Dance ensemble, which was conceived in 1995.

For many years, Patricia worked her way up through reputable companies such as International Paper Company and Mobil Oil, eventually extending her career as a valued administrative assistant to senior executives of Businessweek and Phaidon Publishing. A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY, she also sang joyfully with the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble, based at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church. Patricia sang for audiences across America, including for the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton.

In 2014 Patricia began experiencing a loss of motor functions and was eventually diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gherig’s disease. She continued to perform, rehearse, take class, and socialize with the biggest, heartfelt smile through the Spring of 2016. Throughout her illness, she was persistently optimistic and went out of her way to show how much she loved and cared for us all. Each time any of us visited with her, she kicked up her legs, shimmied her shoulders and danced from her heart, moving to her inner song. Energized and inspired to honor the grace, tenacity, and beauty of our Sistah Patricia, MoJazz Ladies performed at the Greater NY Walk to Defeat ALS in May of 2017. As we danced, Patricia decided she couldn’t be left out, and still fighting ALS, she joined in to give one final performance.

Patricia danced her way to join the angels on December 10, 2017. We know she is smiling and dancing with her MoJazz Sistahs into infinity and beyond!