Steve Johnson & Janet Meadows

Jackson County, TN

At 80 years young, Janet Meadows is proving that it's never too late to dance! After a decade away from competition, she's making her Let's Dance debut alongside her friend and partner Steve Johnson, and together they're ready to show that passion and purpose never go out of style.

Janet began her dance journey at the age of 40, teaching square dancing to her 4-H students in Jackson County. What started as a fun way to engage her students grew into a lifelong love for Country Western dance during her years teaching in Nashville at the Tennessee Preparatory School. Before long, she was competing in UCWDC World Dance competitions, qualifying in three regions and earning top placements. She even performed with the Wildhorse Line Dance Team when the iconic Wildhorse Saloon first opened!

Off the dance floor, Janet's professional life was just as inspiring. She earned her BS and MS in Health and Physical Education and a master's in Reading Education, serving more than 30 years in education-19 in Jackson County Schools and 16 at the Tennessee Preparatory School-before returning home as a substitute teacher and Interim Director of Schools in Overton County.

Joining her on the Let's Dance stage is Steve Johnson, who brings both heart and history to the competition. Though he admits dancing isn't something he normally does these days, supporting Janet and the mission of WCTE PBS made it an easy "yes." A former U.S. Navy serviceman who enlisted at just 17, Steve served six years-including time in two war zones-before earning his undergraduate and two master's degrees from Middle Tennessee State University.

Dancing isn't new to Steve-back in his 60s, he earned several world dance titles in his age division as an amateur. Now, he's thrilled to return to the floor to support his friend and give back to a cause that connects and educates communities across the Upper Cumberland.

Together, Janet and Steve are a shining example of lifelong learning, friendship, and fun. Whether it's on the dance floor or in their communities, they remind us all that it's never too late to try something new-and to dance for a great cause!