Testimonials

StudioDNA.com

StudioDNA wishes to send out heart-felt THANK YOU to all of your clients, patrons, and dance family & friends.  Below are memories and special times that our dance clients have recounted as a thank you for their experiences at StudioDNA. 

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Hi John! 

We wanted to tell you that our first dance was a huge success and we attribute it all to you! We haven’t yet received our video from our videographer but when we do we will send it your way. So many guests complimented us on our dance, with how natural and sweet it was and how calm we were. It was such a sigh of relief and I saw a few clips from friends who videoed parts of it and I was so in love with how we looked. We couldn’t of done it without you!
Hope all is well and when we get the video, I’ll be sure to send it your way. 

Warmest Regards, Sara and Tyler 

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Hi John,

I hope you are doing well! First off, I just wanted to thank you for doing the dance lessons with Laurie and I over the last 2 months. We had our wedding two weeks ago and our first dance to This Is It went off better than we could have ever expected!

Everyone said it was absolutely incredible and couldn’t believe it (to be honest, I was even impressed in myself! Haha). We obviously could not have done it without you and we made sure to let everyone know who asked about your dance lessons. 

again, thanks for all of your help. Chris

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Hi John,
Thank you again so much for taking the time to teach us and help us learn our first dance. We did alright lol! 🙂

Seriously, thank you. Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!  Ps- apparently you know our really good friends Randi and peter!

Sean & Marissa

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Hi John!

I hope your holidays are going well. The bad news – the bandleader in charge of playing the song on the iPhone started the song late and then about halfway through RESTARTED it. The GOOD news – we looked awesome and no one knew anything went wrong. The ending was kind of cut off BUT we did sneak a dip in later in the night! 

Thank you SOOO much for the lessons. We had so much fun even when wedding planning came down to the wire and we will definitely recommend you to our friends!
Kori

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John,
     Thank you!  All the managers were asking about our time with you and everyone said they had a ball!!  Thank you so much John !!  You made our day very exciting and memorable.  I am sure we will be doing more.  Maybe next time, we will do it for the managers 🙂  I have shared the pics.  Our HR director actually wants me to show it during our meeting next month.

Joji and the gals from T. Rowe Price (a group dance class for Administration Assistant’s Day)
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Dear Michelle,
     I wanted to let you know that our dance last night was a total hit!  We kept hearing from everyone that they were so impressed & they couldn’t believe that it was us out there dancing!  thank you again for all your help!  You were the best!! 

Meghan & Bill
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John,
     Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks.  Even though we have a few more lessons to go, we leave your studio on a high note, with much greater confidence than we entered.  I know that if we continue to practice, we won’t look half bad in a month for our first dance (faster dancing is still up in the air).  Your energy is contagious and your optimism is refreshing. 

Rayna
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     The wedding was fabulous!  And, we didn’t miss a step.  We were thrilled and had a great evening.  We danced all night long!!!  We couldn’t have looked that elegant and wowed our guests if it weren’t for you.  It feel strange not seeing you since our wedding.  We can’t wait until we se you again and have another lesson.

Brandy & Robb

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Hi John,

     I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much we appreciated your help with our first dance.  It went terrific and people raved over it.  Actually the entire day was wonderful.  They talked about it the entire night.

Laura & Lou

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John,

     Mandy and I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your help along the way.  Things were fantastic and we had a blast.  My favorite part?  Mandy mumbling to me “I’m stepping on my dress” every step of the way, but it went off without a hitch!

Thanks again, pictures to come!  Josh

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John,

     Scott and I wanted to say thanks for the dance lessons.  Our dance went wonderfully well!  Family & friends were so impressed.  We had a great experience with you.  It was our favorite part of the whole wedding planning process.

    I agree with Jenni that we had an awesome experience learning to dance through your teaching.  I thought we were a lost cause after our first lesson.  However, in the end, I was very impressed on how well we actually could dance.

Take Care.  All our best.  Jenni & Scott

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Hi JOHN!!

     We miss you very much!  Just an FYI — it was VERY successful, we had a ton of fun with it and got lots of cheers!!  I have some pics for you.  We hope to see you again soon when things calm down!!!  Much love and thanks!!!  You were the best vendor we had!  And our favorite!!

Jennifer & Curtis (Layton)


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Thank you John,


     Meg had a great time with you Friday night.  Thank you so much, as usual, for including her.  I am seeing so much growth and maturity from her this year and I know that her time with you is a big reason for that.  I think that the combination of  your influence and her developing strong self-confidence through dancing has really been great for her.  Just want you to know how important you are in her life and in the person she is becoming.

Love you much – kiss kiss – Stacy

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Hi hi!!!!!

    “We truly loved our experience with YOU.  Not only can you teach ANYONE to dance and feel comfortable doing it, but the sessions serve as an oasis from the typical wedding planning chaos.  We looked forward to lessons with John because as soon as we walked in the door, we forgot about the wedding and focused on us.  It was healthy, fun, and we looked great dancing at our wedding.  I would recommend him to ANYONE that wants to learn to dance or just wants to have fun!”

     Once things chill out, I’ll see if I can get Curtis to a group dance thing.  He’s afraid to dance with strangers, I think 🙂  I bet I could get him to try a group class though!  We’ll see….still trying to put my life back together after being away for so long!

Much love and thanks again!  Anything else I can do, please let me know!  Jen
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John,

     Thank you for doing such a great job tonight!  What fun!!  This was a new experience for my nephew (Kevin), his fiancĂ©’ (Jenn) , and me Michelle.  It was a wonderful first time experience despite the fact I am directionally challenged and super inhibited on the body movements!
 

     You and your partner are phenomenal dancers!  What a dream job…to have fun, have onlookers be mesmerized, and stay fit at the same time.  Well, I am definitely passing your name along to my friend.  Her son will be getting married next year and I know dance lessons are on her mind. 
I was so glad Jenn invited me to tag along.

Thanks again, Michelle Manley
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Hi John!

  
     The wedding was absolutely amazing.  It was truly perfect and nothing is really ever perfect, but I swear it was!  The first dance was amazing and I definitely think we “wowed” everyone.  My dress wasn’t bustled right, so I kept stepping on it, but I held it together and it was great.  I can’t wait to see the video of it. People kept saying how great it was.  I really wish you were there and you would have loved our band.  So much fun dancing all night.  Josh got really drunk and doesn’t remember the end of the wedding (e.g., Josh: “I had a dream we were up on the stage.” Carrie: “Honey, that wasn’t a dream!”).  We just got back from the honeymoon.  Hawaii was amazing.  We have a million pictures.  I’ll send them to you once I get them all together.  Can’t wait to see you soon.  We’ll schedule a group lesson or something!

xoxoxo, Carrie
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Hi John, 
 

     I hope you had a nice, relaxing vacation! Mitch and I want to thank you again for choreographing our wedding dance and teaching us the foxtrot. The first dance went over incredibly well and we got a ton of compliments! I thought you might be interested in some pictures.
 
Thanks again!  Marianne
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 John,

     I just have to share how WONDERFUL the wedding was; EVERYTHING was perfect!!!!!!! It was a special hi-light of our lives!!!!! Although you weren’t there in person, you were there in spirit.  The kids dance was GREAT, impressing everyone, but most especially meeting with you the times we all did gave us all the confidence we needed to just get out on the dance floor and DANCE and just have FUN and THAT we most certainly did!!  The most important and special part was to see how happy they both were the whole day.  They NEVER stopped smiling and neither did WE!!  They are SO much in love and we are BLESSED to have gained another daughter that we LOVE SO into our family!!  Another THANKS 4 helping 2 make the day SO SO SO Special 

Fondly, Donna & John
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John,
     It was a real pleasure to meet you tonight.  You are a great instructor!  I was nervous about how Louis would do, as I had to drag him.  Even he enjoyed the lesson!  Kudos to you!  We would like to have more lessons.  Like everyone, we are busy!  I just can’t wait to do some more dancing.  

Thanks, Stacy 
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John,

     Thank you so much for everything you did for Brian and Me.  You were so much fun to work with we didn’t want to leave at the end of our lessons.  Our guests were floored when we came out at our wedding and did a choreographed dance to our wedding song!  The lessons we took for our wedding are ones that will always be special but we will definitely be back for more lessons soon just because we enjoyed it so much!!  Thanks for everything!

Brian & Crystal Herring
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Good morning John,
 
     FYI, the showcase went well last night.  While we were over on Friday practicing, we were asked if we would consider dancing at the Friday night show.  Guess what Stinson said, “Yes”!  We ended up doing the swing.  Last night we made it through the Tango routine without any problems.
 
     Just in case, I had on my StudioDNA robe last night.  I don’t know if you have any rules about wearing our robes in public or if we can wear it out in a group or studio function.  I felt good wearing it, because StudioDNA is where I take lessons.  
 
     From the compliments we received, sexy, hot, didn’t know you could dance like that, I believe if you were there, you would have been proved, I’m coming out of that shell because of you…

Thanks, Emma
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Oh John,

     Just was enlivened by your critiques….. Thank you so much for letting me get more comfortable with my reactions to these striving human beings.  I was looking for women that I could really enjoy and it seems the men have all the charisma.  I really love the show and feel I want to watch it LIVE rather than tape it  It’s that feeling of wanting to be with the ENERGY that is in the moment.  Thanks for letting me know that Jennifer and John were not bored by my company.  I cherished watching their responses to each other.  I think they have a real great chance of handling and enjoying a loving relationship for life.   I am still enjoying my memories of you and your beautiful new studio and the community of dancers that your energy is bringing together.  As for now, I will not be able to become a regular but I do not want to lose touch with you.  I am still thanking the UNIVERSE for your safety.  You are doing important ‘healing work’ with your dynamic life force. 

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!   Norma

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Hi John

     I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all that you did for us! We really enjoyed dancing with you and you should have seen our guests jaws drop when we danced our first dance.  Because of you, I had confidence in my dancing and I actually dance all night long!  Here is a link to our pictures and I will have a video clip of our dance for you soon.

XOXO Jodi
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Hi John,

   Just wanted to tell you how much we loved having you and David at Megan’s party.  You are always such a pleasure.  Actually, everyone had a great time and everyone has called to say how wonderful Megan’s dancing was, since the credit goes to you (and her), I thought I would pass it on.  What struck me about her Tango that night was how grown up she looked doing it (at just 13 years old).  Maybe it was the dress and shoes, maybe it was because it was her party and her night to shine, but she didn’t look like a young girl who knows the steps but just isn’t old enough to pull it off.  I really thought she pulled it off well. 


Love, Stacy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      Great class last night!!  I’m really looking forward to tonight and a couple of my girlfriends would love to come and join us (some of them you have met and some you haven’t).   They are great girls who really love to dance and they are excited about your party.  I’m hoping that some of them will be interested in taking some private lessons with me in the future and this will give them the opportunity to meet you.  Have a great day and we will see you tonight.  Barbara

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John,

     Thanks so much for taking time to work with me, I appreciate it.  Your honesty and ability/willingness to connect are also much appreciated!

Have a great weekend/week,  Monique

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Hi John!  

     I just wanted to let you know that the dance went great!  So many people came up to us and commented on how impressed they were by our dance, i.e. not just swaying.  The dance floor was a lot smaller and Rich had to adjust (meaning he did lead), but it was so much fun.  He did an excellent job.  His best man told me that he was practicing and studying the sheet in the hotel room the night before the wedding. We went dancing the night of the wedding (to a bar not ballroom) and he was a dancing machine.  In the 3 years we have been together I never knew he could dance!!!  Thank you for your help, I am sure that once we get our finances in order, we will start taking lessons again. 
 
TTYS,  Jen Libby
 

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     I can’t thank you enough for being so encouraging, and throughout this long job search, I just kept repeating your words to me “Follow your bliss”- and it really helped keep me going!  Thank you again! Beth

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The wedding was great and we rocked the dance.  Thank you so much.

love, Jordan  (of Jordan and Stefanie)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John!!!      Well, from what everyone said, we did awesome on our dance…thanks to you!  We nailed pretty much everything and both Jordan and I were very comfortable doing so.  Thank you so much for everything!! Thanks!!  Stefanie (of Stephanie and Jordan)

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John,  

     The Saturday night party/showcase was wonderful.   Anyone who attends the Saturday parties and or showcases are treated with the greatest of hospitality.   You and Dave are wonderful hosts and you manage to make everyone not only comfortable, but, also important.   That is no easy task.   Erica and I have so many wonderful memories of our dance lessons, and a future that we will come back for more.   You not only teach dance, you work on the soul.   The love for your students is displayed in their dancing.   You can see that at the parties and showcases.   I challenge anyone who has not experienced one of these to go and feel the warmth.   John thanks again for all you do, and making Erica and Me a part of it.                                                                

Ed Lewis

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John, Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I love our Thursday dance hour.  I absolutely love your choreography for the Waltz. Thanks for everything.  Best, Lois

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John,  

     It would be so wonderful to see you again if you can make room for me at the competition.  Anyway, if I do not come I will be wishing ALL of your TEAM and THE COACH an extraordinary Nirvana experience.  Wish I were competiting with you.   Actually, at my age I do not know if you can call it competition….for me it is delighting in all the positive energy.    

Norma

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much we appreciated your help with our first dance.  It went terrific and people raved over it.  Actually the entire day was wonderful.  They talked about it the entire night.  Our lives have been busy and Lou is back to traveling.  We adopted a 40lb terrier mutt.  Of course Lou is allergic to dogs and everything, but that does not stop him from jumping right in and playing with him.  Thanks again. love, Laura

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      Thank you so much for last night.  I really missed being with all of you.  Even though I danced only one dance, it was completely worth it.  I have to tell you that I have been going through some tough stuff lately, and being there last night really helped me remember what makes me happy.  The job hunt for an esthetician position has been really difficult because of my limited availability.  I work my full time job, and would like to make the transition over to a full time esthetician, but making that drastic of a career change would be a shock to my financial situation.  I am really good at it (and it doesn’t hurt that I love it) and am willing to do the work to gain more knowledge and skills, but I need someone who is willing to take a chance on me!     As far as competing, I am interested.  If you can give me the details and anything that I would need to know to see if I can do it. The desire is there…just wondering about the scheduling.          Thank you John, for everything. Just being around you makes me happy.Love Beth

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Hi John,      We were married November 4th 2006 – Mike & Elizabeth, remember us?  Well, I know you have lots and lots of happy customers, and you can count us as such too!  Here is a pic of us dancing.  It was the “fast” Foxtrot to Elvis “Can’t help falling in love with You”.  Hope all is well with you.  I hope Mike and I can find the time to get out there and learn some fancier stuff.  The wedding bug has started to hit all our friends and family and already what we have learned so far was money well spent. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!  Take Care,  Elizabeth Calvert

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 Hi John,

     Thanks for everything!  We had a great time and you helped us both feel very comfortable.  Our wedding was perfect as was our dance!  Thank you SO much.  You’re the best.

Laurie & Tommy Atwood

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Hi John,
 

     We are back from our wedding and honeymoon and everything went great.  You’re dance was a HUGE hit!!  It was all everyone at the wedding could talk about and they are still talking about it.  John and I can’t wait to see the video, but we thought it felt pretty good.  Once we get the video we would love to show you too.  We can’t thank you enough for working with us and creating our perfect wedding dance.  It meant so much and our wedding dance will be something we will remember forever.
     We would love to see you again.  Also, two of our friends are getting married in 2007 and they have asked for your contact information, hopefully they will be in touch with you.
 

Thanks, Jen and John Gasparine

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     Danny and I just wanted to give you a huge thanks for instructing us in our dancing lessons for our first wedding dance.  We had such a beautiful wedding.  It was truly a fairy tale.  And of course, our first dance was a hit!  We were so relaxed and Danny kept me in control like you told him to.  Danny even stayed out on the dance floor for the more up-beat songs! Many blessings, Danny and Cordelia Lamb

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John:

     Brad and I are so grateful for your patience, talent, and effort in making our first dance so special. There are only a few pictures in this photo album, with the first being of us during the dance and I thought you might enjoy them.

Thanks and talk to you soon,  Stephanie

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John,

     I and thoroughly impressed with Karl.  Erica and I both enjoyed watching him perform.  You did a great job with encouraging him to take chances.  I would like to take more lessons with Erica soon as I know she enjoys it and it makes her so happy!!  

Thanks Ed     

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      Thanks for the best wishes.  I’ve thought of you often and thanked you quite often when a good dancer was dancing with me.  You taught me so much and gave me confidence in my dancing and myself.  I am forever grateful to you and wish you nothing but good health, happiness.

Joanne

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John,

     You deserve all the good publicity you get!  I always tell anyone who’ll listen what a great experience we had and how at our reception when the band broke into “At Last”…which we’d practiced to a recording….we just relaxed and remembered everything you taught us…and it was wonderful!  I’ll keep my eyes open for the article Baltimore Magazine.

xoxo Alice Petty (of Alice and Jason)

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John,

     Saturday was a perfect Maryland day for weather!  The wedding was beautiful!  Elicia was gorgeous and the Father/Daughter dance was a big hit!!!!!  They both had such poise and confidence!!  It was great!  We will have photos and a video!!!  Hopefully, NO videos of when Jim dropped me!!! He was giving the best man a dance lesson in the hotel lobby and dropped him, too!  Fortunately, he didn’t drop Elicia!!!  They looked beautiful!

     So many people were impressed with how well Jim danced that they were asking him for lessons at the wedding!  Anyway, he gave your name and phone
number to some local people!

Thanks for all of your help in making this happen!  Take care, Connie

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Hi John,      Just wanted to thank you again for all of your help.  We have tons of pictures but here are some that have pretty many dancing shots that I thought you’d enjoy.  We stole the show 🙂  Kev even pulled out a “left back drop”…and my dad and I pulled off the “flying V”.  The lift was hit!!! Thanks for all of your help!  We couldn’t have looked so sassy and polished without you! Kim and Kevin Culley

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     Thanks for making learning so fun.  Dance is my passion, I just never realized how hard it is.  One day I will get better !!!!! Practice practice practice!  I definitely need to come to one of your  party’s.  Thanks for having me, it really helps with my muscles..really body mind and soul.  When I am there I forget about all my problems.  It is a challenge, but a good on.  I always look forward to dance day.Have a terrific week !! Kylie, Jo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John,
     Hopefully you’re not too exhausted after this weekend. First, I wanted to tell you thank you for having enough faith in me to take me to the competition and for putting all the energy into it that you did.  I know organizing that can’t be easy.  Second, thank you for everything in general.  I love dancing with you, and although I didn’t do as well as I would have liked to, I know I didn’t dance my best, and I know what I have to work on. 
     Overall I had a great time though, and it was a great experience.  If you don’t think I’ll embarrass myself, I’d love to do it again (after a lot more practice).  Thank you again for everything. You’re awesome and I’m so glad I know you.
xoxo Michelle

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Hi John,

    I’m sorry to say I would no longer be attending our Sunday Dance Sessions.  It’s been almost a year since a big change happened in my life and I find that I need to spend some time alone to evaluate what I need to do and where I will be going moving forward.  It has been a fun experience dancing with you and Karl. 
I wish you the best of luck and God bless you for touching so many people’s lives.  Thank you 🙂

Joan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      I wanted to let you know that everything about the wedding was perfect.  I especially wanted to thank you for the one-on-one lesson.   I had the utmost confidence when partying with my wife.   More importantly, I could tell that it brought a constant smile to her face to have me dancing with her all night.  We were both soaking wet by the end of the night.  We will send a thank you to both you and Missy for the first dance (that was also perfect).  But I thought I owed you a personal thanks for the lesson we had together.  Thanks again!!!  Ralph

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Hi John. 

     We just got back from our honeymoon and I wanted to drop you a line to let you know our first dance was a success.  I am still amazed that you were able to teach 2 people with 2 left feet to dance like that.  We had so many people say to us, “I didn’t know you could dance like that!”  Little did they know that we couldn’t until about 2 weeks before the wedding. I have included a couple pictures for you of our first dance. 

Thanks again for your help and I am sure we will see you in the near future.  I am trying to talk Meredith and Craig Totusheck to come with us to one of your Dance Parties. 

Kelly Helmer

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John,

     While in Egypt, we attended a fabulous wedding with a big band style of music–Cha Cha, Foxtrot, freestyle, salsa, rumba—Walt and I danced all night (to 2:30 AM).  The crowd was young and old.  The “young folks” came up to us and remarked how fabulous we looked.  They wished their spouse danced as well as Walt.  Thanks to your lessons we are FABULOUS!!!!

Thanks a million….Sue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John,      Morgan and I have truly enjoyed all of our dance lessons with you.  You are such an incredible teacher, and you really know how to make your clients feel comfortable trying new things.  I think coming to dance lessons with you has even improved my relationship with Morgan.  It gives us an hour to have fun, be close, spend time together learning something new, and gives us time to trust each other.  I know our wedding guests, family, friends are going to be so amazed with our first dance.  We could never have done this without you,  if it weren’t for you we’d just be waddling out there!  We will certainly be in touch with you to let you know the big dance went.  We definitely want to continue taking lessons with you after we return from the honeymoon.  Thank you again!!!! Love, Noreen P.S.  You’re not bad at doin’ hair either!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John! 

      The wedding was great.  We just got home from Greece yesterday.  I’ll email you some pics of the wedding and dance.  It went okay, much harder to dance with the dress and all.  The dance floor ended up being a bit smaller than expected, but we got TONS of cheers for the promenade with under arm turn, the turns in the middle and the ending.  The dance with my dad went really well too!  We had a blast!   We were really happy with how it went.  Thank you so much for your help!  Once we get settled I’ll email you and set up some more time to dance!!!

Noreen & Morgan

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Hi J,
     The wedding was amazing.  I can’t begin to put into words the feelings that we had that night.  When Carrie and Josh looked at each other you could feel the LOVE.  Their dance was the best.  They were flawless.  Everyone could not stop talking about the dance.  It was great.

     Billy and Carrie danced ok, but he wants me to tell you that  he wasn’t prepared for her wedding dress getting in the way!!  He was stepping on her dress!! They still looked fine. We had a great time dancing. The band was great.  It was all free style dancing.  Fun Fun Fun!  Not one slow song that I remember.
 

Hope all is well. Looking forward to maybe seeing you soon.  xoxo Fran
 

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     THANK YOU, for the expert instruction.  We met three years ago, I think this month at the Promenade.  You were giving a group class.  I was with Lois and we joined your group.  I called you the next day and the rest is history.  It’s been a great learning process.  You are a wonderful instructor, counselor, friend and human being. 

DON

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John,

     April 1st Sam and I will be going to Buenos Aires for 10 day of Tango dancing with lessons from some of the worlds best Tango teachers, and shoes, shoes, shoes.  Although I dance very little ballroom now, I want you to know that one of the most important things in dancing I learned from you.  You told me to never do any thing that didn’t’ feel as if it came from me.  I carry that with me always and my heart and body knows when a step or movement isn’t mine and I drop it.  I get very nice complements on my dancing, you’re apart of that.  I remember you telling me that I should feel like a tea towel on the arm of a man and I’m often told that my body is poised and light.  I love to dance Tango.  This dance feels as natural to me as walking, so please don’t ever think that you’ve been forgotten.  You are with me in every dance.  P.S. Thank you

All My Love,  Jan 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      The showcase was breathtaking and totally a joy to see the results of all your hard work and efforts.  I felt very proud to sit and watch.  Thank you very much for being so wonderful and understanding.  I love you,  Tammy 🙂 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John, 

     I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed watching all the ladies and little ladies perform.  They were just great!!!!!!!!!!  Congratulations especially to you, the choreography was super.  I know you worked hard putting the showcase together and it paid off.  The ladies get better and better. Hope you can relax now.  Have a good week. Fondly, Lilly

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 John,
        Fred and Ginger need not worry!  Kevin & Kim, and Kim &  I did pretty well all thanks to the patience of a cool dance instructor.  Really enjoyed meeting with you and wanted to say thanks for all the help.  Additionally, it was a lot of fun.  Will be back in touch soon for some other SIMPLE moves with my wife. Pulled off the “W” step pretty well much to the delight of the crowd.  Thanks again John.  Could not have happened without you. 
        

Bill Siciliano
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,     Hey just wanted to let you know that the dance went better then expected.  Thank you so much for your help and I’m looking forward to working with you in the future…..another satisfied dancer, 

Jessica Memo of Jessica and Frank September 3rd, 2005

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Hey John! 

     Well it was wonderful!  We wowed them on the dance floor thanks to you!  I have to admit that we did not do all the moves that you taught us but the intro-walk on was a big applause getter!  And, from there we moved about the floor a bit and felt great.

Hope to see you again some time.

Christina

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John,
     I just wanted to thank you for the dance lessons!  It was wonderful at the wedding and everybody loved our first dance! You were great!! 
 

Thanks so much for everything, Dana


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      We got your CD yesterday of the photos from the wedding.  Thanks so much!  I really liked the smiley face too.  It’s so nice to be able to get pictures from a lot of people now, with the digital cameras.  We’ll look at the CD probably tomorrow, we are trying to select pictures to send to our parents, etc.      We had so much fun at the wedding.  Many people told us that they really liked our first dance, we would never have been able to do that without you! 

Thanks to you!!!  Nicolas

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,    

Mark and I just returned from Mexico and it was great!  We dominated the dance floor with our salsa and Merengue moves.  We even taught Mark’s “shimmy-down” move to the groom and his Mother!  It was really fun and we got tons of compliments.  Thanks again for all of your guidance!Sorry…no pictures.  We were too busy dancing! 

Love, Brannan

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Thanks again John,

     I had a great time.  One hour sure goes by fast!  I am just a little worried I am in no way good enough to dance!! But, I think I am going to give it a shot since you have been encouraging me so much!     I enjoy the dance but have a long way to go!!!!!!!  I just hope I can get better.  I worry about that ! But you do make it fun.  I just wish Tuesdays would come around a little faster, for when I am there, that’s all I think about…!  It’s like nothing else is going on but dance ….. Kylie,Jo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,

     You did a super job tonight at the Showcase.  You can see the fruits of your labors.  We all danced beautifully, thanks to you.  Much love, admiration and respect.

Ellen

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Hi John,
 

     What a great job you did!!!  I’m not surprised and I am extremely impressed.  Of course, you looked great and you made all the ladies look good, too.  I think David did a very nice job also.

See you Tuesday,   xo  Muriel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,

     Matt and I really enjoyed your class!  Our parents and friends have been jealous from the start (not that that should make us feel good or anything).  I do not know if we will be able to attend class next semester, but I would be interested to know if many of the people form our class will be attending it so that we know how geared towards us the class might be.
 

     Again, thank you for a wonderful semester and a some valuable life skills I hope to never forget. 

Sincerely, Katie Swartz
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Hi John,      The wedding went great.  Sarah and I just got back from our honeymoon.  Our first dance went very well.  We did a pretty good job I think.  It was nice to have something memorized so we didn’t have to think that much.  Thanks for all of your help and I will send you some pics once we get them. Brian

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Hey John,

     I’m not sure if our names ring a bell or not, but we had 5 dance lessons with you before our wedding on August 27th.   Anyway, we received our DVD of the wedding a month ago, and are now able to watch our entire dance on DVD.  We got quite the crowd reaction.  Everyone was literally amazed at how good we were!  My brother even started off his Best Man Toast by saying, “Well, apparently Shaun got dance lessons!”

     While we can’t email you our entire dance video since we just have that on DVD, we can email you a wedding vignette (a 3 minute video) which has a couple of our dance moves in it.

     Believe it or not, we actually were able to pull off all of our dance moves without any mistakes (though I’m sure I was being a little rigid during the rest of the dance, but oh well…)

Thanks again for such wonderful and fun lessons. We will try and make it back sometime soon for a follow-up lesson or for one of our parties.


Shaun & Melissa Broome
 

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John,

     We are lucky to have you as a dance teacher, but especially as a friend.  I’ll take care of Jenny.  I really appreciate you talking your truth to her.  I agree with all the stuff you said last night.  I try to tell her the same stuff, but I think it means something a little different coming from someone other than the ol’ ball n’ chain, you know?

     We’ll snap a lot of pix and tell the sisters to get us tearing it up on the dance floor.  If there’s some kind of crazy conga line, you might end up seeing me at the lead.  

John  & Jennifer


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Dear Johnny D.

     I am late in writing you to give you the report on my brother’s wedding!  It was great, and the salsa dance lessons you gave us were SO useful.  We danced up a storm and got lots of comments, and it was so much FUN.  It helped that they had a great authentic band in the ‘old-style’ salsa tradition.  Thank you thank you for all the expert lessons you have given us over the past year and a half.  you are the best teacher.
 

      I think my husband felt great too.  My mom danced with him and said, “it’s so nice to dance with someone with rhythm!” 

     ALSO, you made me feel so positive about the dress and shoes I wore and just about myself in general.  I really took your words to heart to try to “let people enjoy me more” (??) and tried to just relax.  I don’t know what it is, but you just see into people and tell them what they need to hear…it’s a gift.  I know you know this.  But really, of all the voices in my head yours was a truly positive one and I took that with me.  Thanks, lovey.  You are a true sweetheart.
 

Hope you are well.  love to the kids (dogs).   Jennifer  
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John, 

     Thanks so much for the lesson.  I thought that Tom did really well with your coaching and I really appreciated your help with my turns.  I also really appreciated you taking extra time with us.

Take care, Fanny

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John,

     Congratulations on the big Philadelphia victory! I checked out the photos. Wow!

     I had to write and tell you how our wedding dance went, you’d have been so proud!  So, as you may remember, Jason and I planned to dance to a CD of Etta 
James singing “At Last” WELL….so the bandleader announces that we’re going to kick off the dancing and they started playing the song!  Like, playing and singing it!  Well, the singer sounded great, but the song sounded totally different! Argh!  But, here’s the thing, John……Jason was GREAT!  He totally improvised, kept it simple and when we got stuck, we waddled and laughed a little, did a quick little smooch and kept going. We did our diagonal thing, and our little dip at the end and then he picked me up and swung me around it was great. When I get some, I’ll send you a photo!

Thank you so much. You were a wonderful teacher!  xoxo Alice Petty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi there John, the dance/emotional coach EXTRAORDINAIRE!! 

     Thank you so much, I will look that CD up which suggested.  I too enjoyed the time and will get in my practice every chance I get and definitely work on the self-conscious part that has held me back.  Thank you ever so much for your gracious ,easy going and most competent approach to helping me achieve that.     
 

Enjoy the weekend.  Funda

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      THANK YOU!!!!!!!  I’m so excited and look forward to my private lesson.  Bill will be coming with me.  Just can’t keep him away (ha, ha)  We had a great time at your party and the studio is wonderful.  You are a great teacher and friend.        Donna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,     You were just what we needed yesterday in this pre-wedding craziness!  Eddie and I truly enjoyed ourselves AND both of us learned so much at our dance lesson.  You are a wonderful teacher!  From one teacher to another, I know it’s not easy, but you sure made it seem so with a couple novices like us.  Thank you so much. Thanks again for your time and kindness:)  Happy Thanksgiving! Fondly, Colleen (we’ll be practicing – shoulders down and all!)  

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John,

     We were thinking of you during our honeymoon!  We rave about you to everyone…and hope that you get some business from it!  We continue to receive compliments about our dancing at the wedding.  It couldn’t have been more perfect. 🙂 
Take care and have a fabulous new year!


Love, Brannan

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     Your never ending energy (along with the help of David) enables all of us to show the benefit of our many hours spent with the greatest dance teacher in the world!!!!! (well, ok, maybe not the world, but definitely the universe.)Regards, and thanks for a fun eve.  Andy Jacobs

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Hi John,

     Colleen and I wanted to thank you for our ballroom dancing lessons.  We really enjoyed ourselves, you are a great teacher.  We also want to apologize for missing the last few class.  We have been real busy with school work.  We hope to catch you in an upcoming semester.  Have a great summer and thanks again. 
                
Colin LeStrange and Colleen Hayden (Loyola College)
 

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John, 
     I just wanted to say thanks for the ballroom class this year, I had an awesome time.  I never would have thought I could pull it off, but I can finally get up on the dance floor now thanks to you…and of course thanks to Liz as well.  Have a great summer and I hope to see you back here next semester for some more classes.
 

Alex Parker (Loyola College)

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,

     Your teaching experience sets you apart from other dance instructors.  Lucky us who know you.      Standing straight with abdominals contracted and clavicles forward, significantly diminishes the leg pain.  If I had only listened to you and your posture lessons sooner —– but I will now.   I am a textbook L4-5 injury.  Dancing is part of the solution.  That is good. Lois

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Hi John,
     Thank You for inviting me, I had a wonderful time ….even if I didn’t dance much.  I could feel the warmth and friendship generated by you and the group and it sure was a welcome change from what I have been doing….it was like sitting by the fire on a cold night and now I realize how important things like your class really are…..and your friends and your friendship…..I guess I was just lucky to have met you!
                                         

Thanks Again, Jack 
 

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       We had such a great time!  My uncle said he got the dance on tape and I think I remember people clapping when we did the underarm turn.  My sister said the dance was very nice!  Everyone we have talked to said that was the most fun they have had at a wedding.  Thank you so much for all of you time!  

Kari & Mike                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh my gosh! 

     You were an absolute hit and godsend.  You kept Michelle and her friends right on the dance floor (in keeping with my fondest hopes, wishes and plans).  Michelle was thrilled.  She is still hugging and thanking me.  The kids loved it!  I’ve gotten more compliments and positive comments about you and the great job you did — from the kids and parents alike.  Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!      I’m glad you enjoyed it.  I hope you both truly did, that you had enough to eat and drink, and that you’d do it again when we call on you next.  You and David are wonderful!  It was a pleasure to meet and spend time with you both.  I hope we get to see much more of you and hopefully when I’m able to relax and just enjoy the company! Take care, and thank you both again, from the bottom of my heart. Love, Camille (one exhausted but very happy mother!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      I’m in the middle of packing for the HM, but I just wanted to say thanks again.  Our 1st dance turned out amazingly wonderful.  All of our guests commented, and some actually told us to stop “showing off” but the biggest compliment was Tony’s Mom.  I was told that she had tears in her eyes as she watched us, and she couldn’t believe that it was her son dancing so beautifully and it all translated well into their Mother and son dance as well.  You made it easy and so much fun! Take Care,  Kelly

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hey John,      We just got back from Aruba last night.  Wow what a great time.  The wedding was great and the dance started everything off.   Everyone was very impressed, you might be getting some referrals.  You are the man!  Any way we’re going to get settled in the next few days, get some pictures developed and then it’s Rumba time.  We danced alot in Aruba and that was the dance to know down there. Thanks again!!  Adam and Candice Daley

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John,

      Thank you for all of your good wishes!  Thanks to you, we are ready to dance and show off what we learned with you this Saturday!  We will be in touch to let you know how everything went!  We both enjoyed working with you and getting to know you,  and practicing for the dance was the best part of all of this wedding preparation!
 
Have a wonderful weekend!  Jenny and Keegan
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Hey John, 

     Just got back from the honeymoon.  Thought you’d like to know the first dance was wonderful! We got a ton of compliments and directed them all to you. Everyone was very impressed with what you were able to do with a couple of rookies in just 3 lessons.  I’m sure you’ll be getting more business down the road from some of our guests.  Thanks again for all your help and patience.

Regards, Chris

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John,

     We have not forgotten you but it takes a while for life to settle down after the wedding.  I just posted a very good review for you on theknot.com website.  You helped us so much.  The dance—well—we had fun with it and Jason was a great leader, my following was a little troubled because my dress was a little too long but it looked good and the pictures of our dance are great.  We just got our formal pictures back yesterday but we will send you a few of us dancing–of course Jason pointed out that he was holding me wrong but we had fun with it.

     I cannot thank you enough for making yourself available and for making it fun.  With three glasses of champagne I was able to relax and have fun and Jason was ready to lead.  🙂

 Thanks so much.  Nichole~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John,      How are things?  Glad you had a good time at our wedding.  Sorry that you couldn’t stay longer.  Honeymoon was great, but short.  When we got back to work, it was back to reality.  We haven’t had a chance to dance since Vegas.  We went to a ballroom dance at the Gold Coast Casino.  It was crowded and therefore not much room to move.      We’re still getting positive comments on our entrance for our 1st dance.  It surprised everybody.  Pressie was very happy about the whole thing.  I’m also very proud of her since that was her very first time to perform in public and she had to cram so much stuff in a relatively short period.  You really did a lot helping us to prepare – much appreciated. We’ll make the time to see you and everybody else perform in the upcoming showcase. Take care,  Bob & Pressie Reyes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John Dawson,      I have been meaning to write you, say hi, thank you, AND tell you what a great time John Stinson and I had dancing at our wedding.  The band kind of f—ed up our first song (S-L-O-W) but we had a great time anyway and otherwise the band was great and people danced literally all night.  Re: “All of Me” John and I practiced the whole week in the basement of my parents’ house and took to heart your fabulous guidance.  Thank you!!!  We are so grateful to you for your lessons and encouragement and we’re much better than when we started.  It was worth it 100% and you are a great teacher.  But, you already know that!       Good luck in the competitions.  I look forward to seeing you again.  Will you be wearing something orange?  Jennifer

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John,
     
     We are back from wedding wonderland and it was just incredible,  euphoric actually.  You will be happy to hear that bride and Dad were a smash as were bride and groom.  And that Dad danced the Hora like a pro!  Thanks to you.  We hope to continue on but are going to be away on and off for a bit.  We’ll be in touch.  Thanks.  By the way the band was absolutely fantastic.
 

Shifra

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Hi John,

     We had a good time on our cruise on the Caribbean Princess.  There was so much dancing, in the morning, later afternoon, and ALL night if you could do it. 
This cruise had so many activities and shows at night my biggest problem was fitting it all in.  We dance between shows and late after the shows were finished.
We danced about 2 hours a day. Everybody on the ship called us “the dancers”.  We actually did pretty good, our Waltz looked and felt right.  The other dances
were pretty good too.  There was one another couple that danced pretty well.  The man took 20 years of lessons and has been dancing for 27 years.  He enjoyed
dancing with me, and I think I followed well. 


Linda & Marvin
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      I hope you know how much I enjoy taking dancing lessons with you.  I just wish I was better at it but I am not giving up.  You are stuck with me and Paul (when I can get him there).  If I could I would come twice a week.  I think Paul would kill me or think I was crazy.  My sister called from Florida Thursday evening wanting to know where I had been.  I told her I was at my dance lesson and of course she laughed.  I don’t know why everyone laughs.  You think they might be jealous.!!!!!! I wish we had started taking lessons a number of years ago.  Kisses, Lilly

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Dear John,

Thank you so much for the amazing photos from our wedding!  And please, please, please thank David for us and tell him how thrilled we are with them!  My mother is in New York City (helping take care of Treasa’s brand-new nephew!) and she called this morning (after Treasa started emailing them out) because she was SO excited about David’s photos!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Not only did you make our day so wonderful with your music as you kept the party going, but now we have such terrific images from the day as well! David’s are the best so far, and we are so happy with them!

John and I especially love the photos of him chowing down on the cake, while I try to take care of things. 😉

I hope everything is going well for you and your lovely dogs! Thanks again!    Rita
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John!!!! You will be so proud of us.  We danced the dance, not the Lambada, but our walk-a-samba! And we did not fall or step on each other or anything!! We even danced to the whole song and people cheered and yelled for us. Abby even said she was shocked at how much fun we had doing it (we talked and laughed the whole time) and how great  we were- we v stepped like champs!! When we get the video, you will be among the first to watch!!! Let’s set a date so we can get together!!! Kelly and Drew

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,

     Just a note to let you know how very special I think you are.  I really enjoyed my “first time”.   I’m relieved that I’m not a “virgin” anymore, so watch out, I could possibly “get this” after all.  You are a magnificent dancer and an equally wonderful person.  In just this short time of knowing you, I feel extremely comfortable with you and trust you in that you truly want everyone to have fun and enjoy life. After all, that is what it’s all about—bottom line.  LIVE -LOVE- LAUGH & DANCE  DANCE  DANCE !!! 

Love Ya, Karyl    ( w/ a K ) 

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Hi John,
        

     Thanks for the E-Mail.  You are a great teacher and I look forward to learning more from you.  You have great words of wisdom for single women on the approach of dancing.  I’m definitely getting my monies worth.  As you can see, I do enjoy dancing very much.  I’ll look forward to a group of us going to Redwood Trust.  It’s always nice to go to new places and met new people.  It also helps to have friends at the new places.  I think that is a great idea.  I wish we could get more groups to go out more often.

 
Belva Jean

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Hi JOHN! 
 

     Well, we are back from the honeymoon but crazy getting settled and back to a normal routine!!!! AHHHHH!  I thought you would enjoy seeing one of the pictures from “the dance.”  Bill did a great job.  We will make an appointment to see you in the near feature once we have the video so you can see the fruits of your labor!  I didn’t leave the dance floor the whole night!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  
 

Love, Shannon and Bill

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Thanks for the encouragement John!

     We are having so much fun, and I know that Mark and Martina had fun also.  You really have a gift: in both as dance an art and form of expression, and in helping people to have fun and feel good about dancing.   Thank you for sharing that gift with us.  

Take care, Kris and Heather
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Hi, John

     Congratulations to you and Missy on your latest success!  I am glad the judges see the same thing I do when I see you two dance you are a winning combination!  Dancing is becoming more and more important to me and I owe this partly to you and the fun lessons we shared. You are a very inspiring teacher!

Love and kisses — Sherie

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John,

     Just a quick note to thank you for last night’s lesson!!   We look forward to each Tuesday evening learning a few new dance steps, re-learning steps you’ve already shown us (sorry about that!), trading stories, and of course, the poodles too!  I think the thing that “keeps us coming back” is that you’re a great instructor, you keep it fun and provide a perfect environment in which to learn!!

Just wanted to say thanks! Have a great day!!  Scott

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John,

      We have disappointing news.  As a result of the chaos preparing for our wedding while maintaining active professional/social lives in New York, we have not been practicing our dance steps and will only be prepared to wiggle and waddle as beginners when “Stand By Me” is played on 6/7/03.  We want you to know how much we appreciate all your efforts teaching two poor dancers how to seamlessly move on the dance floor.  

Thanks again, Todd & Megan

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John, 
     The wedding was great.  The band was fun and it was cool to be able to dance to their music.  Thanks for all of your help!  We did the entire thing we planned with one little mess up, but recovered from it without anyone realizing.  I have some friends who want to take more lessons with us.  

Thanks again and take care,  Nikki 

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Hey John,

     A friend told me that I should be proud to win first place.  I told her that I will never be proud because I would always need to improve my dancing.  I look at the competitions differently than most people do.  I joined it for fun but I got more.  I gained new friends, got even closer with my old friends and saw a different view of my JOHN DAWSON!

      You are an extraordinary person.  You are not just a dance instructor, you are a true friend.  Someone who cares for his students.  I feel blessed to have known you.  You make everyone feel important and know how to get your group together.  Your dancing girls are awesome and I love them all, very nice people.  I feel blessed too to have known them.  This is very gratifying to me, forget about the prize.  Having fun along the way and enjoying the friendship we all have are the most important to me.  Thanks a million John!!!

Lynne

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Hi John,

     I am still pumped from all the excitement last week.  What a fantastic experience!   I can’t thank you enough for your love, confidence and support.  I have always dreamed of trying a comp but never had the self confidence to try until I met you.  I felt like a winner just walking on the floor with you.  The results were a bonus!!   I now am even more motivated to continue.

     I agree with Lynne that the greatest part of this experience was the bonding with you, Marie and Missy.  Not to mention all the others who came to watch and support us.  You are a fantastic person and you attract the same into your circle.  I feel honored to be a part of it and to call you my friend.  

Lots of love and kisses!!!  Nancy

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John,

     The dance was perfect (or at least I think so).  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  The dance lessons were such a big help throughout the wedding.  We had a fantastic time!  We missed you.  I will bring in pictures when we come in.  I definitely want to continue.  I’ll let you know when we are ready to start again.  See you soon!
 
Stacy

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Hi John,
         Just wanted to thank you so much for suggesting such great songs for our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah on Sunday.  We used Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez.  Everyone went crazy when they played it and our group got up to light the candle.  Thanks again for helping to make our party a success.

Elaine

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     Thanx so much for checking up on me.  It was very thoughtful of you.  I have been doing better and the sunshine certainly helps.  This winter was a very long and arduous one.  I still get out every Friday and dance with Fran and I hope as I get my life in better order we can resume my lessons.

     I started working again, I’m back on wall street and have been enjoying it and still playing daddy to my big girl (she turned 9 last week).  I’m hiking, biking, tubing, running and swimming and I’m confident I will have a great summer.  I may even pop in for your party if I’m in town.  If I don’t see you, have a great party and Happy BDay.  I feel blessed to know you and I hope to see you shortly!
 
Lots of love and hugs,  Jack

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Dear John,
         The kids were amazing.  Ivor and Ruth were amazing.  You should know how often we all spoke about how we wished you could have been there.  We know how much fun you would have had, and so many folk (especially the men) wanted to dance with you!. Michael told us that, as did Uri and the Diamonds. Several of those who know recognized your mark on Josh’s dancing.
         Anyway, hopefully the video will be terrific when it comes and we  can all enjoy it together.  Thanks so much for what you did.  You will be a part of this wedding for ever.  

We love you.   Jill

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John,
     It was WONDERFUL to meet you on Sunday.  I can’t tell you how excited I am about opening this door of Dancing with Toby.  He really enjoyed himself also.
We were chatting about class and were wondering if it was possible to meet with you twice a week until the cruise.  I know you have a busy schedule.
     I was talking to my Mom and telling her about the fun class, good vibes,  etc., and she thought it was hilarious that you said my biggest challenge was going to be to let Toby LEAD me instead of the other way around.  She said I always WAS bossy.  I prefer to think of it as self-assured, he he.
 
See you soon,   Sara Beth

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     Everything went great John!  I heard many comparisons to Fred & Ginger – Sanford and Baker, that is.  Seriously though, all was terrific!  I poked my head in a couple of times to your studio but have not caught you yet.  I wanted to thank you for you wonderful work.  

Thanks again,   The Mendozas AKA Steve and Dee

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Dear John,

     Thanks for your good wishes.  Dancing lessons with you have made the past year really great!  You bring joy and love and positive energy to our lives.  After many years of marriage its so great to be dancing and have new perspective.  Thanks for giving us of yourself and your talents.
 

Love, Miriam and Forrest

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Hi John,
     I continue to have lots of fun and learn in your classes.  I never thought I’d like dance as much as I have.  Thanks for being such a great teacher!

Thanks, Evan

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     Saturday night was fun.  You surround yourself with good people which is so enriching to all of us.   I’m so glad I met you a year ago this week.  I guess we are having our first “dance” anniversary.  It’s been an outstanding year for me.  My life is so much richer.  Thank you for being my friend.

Love ya, Nancy


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Hi John     
     Greetings from Aruba!!  Just wanted to let you know that we kicked ass in our dance.  Bryon says we were off beat but I didn’t notice!  No mistakes!!  Everyone was crying and in awe.  Even Bryon’s friends were impressed.  No one made fun of him  It was GREAT  You would have been proud.  We will send you a copy of it when we get the tape from the videographer.  I can’t wait to see it myself.  We are in Aruba now and Bryon is passed out from drinking too much at the pool today, so I thought I would let you know how well we did.  Thank you so much for working with us, you are a great teacher.  You are such a terrific person with such a good heart.  

Thanks again John, we love you Merri and Bryon Boswell

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John!

     You have done the impossible-made dancing fun-for both of us.  I refer you to folks all the time and sing your praises.  You have an intuitive sense for how people learn, a friendly, non-threatening manner and the uncanny ability to present the information in a way that a  computer scientist and a counselor can enjoy and learn at the same time.  We both very much appreciate your kindness, humor and patience as you put us through our steps!  Thank you-and I look forward to our next lesson!

     You have a great gift to teach dance to those of us global-non-linear thinkers as well as those linear folk…  You are able to teach however the pupil best learns-this is a gift!  One I know both of us enjoyed!

Marcia Merrill

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      Lessons with John Dawson are always so fantastic!  John is a unique dance teacher and a special person!  He is not interested only in getting you to do the steps, he works on the whole “you”…the attitude, the stance, the mind.  If you are short he teaches you how to create the illusion of length.   If you are tall he helps to diminish the gangliness and replace it with grace.  As only a great teacher can, John is constantly assessing not only the dance progress, but the needs of each individual’s personality, and adjusts his teaching and comments accordingly.  Quite frankly, without my weekly dose of John and dancing, I feel out of sorts, off balance, and unhappy.

Elaine Gittlen

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     Thanx for the experience of your web page.  Clever.  I am an avid dancer.  Even though I did not receive specific dance lessons, I have enjoyed dancing at all occasions where dancing is possible.  From concerts to parties to weddings, I will dance and feel free in that expression.  I have danced with John.  He is moving in more ways than one and brings out the best in everyone.  If you are given the opportunity to be in his presence, I can assure you will not forget your dancing experience.

 M. Flick

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     Marcie and I are trying to refer as many folks as we can to you. We have been extremely satisfied with you classes and it has been fun getting to know you.  See you Wednesday.  Thank You and Best Regards.

Sean R. Koenig

(Marcie Kronberg and Sean Koenig are to wed November 17th, 2001 visit their web site @ )

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      John makes learning ballroom dances fun, so I learn faster and better.  He gives helpful, non-threatening feedback, and has a real sense of humor.  I recommend John to people who want to dance better, look good, and feel confident on the dance floor.

Beth (Germantown, MD)

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John,

     This is Christine Kirtz (newlywed).  I just wanted to tell you how great our First Dance was-in large part because of all your help.  We did the show pony & our first turn and our families and friends went nuts.  It was like the final scene of Dirty Dancing!!!    David and I had a blast.  I have been telling people if they want to learn how to dance to give you a try it worked for us.  If you can get  Dave (who could play football for Ravens) light on his toes and laugh the whole time too, that’s pretty special.  Thanks again for the wonderful memories.

Christine & David Kirtz (Married on May 19th, 2001)

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     When I signed up to start dancing lessons, I wanted to learn how to dance.  Now, the learning part of the whole experience is secondary.  Dancing is time for my husband and myself, along with another special couple, to spend together.  While we are dancing, I can feel the stresses from my life begin to drain out of my body.  We’ve been taking lessons with John Dawson for years, on and off, and have found him to be a wonderful teacher and friend.  He has a very relaxed teaching manner, and that makes us relaxed.    Thank you John, for all the happiness and laughter you’ve added to my life.

Jessica Kissel

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     John has a unique way of teaching.  Through all of his life experiences, he knows that not all of us learn the same way.  By using several different techniques, John has made us feel relaxed and move with the music.  John has shown us that while we are learning, we do not have to take ourselves so seriously and that dancing is FUN!  Keep up the good work.

Beth and Jack Kirtland

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      John Dawson is a very fine and dedicated dance instructor. My experience with John’s dance lessons over many years has been enjoyable and very helpful and very productive. I’m glad that I was fortunate enough to begin working with John many years ago. His genuine interest in his students’ progress and enjoyment is a real find. His interest in and care about his students’ progress make his lessons truly enjoyable.

John makes learning to dance fun !!!  Howard Asplen

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     John, you are a truly unique individual full of love and compassion for others.  I feel honored to know you and I am glad we struck up a conversation in the make and take room.   Thank you for the joy you have given us just by knowing you and sharing your talent of dance and humor.  

Love  SUPERSTAR  RIDGELY!    P.S.   I love the nickname can you tell?

Ridgely and Patrick Furness

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     We really enjoyed your dance classes and the opportunity to participate.  Hope you never change your style of teaching.  We look forward to more classes when we next get to Baltimore and keeping up-to-date with all the news ’till then.  We’re sure to have some questions when we get back into dancing in the next few days.  Will contact you soon.

Mike and Lois Kitchell     (They live in Australia but visit 2 months out of the year.)

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John,

Just wanted to drop you this quick note to thank you for the GREAT lesson this past Sunday!!  With each class, we can always count on learning something new and having a GREAT TIME!!!  You put the fun into dance, John!  We look forward to many more classes with you.  See you this Sunday!

Your Friends,  Dian and Jerry Hicks

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John,

The foxtrot dance went awesome, as did the rest of the wedding.  We messed up all over the place on the swing, but were having so much fun that no one noticed and we didn’t care.  I had no problem doing the saucy parts of the swing (remember how embarrassed I was in your studio?!).  We’ll bring in the video and pictures as soon as we get them and will talk to you soon about the rest of our lessons!

Thanks for everything!

Erica & Jason Mah (Married on March 31st, 2002)

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John,

     I truly cannot wait until Mondays.   I love learning, practicing, dancing, and talking with you.  I do feel better about my skills and I know with time I will get better yet.  I’ve started another exercise/eating program and hope to look better yet.  I know where I want to be.  Have a great week and weekend.  See you on Monday.  Great to hear from you.

Joanne

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       I had to beg my fiancĂ© for months to take dance lessons.  I was so afraid that he would complain the whole time, but John Dawson is so much fun that I know that my fiancĂ© enjoys the lessons — even though he won’t admit it!  In fact, last night he even asked to go to the Belvedere for their Wednesday night dancing.  My fiancĂ© does not know yet, but I hope to continue the lessons even after we get married!  It goes without saying, but John Dawson is the best thing since sliced bread…

Robin J. Siegel

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John,

     Thanks so much.  Chris and I wanted to take lessons prior to our wedding but ran out of time.  Before taking lessons, we would either only dance to fast songs separately or waddle to slow songs.  Finally, we took advice from another client of yours and came for lessons.  Now, we both feel great about being out on the dance floor.  I feel sexy and Chris looks handsome and proud.  What a feeling!  The Long and Short of it …we are hooked.  We want to learn all of the dance styles.  So, the next wedding we surprise everyone, most of all ourselves.

Thanks a million.   Heather and Chris

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Hi John,

     Joe and I look forward to Wednesday nights class.  I’m fortunate to have Joe as my partner.  Thank you for making our Wednesday nights fun!!!  Also thanks for not giving up on me and I do appreciate your words of encouragement.  Our dancing group “The Stumps” which includes three couples, started taking lessons a year and a half ago.  All six of us are lucky to have you as a friend as well as our dance instructor.  John has taught us patience and grace.  Every lesson he encourages us adding humor here and there.  “The Stumps” are no longer stationary at social events.  We are like branches blowing in the wind on the dance floor.  See you Wednesday.

Ann Menning

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John,

      Thank you so much, for the kinds word and your teaching.  I feel as if I’m getting to where I want to be with my dancing.  I don’t know how to thank you for helping to satisfy what ever it is in my soul that makes me have to dance, it’s priceless to me.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I couldn’t imagine dancing with you.

With admiration,  Jan

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John,

      Everything went great!  It was a great day all the way around.  My back didn’t hurt at all, and we were able to do the dip at the end.  I slept like a baby the night before, but couldn’t sleep a wink after the wedding.  It was so much fun, I couldn’t come down from that wedding high.  I am planning on sending you a snapshot or two.  Thanks for making us look great out on the dance floor.  We’re off to Aruba.

Tia and Doug George (Married on March 30th, 2002)

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John,

     …you are a joy to dance with.  You have a unique gift for bringing out the best in my dancing and you give me the confidence I need to dance even better.  You not only make learning (not to mention hard work!) fun, but you are also a truly good friend.  Lessons are never long enough!!  Thanks, John, for the special joy you have brought into my life since we started dancing together!!

Deborah Lewis

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Hi John,

     We wanted to let you know our wedding dance (5-11-02) was a success, thanks to you!  We had such a great time taking lessons with you.  We wanted to start taking lessons again sometime this summer, since we are moving to Canton in a few weeks.

Thanks again, Lisa and Todd Baldanza

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Dear John,

     Lawrence Welk the bandleader would always say at the end of the TV show in his accent…..”wunnerful!”  That is what our lessons are with you.  We have taken for about 11 years out of the 25 we have been dancing come this Nov 2nd and never has Jerry really been that “happy” after or during a lesson.  He has done it for me and did care now and then and did feel an accomplishment in doing it, but it was always a chore.   As he got older, it became more of a chore than fun, but he would go to dances and show off and was proud of himself.  With you, he smiles the whole time & afterwards.  He loves his lessons with you, it is no chore. The reason being your knowledge, your personality and you dance with each of us.  You jump in and teach us ourselves or together, and you make it a joy rather than a chore.  He is proud of himself and of us and he “kvells” ( a Yiddish word for pride and happiness).  I deserved, finally, for my husband to be happy in his dancing and HE IS, though he will not admit it too loudly.

     You are a joy and we have great happiness looking forward to Wednesdays.  You did it with your magic and your psychological knowledge.  You know how to handle your students, and your encouragement and your enlightenment now illuminates our Wednesdays.  Wednesdays are now my favorite day!!!

     So dear, John Dawson, it was a lucky day when I met a new doctor and he mentioned your name.   He pranced around the floor to show me his foxtrot and I said, “who is your coach?” and he bragged to me that he and his fiancĂ©e were taking from you.  Thus, this many splendored event.  I could NOT have done any better when I met you for our dance teacher.   You are the highest rung on our beautiful dance ladder.  We will not fall off.   We will continue to rise up to all the dance glories, brilliance, grandeur there is and all because of you…

Fondly,  Elita  S. Clayman

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Hey John,   

     Steve and I had the most wonderful time at the wedding.  You did a fabulous job.  We’re back from Florida and had a great time.  The wedding and reception were fantastic.  We just received our video back and watched our dance.  For days, all family and friends talked about was our dance.  My father said people that did not even go to the wedding were calling him and telling him that Steve and I looked beautiful dancing together.  Props to you!  We couldn’t have imagined a smoother and more enjoyable evening.  Thank you so much for the considerable part you played in bringing it about.  All we’ve heard are rave reviews on the dance  We will send you some pictures when we get them so you can share the memories.    Keep in touch and let us know of any dance parties/events… we’ll try to work in some future dance lessons as well… maybe once a month or so when we all have time…    Again, thanks for everything…everything was fantastic and it was great having you there… I hope you enjoyed yourself as well!  Thanks again for everything, John, you are so special.   Ciao!

Much Love, Suzanne & Stephen Judge  (Married on May 25th, 2002)

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John,

     I wanted to thank you for everything.  Ursula and I had so much fun and enjoy your company.  We will make sure you get a picture of us dancing at the wedding.  When we get back, we would like to get together and have dinner and tell you all about the wedding.

Regards, Todd and Ursula Slutkin  (Married on June 22nd, 2002)

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John,

     We just had the wedding of the century and our dance lessons served us well.  First of all Becky & Chris had everyone in awe as they glided across the dance floor for their first dance.  The dip was especially impressive.  Mark and I did a lot of dancing too.  I think when you are really ecstatic you tend to dance a lot.  And, many of our friends commented on how accomplished and relaxed we were.  All of the wedding plans came off with out a hitch.  Naturally, it all went by in an instant.  When we get some pictures or video we will share them with you.  The kids are off on their honeymoon to London and we are going to now try to catch up with the rest of our lives.  We will stay in touch and perhaps do some more dancing when things settle down.  Keep up the good work as you spread happiness and joy to all of your lucky clients.

All the Best!  Jill & Mark Levin            (Becky and Chris Kent married on July 6th, 2002)

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Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I never doubted your talent one bit.  Your lead is always superb even for simple dancer like me.   Your moves and steps are so calculated, practiced, timed, refined & elegantly executed.  I can go on & on.  I’m not an objective judge when it comes to you.  I hope you are well.  I will see you soon.  Hugs & kisses……. Ammie    (In regards to the July 2002 Virginia State Championship Dance Competition)

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Hi John!

     Well let’s just say our first dance was quite interesting.   However, we had a blast!  We were able to pull off the chorus and everyone loved the John Travolta move.   I must admit Jon nailed the line dance and I forgot it completely.   It worked out alright because no one could see my feet.  I just wanted to thank you for all of your help.  We would have never been able to get away with a first dance like that without your help.  I truly appreciate your guidance and patience with both of us.  We emailed you some pictures to enjoy.  Thanks again, Our first dance truly set the tone for the whole evening which was absolutely perfect!

Sincerely,  Jodi and Jon Cohen

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Thanks John…

     Everyone thought we looked great.   The dress was a slight hurdle but your “coaching” allowed us to just go with the flow and work around it.  Hope all is well and maybe I can get Ken to dance again.   

Stacy and Ken Valentine

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Hi John,   

     I had a really good time at your class tonight and I really learned a lot.   I would like to join you and your friends as often as possible.   I really enjoyed the people in the class too, they were all so friendly and pleasant.  I am also interested in private lessons.   It is a pleasure to know you and I feel privileged to learn from such a gifted individual.  I know that nothing good comes easy and it just takes time, dedication and practice; just like anything else.  Thank you for your dedication and I am sure that with your help, Ill do just fine.  Oh, did I mention that this is fun and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Jack Martin

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Hey! 

     I just wanted to thank you again for letting me be a part of your dance classes these past two semesters.  I had so much fun, especially getting to dance with you.  I love dancing and getting to dance with someone as skilled (and fun!) as you are was really a treat.  But, thank you again for everything.    See you later!!

Treasa

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John,

     Interesting. You provide your students with dance “know how”; that breeds confidence, social interactions increase, self esteem rises, sadness and depression decreases. You are a public service.

Lois

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John,

     Just wanted to let you know that the dance was AWESOME!!  People were soooo impressed and really had a great time!   We got about a million compliments…. and spread your name around quite a bit!  My uncle video taped the whole entrance and dance…we will send you a copy as soon as we get it… probably closer to Christmas.  Thank you so much for all of your time and energy.  We really could not have done it without you.  You really made our day special. 

     We are leaving for St. Lucia tomorrow…..to bask in the sun!  We will look forward to dancing with you in the future…. got a few more dances we would like to learn!

Lots of love and gratitude!   Amy and Tim Simms

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John

     Congratulations!  It sounds as if the two of you did quite well in the competition!  Jonathan and I did very well with our wedding waltz.  Thank you!  The beginning and ending went well, and he did the twinkle, underarm turn, and turning box.  If and when I get pictures of our dance, I’ll send you one.  Otherwise, I’ll just send you a picture from the wedding.

Happy New Year!  Mechelle (Lesher) Bray and Jonathan

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Dear John,

     I just wanted to let you know how much Barry and I enjoyed the dance lessons.  You really made it fun.   Please let us know when and where you are competing, we would love to see you and how it is supposed to look.  Thanks also for working with Allyson & Keith.   They looked great on the dance floor, very relaxed. We hope to see you soon.

Marilyn and Barry Dubin

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John,

     Looking forward to tonight.   I’m so glad that it did not snow today/  I was afraid it would snow and then we would miss seeing you tonight for our lesson.

A WEEK WITHOUT DANCE IS LIKE A WEEK WITHOUT SUNSHINE!

Sonja and Scott Fraser

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John,

     I’ve consistently enjoyed your fun-loving and engaging style of teaching.  You’re the only dance teacher I’ve ever had but one of the most, if not THE most, supportive teachers I’ve ever worked with.  

Thanks, Evan

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John…

     Thanks for your instruction.  Bob and I had a great time at class prior to our wedding!  It was great to have a little skill under our belts!  It has been interesting to hear about your competitions and open-dances via email.  Thank you again for your time and energy in class.  You truly have the gift of teaching.  Best of luck to you in the future.

In peace, Lauren (Szczepaniak) LaPointe and Bob

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John-

     I don’t know if we ever emailed you to tell you thank you for the dance lessons, but we enjoyed them very much and the wedding was perfect.  The dancing couldn’t have been better and everyone was impressed!   Sometime we will have to show you the video!  Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!

love,  Matt and Derry Agnini

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     I really do enjoy your class and am looking forward to learning more from you.  Thank you for a wonderful time.  You’re the best.  You’re right…my head was definitely turned around after spending the time in your class.  I never knew this could be such good therapy.   You’re a great teacher and we’re both looking forward to learning more from you.

P.S.  I’m working on loosening up my hips for the cha-cha.  Hopefully you’ll see some improvement next time.  It’s just hard getting these hips to work right.  Take care of yourself and remember…we still owe you a drink some night.

Jeff and Danielle

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     I can’t believe its been almost a year since John  and I took lessons from you!  We did shine on the dance floor thanks to your instruction and we are sooooooo glad that we were prepared, with your help and advice, to dazzle everyone!   It went very well.   John did great!  I will try to find an extra picture for your wall.

Nina and John

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HI JOHN!

     Well, we are back from the honeymoon but crazy getting settled and back to a normal routine!!!! AHHHHH!  I thought you would enjoy seeing one of the pictures – from “the dance.”   Bill did a great job.  We will make an appointment to see you in the near feature – hopefully once we have the video so you can see the fruits of your labor!  I didn’t leave the dance floor the whole night!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  Love,   Shannon and Bill Frederick

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Hi John,

     Thanks for your message!  Thank you so much for working with us a few times.  We know it was short, but it was very helpful and made us want to dance more!  Hopefully we will just smile, have fun, and show off a couple of things we learned.  Then we’ll tell people we took a few lessons and send them your way 🙂 We would love to learn some other dances, so hopefully we will see you again….and under less stressful circumstances 🙂  We’ll bring back the good weather from St. Lucia!

Love, Michelle & Rob

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Hi John,

     Congratulations on your Philly accomplishments.  Hopefully, you celebrated your accomplishments by having a nice meal in Philadelphia.  I knew you and Missy would do well in the Rumba.  I hadn’t seen your other routines, but your Rumba routine was very engaging.   Some dance routines you kind of brush off, as ya this is great the couple is moving 180 bpm and they are not sweating and look at their kool-aid grins…how could they be happy?  I must admit your routine had the Cirque du Soleil effect.  It seemed so fresh and well coordinated and almost seemed like Missy was melting under your lead as she performed her amazing Pilates/yoga/ballet like dance steps (translation: great dancing combined with a little drama….good thing).  

Mike Kubik

P.S.    you have an amazing ability to switch dances on a moment’s notice almost like a jukebox machine.  Most importantly, each of your dances are injected with the same high quality and high energy.   Is it the PowerGel that keeps you going?

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John,

     Your hard work and dedication to your students does not go unnoticed.  I want to thank you again for all the help you have given in getting our dance routine to where it is today.

Liza

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StudioDNA wishes to send out heart-felt THANK YOU to all of your clients, patrons, and dance family & friends.  Below are memories and special times that our dance clients have recounted as a thank you for their experiences at StudioDNA. 

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Hi John! 

We wanted to tell you that our first dance was a huge success and we attribute it all to you! We haven’t yet received our video from our videographer but when we do we will send it your way. So many guests complimented us on our dance, with how natural and sweet it was and how calm we were. It was such a sigh of relief and I saw a few clips from friends who videoed parts of it and I was so in love with how we looked. We couldn’t of done it without you!
Hope all is well and when we get the video, I’ll be sure to send it your way. 

Warmest Regards, Sara and Tyler 

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Hi John,

I hope you are doing well! First off, I just wanted to thank you for doing the dance lessons with Laurie and I over the last 2 months. We had our wedding two weeks ago and our first dance to This Is It went off better than we could have ever expected!

Everyone said it was absolutely incredible and couldn’t believe it (to be honest, I was even impressed in myself! Haha). We obviously could not have done it without you and we made sure to let everyone know who asked about your dance lessons. 

again, thanks for all of your help. Chris

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Hi John,
Thank you again so much for taking the time to teach us and help us learn our first dance. We did alright lol! 🙂

Seriously, thank you. Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!  Ps- apparently you know our really good friends Randi and peter!

Sean & Marissa

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Hi John!

I hope your holidays are going well. The bad news – the bandleader in charge of playing the song on the iPhone started the song late and then about halfway through RESTARTED it. The GOOD news – we looked awesome and no one knew anything went wrong. The ending was kind of cut off BUT we did sneak a dip in later in the night! 

Thank you SOOO much for the lessons. We had so much fun even when wedding planning came down to the wire and we will definitely recommend you to our friends!
Kori

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John,
     Thank you!  All the managers were asking about our time with you and everyone said they had a ball!!  Thank you so much John !!  You made our day very exciting and memorable.  I am sure we will be doing more.  Maybe next time, we will do it for the managers 🙂  I have shared the pics.  Our HR director actually wants me to show it during our meeting next month.

Joji and the gals from T. Rowe Price (a group dance class for Administration Assistant’s Day)
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Dear Michelle,
     I wanted to let you know that our dance last night was a total hit!  We kept hearing from everyone that they were so impressed & they couldn’t believe that it was us out there dancing!  thank you again for all your help!  You were the best!! 

Meghan & Bill
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John,
     Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks.  Even though we have a few more lessons to go, we leave your studio on a high note, with much greater confidence than we entered.  I know that if we continue to practice, we won’t look half bad in a month for our first dance (faster dancing is still up in the air).  Your energy is contagious and your optimism is refreshing. 

Rayna
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     The wedding was fabulous!  And, we didn’t miss a step.  We were thrilled and had a great evening.  We danced all night long!!!  We couldn’t have looked that elegant and wowed our guests if it weren’t for you.  It feel strange not seeing you since our wedding.  We can’t wait until we se you again and have another lesson.

Brandy & Robb

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Hi John,

     I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much we appreciated your help with our first dance.  It went terrific and people raved over it.  Actually the entire day was wonderful.  They talked about it the entire night.

Laura & Lou

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John,

     Mandy and I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your help along the way.  Things were fantastic and we had a blast.  My favorite part?  Mandy mumbling to me “I’m stepping on my dress” every step of the way, but it went off without a hitch!

Thanks again, pictures to come!  Josh

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John,

     Scott and I wanted to say thanks for the dance lessons.  Our dance went wonderfully well!  Family & friends were so impressed.  We had a great experience with you.  It was our favorite part of the whole wedding planning process.

    I agree with Jenni that we had an awesome experience learning to dance through your teaching.  I thought we were a lost cause after our first lesson.  However, in the end, I was very impressed on how well we actually could dance.

Take Care.  All our best.  Jenni & Scott

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Hi JOHN!!

     We miss you very much!  Just an FYI — it was VERY successful, we had a ton of fun with it and got lots of cheers!!  I have some pics for you.  We hope to see you again soon when things calm down!!!  Much love and thanks!!!  You were the best vendor we had!  And our favorite!!

Jennifer & Curtis (Layton)


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Thank you John,


     Meg had a great time with you Friday night.  Thank you so much, as usual, for including her.  I am seeing so much growth and maturity from her this year and I know that her time with you is a big reason for that.  I think that the combination of  your influence and her developing strong self-confidence through dancing has really been great for her.  Just want you to know how important you are in her life and in the person she is becoming.

Love you much – kiss kiss – Stacy

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Hi hi!!!!!

    “We truly loved our experience with YOU.  Not only can you teach ANYONE to dance and feel comfortable doing it, but the sessions serve as an oasis from the typical wedding planning chaos.  We looked forward to lessons with John because as soon as we walked in the door, we forgot about the wedding and focused on us.  It was healthy, fun, and we looked great dancing at our wedding.  I would recommend him to ANYONE that wants to learn to dance or just wants to have fun!”

     Once things chill out, I’ll see if I can get Curtis to a group dance thing.  He’s afraid to dance with strangers, I think 🙂  I bet I could get him to try a group class though!  We’ll see….still trying to put my life back together after being away for so long!

Much love and thanks again!  Anything else I can do, please let me know!  Jen
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John,

     Thank you for doing such a great job tonight!  What fun!!  This was a new experience for my nephew (Kevin), his fiancĂ©’ (Jenn) , and me Michelle.  It was a wonderful first time experience despite the fact I am directionally challenged and super inhibited on the body movements!
 

     You and your partner are phenomenal dancers!  What a dream job…to have fun, have onlookers be mesmerized, and stay fit at the same time.  Well, I am definitely passing your name along to my friend.  Her son will be getting married next year and I know dance lessons are on her mind. 
I was so glad Jenn invited me to tag along.

Thanks again, Michelle Manley
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Hi John!

  
     The wedding was absolutely amazing.  It was truly perfect and nothing is really ever perfect, but I swear it was!  The first dance was amazing and I definitely think we “wowed” everyone.  My dress wasn’t bustled right, so I kept stepping on it, but I held it together and it was great.  I can’t wait to see the video of it. People kept saying how great it was.  I really wish you were there and you would have loved our band.  So much fun dancing all night.  Josh got really drunk and doesn’t remember the end of the wedding (e.g., Josh: “I had a dream we were up on the stage.” Carrie: “Honey, that wasn’t a dream!”).  We just got back from the honeymoon.  Hawaii was amazing.  We have a million pictures.  I’ll send them to you once I get them all together.  Can’t wait to see you soon.  We’ll schedule a group lesson or something!

xoxoxo, Carrie
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Hi John, 
 

     I hope you had a nice, relaxing vacation! Mitch and I want to thank you again for choreographing our wedding dance and teaching us the foxtrot. The first dance went over incredibly well and we got a ton of compliments! I thought you might be interested in some pictures.
 
Thanks again!  Marianne
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 John,

     I just have to share how WONDERFUL the wedding was; EVERYTHING was perfect!!!!!!! It was a special hi-light of our lives!!!!! Although you weren’t there in person, you were there in spirit.  The kids dance was GREAT, impressing everyone, but most especially meeting with you the times we all did gave us all the confidence we needed to just get out on the dance floor and DANCE and just have FUN and THAT we most certainly did!!  The most important and special part was to see how happy they both were the whole day.  They NEVER stopped smiling and neither did WE!!  They are SO much in love and we are BLESSED to have gained another daughter that we LOVE SO into our family!!  Another THANKS 4 helping 2 make the day SO SO SO Special 

Fondly, Donna & John
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John,
     It was a real pleasure to meet you tonight.  You are a great instructor!  I was nervous about how Louis would do, as I had to drag him.  Even he enjoyed the lesson!  Kudos to you!  We would like to have more lessons.  Like everyone, we are busy!  I just can’t wait to do some more dancing.  

Thanks, Stacy 
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John,

     Thank you so much for everything you did for Brian and Me.  You were so much fun to work with we didn’t want to leave at the end of our lessons.  Our guests were floored when we came out at our wedding and did a choreographed dance to our wedding song!  The lessons we took for our wedding are ones that will always be special but we will definitely be back for more lessons soon just because we enjoyed it so much!!  Thanks for everything!

Brian & Crystal Herring
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Good morning John,
 
     FYI, the showcase went well last night.  While we were over on Friday practicing, we were asked if we would consider dancing at the Friday night show.  Guess what Stinson said, “Yes”!  We ended up doing the swing.  Last night we made it through the Tango routine without any problems.
 
     Just in case, I had on my StudioDNA robe last night.  I don’t know if you have any rules about wearing our robes in public or if we can wear it out in a group or studio function.  I felt good wearing it, because StudioDNA is where I take lessons.  
 
     From the compliments we received, sexy, hot, didn’t know you could dance like that, I believe if you were there, you would have been proved, I’m coming out of that shell because of you…

Thanks, Emma
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Oh John,

     Just was enlivened by your critiques….. Thank you so much for letting me get more comfortable with my reactions to these striving human beings.  I was looking for women that I could really enjoy and it seems the men have all the charisma.  I really love the show and feel I want to watch it LIVE rather than tape it  It’s that feeling of wanting to be with the ENERGY that is in the moment.  Thanks for letting me know that Jennifer and John were not bored by my company.  I cherished watching their responses to each other.  I think they have a real great chance of handling and enjoying a loving relationship for life.   I am still enjoying my memories of you and your beautiful new studio and the community of dancers that your energy is bringing together.  As for now, I will not be able to become a regular but I do not want to lose touch with you.  I am still thanking the UNIVERSE for your safety.  You are doing important ‘healing work’ with your dynamic life force. 

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!   Norma

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Hi John

     I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all that you did for us! We really enjoyed dancing with you and you should have seen our guests jaws drop when we danced our first dance.  Because of you, I had confidence in my dancing and I actually dance all night long!  Here is a link to our pictures and I will have a video clip of our dance for you soon.

XOXO Jodi
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Hi John,

   Just wanted to tell you how much we loved having you and David at Megan’s party.  You are always such a pleasure.  Actually, everyone had a great time and everyone has called to say how wonderful Megan’s dancing was, since the credit goes to you (and her), I thought I would pass it on.  What struck me about her Tango that night was how grown up she looked doing it (at just 13 years old).  Maybe it was the dress and shoes, maybe it was because it was her party and her night to shine, but she didn’t look like a young girl who knows the steps but just isn’t old enough to pull it off.  I really thought she pulled it off well. 


Love, Stacy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      Great class last night!!  I’m really looking forward to tonight and a couple of my girlfriends would love to come and join us (some of them you have met and some you haven’t).   They are great girls who really love to dance and they are excited about your party.  I’m hoping that some of them will be interested in taking some private lessons with me in the future and this will give them the opportunity to meet you.  Have a great day and we will see you tonight.  Barbara

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John,

     Thanks so much for taking time to work with me, I appreciate it.  Your honesty and ability/willingness to connect are also much appreciated!

Have a great weekend/week,  Monique

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Hi John!  

     I just wanted to let you know that the dance went great!  So many people came up to us and commented on how impressed they were by our dance, i.e. not just swaying.  The dance floor was a lot smaller and Rich had to adjust (meaning he did lead), but it was so much fun.  He did an excellent job.  His best man told me that he was practicing and studying the sheet in the hotel room the night before the wedding. We went dancing the night of the wedding (to a bar not ballroom) and he was a dancing machine.  In the 3 years we have been together I never knew he could dance!!!  Thank you for your help, I am sure that once we get our finances in order, we will start taking lessons again. 
 
TTYS,  Jen Libby
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,

     I can’t thank you enough for being so encouraging, and throughout this long job search, I just kept repeating your words to me “Follow your bliss”- and it really helped keep me going!  Thank you again! Beth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wedding was great and we rocked the dance.  Thank you so much.

love, Jordan  (of Jordan and Stefanie)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John!!!      Well, from what everyone said, we did awesome on our dance…thanks to you!  We nailed pretty much everything and both Jordan and I were very comfortable doing so.  Thank you so much for everything!! Thanks!!  Stefanie (of Stephanie and Jordan)

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John,  

     The Saturday night party/showcase was wonderful.   Anyone who attends the Saturday parties and or showcases are treated with the greatest of hospitality.   You and Dave are wonderful hosts and you manage to make everyone not only comfortable, but, also important.   That is no easy task.   Erica and I have so many wonderful memories of our dance lessons, and a future that we will come back for more.   You not only teach dance, you work on the soul.   The love for your students is displayed in their dancing.   You can see that at the parties and showcases.   I challenge anyone who has not experienced one of these to go and feel the warmth.   John thanks again for all you do, and making Erica and Me a part of it.                                                                

Ed Lewis

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John, Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I love our Thursday dance hour.  I absolutely love your choreography for the Waltz. Thanks for everything.  Best, Lois

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John,  

     It would be so wonderful to see you again if you can make room for me at the competition.  Anyway, if I do not come I will be wishing ALL of your TEAM and THE COACH an extraordinary Nirvana experience.  Wish I were competiting with you.   Actually, at my age I do not know if you can call it competition….for me it is delighting in all the positive energy.    

Norma

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much we appreciated your help with our first dance.  It went terrific and people raved over it.  Actually the entire day was wonderful.  They talked about it the entire night.  Our lives have been busy and Lou is back to traveling.  We adopted a 40lb terrier mutt.  Of course Lou is allergic to dogs and everything, but that does not stop him from jumping right in and playing with him.  Thanks again. love, Laura

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hey John,   

      Thank you so much for last night.  I really missed being with all of you.  Even though I danced only one dance, it was completely worth it.  I have to tell you that I have been going through some tough stuff lately, and being there last night really helped me remember what makes me happy.  The job hunt for an esthetician position has been really difficult because of my limited availability.  I work my full time job, and would like to make the transition over to a full time esthetician, but making that drastic of a career change would be a shock to my financial situation.  I am really good at it (and it doesn’t hurt that I love it) and am willing to do the work to gain more knowledge and skills, but I need someone who is willing to take a chance on me!     As far as competing, I am interested.  If you can give me the details and anything that I would need to know to see if I can do it. The desire is there…just wondering about the scheduling.          Thank you John, for everything. Just being around you makes me happy.Love Beth

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Hi John,      We were married November 4th 2006 – Mike & Elizabeth, remember us?  Well, I know you have lots and lots of happy customers, and you can count us as such too!  Here is a pic of us dancing.  It was the “fast” Foxtrot to Elvis “Can’t help falling in love with You”.  Hope all is well with you.  I hope Mike and I can find the time to get out there and learn some fancier stuff.  The wedding bug has started to hit all our friends and family and already what we have learned so far was money well spent. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!  Take Care,  Elizabeth Calvert

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 Hi John,

     Thanks for everything!  We had a great time and you helped us both feel very comfortable.  Our wedding was perfect as was our dance!  Thank you SO much.  You’re the best.

Laurie & Tommy Atwood

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Hi John,
 

     We are back from our wedding and honeymoon and everything went great.  You’re dance was a HUGE hit!!  It was all everyone at the wedding could talk about and they are still talking about it.  John and I can’t wait to see the video, but we thought it felt pretty good.  Once we get the video we would love to show you too.  We can’t thank you enough for working with us and creating our perfect wedding dance.  It meant so much and our wedding dance will be something we will remember forever.
     We would love to see you again.  Also, two of our friends are getting married in 2007 and they have asked for your contact information, hopefully they will be in touch with you.
 

Thanks, Jen and John Gasparine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hey John, 

     Danny and I just wanted to give you a huge thanks for instructing us in our dancing lessons for our first wedding dance.  We had such a beautiful wedding.  It was truly a fairy tale.  And of course, our first dance was a hit!  We were so relaxed and Danny kept me in control like you told him to.  Danny even stayed out on the dance floor for the more up-beat songs! Many blessings, Danny and Cordelia Lamb

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John:

     Brad and I are so grateful for your patience, talent, and effort in making our first dance so special. There are only a few pictures in this photo album, with the first being of us during the dance and I thought you might enjoy them.

Thanks and talk to you soon,  Stephanie

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John,

     I and thoroughly impressed with Karl.  Erica and I both enjoyed watching him perform.  You did a great job with encouraging him to take chances.  I would like to take more lessons with Erica soon as I know she enjoys it and it makes her so happy!!  

Thanks Ed     

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      Thanks for the best wishes.  I’ve thought of you often and thanked you quite often when a good dancer was dancing with me.  You taught me so much and gave me confidence in my dancing and myself.  I am forever grateful to you and wish you nothing but good health, happiness.

Joanne

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John,

     You deserve all the good publicity you get!  I always tell anyone who’ll listen what a great experience we had and how at our reception when the band broke into “At Last”…which we’d practiced to a recording….we just relaxed and remembered everything you taught us…and it was wonderful!  I’ll keep my eyes open for the article Baltimore Magazine.

xoxo Alice Petty (of Alice and Jason)

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John,

     Saturday was a perfect Maryland day for weather!  The wedding was beautiful!  Elicia was gorgeous and the Father/Daughter dance was a big hit!!!!!  They both had such poise and confidence!!  It was great!  We will have photos and a video!!!  Hopefully, NO videos of when Jim dropped me!!! He was giving the best man a dance lesson in the hotel lobby and dropped him, too!  Fortunately, he didn’t drop Elicia!!!  They looked beautiful!

     So many people were impressed with how well Jim danced that they were asking him for lessons at the wedding!  Anyway, he gave your name and phone
number to some local people!

Thanks for all of your help in making this happen!  Take care, Connie

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Hi John,      Just wanted to thank you again for all of your help.  We have tons of pictures but here are some that have pretty many dancing shots that I thought you’d enjoy.  We stole the show 🙂  Kev even pulled out a “left back drop”…and my dad and I pulled off the “flying V”.  The lift was hit!!! Thanks for all of your help!  We couldn’t have looked so sassy and polished without you! Kim and Kevin Culley

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,

     Thanks for making learning so fun.  Dance is my passion, I just never realized how hard it is.  One day I will get better !!!!! Practice practice practice!  I definitely need to come to one of your  party’s.  Thanks for having me, it really helps with my muscles..really body mind and soul.  When I am there I forget about all my problems.  It is a challenge, but a good on.  I always look forward to dance day.Have a terrific week !! Kylie, Jo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John,
     Hopefully you’re not too exhausted after this weekend. First, I wanted to tell you thank you for having enough faith in me to take me to the competition and for putting all the energy into it that you did.  I know organizing that can’t be easy.  Second, thank you for everything in general.  I love dancing with you, and although I didn’t do as well as I would have liked to, I know I didn’t dance my best, and I know what I have to work on. 
     Overall I had a great time though, and it was a great experience.  If you don’t think I’ll embarrass myself, I’d love to do it again (after a lot more practice).  Thank you again for everything. You’re awesome and I’m so glad I know you.
xoxo Michelle

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Hi John,

    I’m sorry to say I would no longer be attending our Sunday Dance Sessions.  It’s been almost a year since a big change happened in my life and I find that I need to spend some time alone to evaluate what I need to do and where I will be going moving forward.  It has been a fun experience dancing with you and Karl. 
I wish you the best of luck and God bless you for touching so many people’s lives.  Thank you 🙂

Joan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      I wanted to let you know that everything about the wedding was perfect.  I especially wanted to thank you for the one-on-one lesson.   I had the utmost confidence when partying with my wife.   More importantly, I could tell that it brought a constant smile to her face to have me dancing with her all night.  We were both soaking wet by the end of the night.  We will send a thank you to both you and Missy for the first dance (that was also perfect).  But I thought I owed you a personal thanks for the lesson we had together.  Thanks again!!!  Ralph

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Hi John. 

     We just got back from our honeymoon and I wanted to drop you a line to let you know our first dance was a success.  I am still amazed that you were able to teach 2 people with 2 left feet to dance like that.  We had so many people say to us, “I didn’t know you could dance like that!”  Little did they know that we couldn’t until about 2 weeks before the wedding. I have included a couple pictures for you of our first dance. 

Thanks again for your help and I am sure we will see you in the near future.  I am trying to talk Meredith and Craig Totusheck to come with us to one of your Dance Parties. 

Kelly Helmer

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John,

     While in Egypt, we attended a fabulous wedding with a big band style of music–Cha Cha, Foxtrot, freestyle, salsa, rumba—Walt and I danced all night (to 2:30 AM).  The crowd was young and old.  The “young folks” came up to us and remarked how fabulous we looked.  They wished their spouse danced as well as Walt.  Thanks to your lessons we are FABULOUS!!!!

Thanks a million….Sue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John,      Morgan and I have truly enjoyed all of our dance lessons with you.  You are such an incredible teacher, and you really know how to make your clients feel comfortable trying new things.  I think coming to dance lessons with you has even improved my relationship with Morgan.  It gives us an hour to have fun, be close, spend time together learning something new, and gives us time to trust each other.  I know our wedding guests, family, friends are going to be so amazed with our first dance.  We could never have done this without you,  if it weren’t for you we’d just be waddling out there!  We will certainly be in touch with you to let you know the big dance went.  We definitely want to continue taking lessons with you after we return from the honeymoon.  Thank you again!!!! Love, Noreen P.S.  You’re not bad at doin’ hair either!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John! 

      The wedding was great.  We just got home from Greece yesterday.  I’ll email you some pics of the wedding and dance.  It went okay, much harder to dance with the dress and all.  The dance floor ended up being a bit smaller than expected, but we got TONS of cheers for the promenade with under arm turn, the turns in the middle and the ending.  The dance with my dad went really well too!  We had a blast!   We were really happy with how it went.  Thank you so much for your help!  Once we get settled I’ll email you and set up some more time to dance!!!

Noreen & Morgan

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Hi J,
     The wedding was amazing.  I can’t begin to put into words the feelings that we had that night.  When Carrie and Josh looked at each other you could feel the LOVE.  Their dance was the best.  They were flawless.  Everyone could not stop talking about the dance.  It was great.

     Billy and Carrie danced ok, but he wants me to tell you that  he wasn’t prepared for her wedding dress getting in the way!!  He was stepping on her dress!! They still looked fine. We had a great time dancing. The band was great.  It was all free style dancing.  Fun Fun Fun!  Not one slow song that I remember.
 

Hope all is well. Looking forward to maybe seeing you soon.  xoxo Fran
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,

     THANK YOU, for the expert instruction.  We met three years ago, I think this month at the Promenade.  You were giving a group class.  I was with Lois and we joined your group.  I called you the next day and the rest is history.  It’s been a great learning process.  You are a wonderful instructor, counselor, friend and human being. 

DON

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John,

     April 1st Sam and I will be going to Buenos Aires for 10 day of Tango dancing with lessons from some of the worlds best Tango teachers, and shoes, shoes, shoes.  Although I dance very little ballroom now, I want you to know that one of the most important things in dancing I learned from you.  You told me to never do any thing that didn’t’ feel as if it came from me.  I carry that with me always and my heart and body knows when a step or movement isn’t mine and I drop it.  I get very nice complements on my dancing, you’re apart of that.  I remember you telling me that I should feel like a tea towel on the arm of a man and I’m often told that my body is poised and light.  I love to dance Tango.  This dance feels as natural to me as walking, so please don’t ever think that you’ve been forgotten.  You are with me in every dance.  P.S. Thank you

All My Love,  Jan 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      The showcase was breathtaking and totally a joy to see the results of all your hard work and efforts.  I felt very proud to sit and watch.  Thank you very much for being so wonderful and understanding.  I love you,  Tammy 🙂 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John, 

     I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed watching all the ladies and little ladies perform.  They were just great!!!!!!!!!!  Congratulations especially to you, the choreography was super.  I know you worked hard putting the showcase together and it paid off.  The ladies get better and better. Hope you can relax now.  Have a good week. Fondly, Lilly

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 John,
        Fred and Ginger need not worry!  Kevin & Kim, and Kim &  I did pretty well all thanks to the patience of a cool dance instructor.  Really enjoyed meeting with you and wanted to say thanks for all the help.  Additionally, it was a lot of fun.  Will be back in touch soon for some other SIMPLE moves with my wife. Pulled off the “W” step pretty well much to the delight of the crowd.  Thanks again John.  Could not have happened without you. 
        

Bill Siciliano
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,     Hey just wanted to let you know that the dance went better then expected.  Thank you so much for your help and I’m looking forward to working with you in the future…..another satisfied dancer, 

Jessica Memo of Jessica and Frank September 3rd, 2005

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Hey John! 

     Well it was wonderful!  We wowed them on the dance floor thanks to you!  I have to admit that we did not do all the moves that you taught us but the intro-walk on was a big applause getter!  And, from there we moved about the floor a bit and felt great.

Hope to see you again some time.

Christina

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John,
     I just wanted to thank you for the dance lessons!  It was wonderful at the wedding and everybody loved our first dance! You were great!! 
 

Thanks so much for everything, Dana


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      We got your CD yesterday of the photos from the wedding.  Thanks so much!  I really liked the smiley face too.  It’s so nice to be able to get pictures from a lot of people now, with the digital cameras.  We’ll look at the CD probably tomorrow, we are trying to select pictures to send to our parents, etc.      We had so much fun at the wedding.  Many people told us that they really liked our first dance, we would never have been able to do that without you! 

Thanks to you!!!  Nicolas

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,    

Mark and I just returned from Mexico and it was great!  We dominated the dance floor with our salsa and Merengue moves.  We even taught Mark’s “shimmy-down” move to the groom and his Mother!  It was really fun and we got tons of compliments.  Thanks again for all of your guidance!Sorry…no pictures.  We were too busy dancing! 

Love, Brannan

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Thanks again John,

     I had a great time.  One hour sure goes by fast!  I am just a little worried I am in no way good enough to dance!! But, I think I am going to give it a shot since you have been encouraging me so much!     I enjoy the dance but have a long way to go!!!!!!!  I just hope I can get better.  I worry about that ! But you do make it fun.  I just wish Tuesdays would come around a little faster, for when I am there, that’s all I think about…!  It’s like nothing else is going on but dance ….. Kylie,Jo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,

     You did a super job tonight at the Showcase.  You can see the fruits of your labors.  We all danced beautifully, thanks to you.  Much love, admiration and respect.

Ellen

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Hi John,
 

     What a great job you did!!!  I’m not surprised and I am extremely impressed.  Of course, you looked great and you made all the ladies look good, too.  I think David did a very nice job also.

See you Tuesday,   xo  Muriel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,

     Matt and I really enjoyed your class!  Our parents and friends have been jealous from the start (not that that should make us feel good or anything).  I do not know if we will be able to attend class next semester, but I would be interested to know if many of the people form our class will be attending it so that we know how geared towards us the class might be.
 

     Again, thank you for a wonderful semester and a some valuable life skills I hope to never forget. 

Sincerely, Katie Swartz
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Hi John,      The wedding went great.  Sarah and I just got back from our honeymoon.  Our first dance went very well.  We did a pretty good job I think.  It was nice to have something memorized so we didn’t have to think that much.  Thanks for all of your help and I will send you some pics once we get them. Brian

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Hey John,

     I’m not sure if our names ring a bell or not, but we had 5 dance lessons with you before our wedding on August 27th.   Anyway, we received our DVD of the wedding a month ago, and are now able to watch our entire dance on DVD.  We got quite the crowd reaction.  Everyone was literally amazed at how good we were!  My brother even started off his Best Man Toast by saying, “Well, apparently Shaun got dance lessons!”

     While we can’t email you our entire dance video since we just have that on DVD, we can email you a wedding vignette (a 3 minute video) which has a couple of our dance moves in it.

     Believe it or not, we actually were able to pull off all of our dance moves without any mistakes (though I’m sure I was being a little rigid during the rest of the dance, but oh well…)

Thanks again for such wonderful and fun lessons. We will try and make it back sometime soon for a follow-up lesson or for one of our parties.


Shaun & Melissa Broome
 

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John,

     We are lucky to have you as a dance teacher, but especially as a friend.  I’ll take care of Jenny.  I really appreciate you talking your truth to her.  I agree with all the stuff you said last night.  I try to tell her the same stuff, but I think it means something a little different coming from someone other than the ol’ ball n’ chain, you know?

     We’ll snap a lot of pix and tell the sisters to get us tearing it up on the dance floor.  If there’s some kind of crazy conga line, you might end up seeing me at the lead.  

John  & Jennifer


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Johnny D.

     I am late in writing you to give you the report on my brother’s wedding!  It was great, and the salsa dance lessons you gave us were SO useful.  We danced up a storm and got lots of comments, and it was so much FUN.  It helped that they had a great authentic band in the ‘old-style’ salsa tradition.  Thank you thank you for all the expert lessons you have given us over the past year and a half.  you are the best teacher.
 

      I think my husband felt great too.  My mom danced with him and said, “it’s so nice to dance with someone with rhythm!” 

     ALSO, you made me feel so positive about the dress and shoes I wore and just about myself in general.  I really took your words to heart to try to “let people enjoy me more” (??) and tried to just relax.  I don’t know what it is, but you just see into people and tell them what they need to hear…it’s a gift.  I know you know this.  But really, of all the voices in my head yours was a truly positive one and I took that with me.  Thanks, lovey.  You are a true sweetheart.
 

Hope you are well.  love to the kids (dogs).   Jennifer  
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John, 

     Thanks so much for the lesson.  I thought that Tom did really well with your coaching and I really appreciated your help with my turns.  I also really appreciated you taking extra time with us.

Take care, Fanny

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John,

     Congratulations on the big Philadelphia victory! I checked out the photos. Wow!

     I had to write and tell you how our wedding dance went, you’d have been so proud!  So, as you may remember, Jason and I planned to dance to a CD of Etta 
James singing “At Last” WELL….so the bandleader announces that we’re going to kick off the dancing and they started playing the song!  Like, playing and singing it!  Well, the singer sounded great, but the song sounded totally different! Argh!  But, here’s the thing, John……Jason was GREAT!  He totally improvised, kept it simple and when we got stuck, we waddled and laughed a little, did a quick little smooch and kept going. We did our diagonal thing, and our little dip at the end and then he picked me up and swung me around it was great. When I get some, I’ll send you a photo!

Thank you so much. You were a wonderful teacher!  xoxo Alice Petty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi there John, the dance/emotional coach EXTRAORDINAIRE!! 

     Thank you so much, I will look that CD up which suggested.  I too enjoyed the time and will get in my practice every chance I get and definitely work on the self-conscious part that has held me back.  Thank you ever so much for your gracious ,easy going and most competent approach to helping me achieve that.     
 

Enjoy the weekend.  Funda

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,      THANK YOU!!!!!!!  I’m so excited and look forward to my private lesson.  Bill will be coming with me.  Just can’t keep him away (ha, ha)  We had a great time at your party and the studio is wonderful.  You are a great teacher and friend.        Donna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,     You were just what we needed yesterday in this pre-wedding craziness!  Eddie and I truly enjoyed ourselves AND both of us learned so much at our dance lesson.  You are a wonderful teacher!  From one teacher to another, I know it’s not easy, but you sure made it seem so with a couple novices like us.  Thank you so much. Thanks again for your time and kindness:)  Happy Thanksgiving! Fondly, Colleen (we’ll be practicing – shoulders down and all!)  

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John,

     We were thinking of you during our honeymoon!  We rave about you to everyone…and hope that you get some business from it!  We continue to receive compliments about our dancing at the wedding.  It couldn’t have been more perfect. 🙂 
Take care and have a fabulous new year!


Love, Brannan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John,

     Your never ending energy (along with the help of David) enables all of us to show the benefit of our many hours spent with the greatest dance teacher in the world!!!!! (well, ok, maybe not the world, but definitely the universe.)Regards, and thanks for a fun eve.  Andy Jacobs

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Hi John,

     Colleen and I wanted to thank you for our ballroom dancing lessons.  We really enjoyed ourselves, you are a great teacher.  We also want to apologize for missing the last few class.  We have been real busy with school work.  We hope to catch you in an upcoming semester.  Have a great summer and thanks again. 
                
Colin LeStrange and Colleen Hayden (Loyola College)
 

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John, 
     I just wanted to say thanks for the ballroom class this year, I had an awesome time.  I never would have thought I could pull it off, but I can finally get up on the dance floor now thanks to you…and of course thanks to Liz as well.  Have a great summer and I hope to see you back here next semester for some more classes.
 

Alex Parker (Loyola College)

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     Your teaching experience sets you apart from other dance instructors.  Lucky us who know you.      Standing straight with abdominals contracted and clavicles forward, significantly diminishes the leg pain.  If I had only listened to you and your posture lessons sooner —– but I will now.   I am a textbook L4-5 injury.  Dancing is part of the solution.  That is good. Lois

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Hi John,
     Thank You for inviting me, I had a wonderful time ….even if I didn’t dance much.  I could feel the warmth and friendship generated by you and the group and it sure was a welcome change from what I have been doing….it was like sitting by the fire on a cold night and now I realize how important things like your class really are…..and your friends and your friendship…..I guess I was just lucky to have met you!
                                         

Thanks Again, Jack 
 

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       We had such a great time!  My uncle said he got the dance on tape and I think I remember people clapping when we did the underarm turn.  My sister said the dance was very nice!  Everyone we have talked to said that was the most fun they have had at a wedding.  Thank you so much for all of you time!  

Kari & Mike                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh my gosh! 

     You were an absolute hit and godsend.  You kept Michelle and her friends right on the dance floor (in keeping with my fondest hopes, wishes and plans).  Michelle was thrilled.  She is still hugging and thanking me.  The kids loved it!  I’ve gotten more compliments and positive comments about you and the great job you did — from the kids and parents alike.  Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!      I’m glad you enjoyed it.  I hope you both truly did, that you had enough to eat and drink, and that you’d do it again when we call on you next.  You and David are wonderful!  It was a pleasure to meet and spend time with you both.  I hope we get to see much more of you and hopefully when I’m able to relax and just enjoy the company! Take care, and thank you both again, from the bottom of my heart. Love, Camille (one exhausted but very happy mother!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      I’m in the middle of packing for the HM, but I just wanted to say thanks again.  Our 1st dance turned out amazingly wonderful.  All of our guests commented, and some actually told us to stop “showing off” but the biggest compliment was Tony’s Mom.  I was told that she had tears in her eyes as she watched us, and she couldn’t believe that it was her son dancing so beautifully and it all translated well into their Mother and son dance as well.  You made it easy and so much fun! Take Care,  Kelly

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hey John,      We just got back from Aruba last night.  Wow what a great time.  The wedding was great and the dance started everything off.   Everyone was very impressed, you might be getting some referrals.  You are the man!  Any way we’re going to get settled in the next few days, get some pictures developed and then it’s Rumba time.  We danced alot in Aruba and that was the dance to know down there. Thanks again!!  Adam and Candice Daley

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John,

      Thank you for all of your good wishes!  Thanks to you, we are ready to dance and show off what we learned with you this Saturday!  We will be in touch to let you know how everything went!  We both enjoyed working with you and getting to know you,  and practicing for the dance was the best part of all of this wedding preparation!
 
Have a wonderful weekend!  Jenny and Keegan
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Hey John, 

     Just got back from the honeymoon.  Thought you’d like to know the first dance was wonderful! We got a ton of compliments and directed them all to you. Everyone was very impressed with what you were able to do with a couple of rookies in just 3 lessons.  I’m sure you’ll be getting more business down the road from some of our guests.  Thanks again for all your help and patience.

Regards, Chris

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John,

     We have not forgotten you but it takes a while for life to settle down after the wedding.  I just posted a very good review for you on theknot.com website.  You helped us so much.  The dance—well—we had fun with it and Jason was a great leader, my following was a little troubled because my dress was a little too long but it looked good and the pictures of our dance are great.  We just got our formal pictures back yesterday but we will send you a few of us dancing–of course Jason pointed out that he was holding me wrong but we had fun with it.

     I cannot thank you enough for making yourself available and for making it fun.  With three glasses of champagne I was able to relax and have fun and Jason was ready to lead.  🙂

 Thanks so much.  Nichole~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John,      How are things?  Glad you had a good time at our wedding.  Sorry that you couldn’t stay longer.  Honeymoon was great, but short.  When we got back to work, it was back to reality.  We haven’t had a chance to dance since Vegas.  We went to a ballroom dance at the Gold Coast Casino.  It was crowded and therefore not much room to move.      We’re still getting positive comments on our entrance for our 1st dance.  It surprised everybody.  Pressie was very happy about the whole thing.  I’m also very proud of her since that was her very first time to perform in public and she had to cram so much stuff in a relatively short period.  You really did a lot helping us to prepare – much appreciated. We’ll make the time to see you and everybody else perform in the upcoming showcase. Take care,  Bob & Pressie Reyes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear John Dawson,      I have been meaning to write you, say hi, thank you, AND tell you what a great time John Stinson and I had dancing at our wedding.  The band kind of f—ed up our first song (S-L-O-W) but we had a great time anyway and otherwise the band was great and people danced literally all night.  Re: “All of Me” John and I practiced the whole week in the basement of my parents’ house and took to heart your fabulous guidance.  Thank you!!!  We are so grateful to you for your lessons and encouragement and we’re much better than when we started.  It was worth it 100% and you are a great teacher.  But, you already know that!       Good luck in the competitions.  I look forward to seeing you again.  Will you be wearing something orange?  Jennifer

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John,
     
     We are back from wedding wonderland and it was just incredible,  euphoric actually.  You will be happy to hear that bride and Dad were a smash as were bride and groom.  And that Dad danced the Hora like a pro!  Thanks to you.  We hope to continue on but are going to be away on and off for a bit.  We’ll be in touch.  Thanks.  By the way the band was absolutely fantastic.
 

Shifra

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Hi John,

     We had a good time on our cruise on the Caribbean Princess.  There was so much dancing, in the morning, later afternoon, and ALL night if you could do it. 
This cruise had so many activities and shows at night my biggest problem was fitting it all in.  We dance between shows and late after the shows were finished.
We danced about 2 hours a day. Everybody on the ship called us “the dancers”.  We actually did pretty good, our Waltz looked and felt right.  The other dances
were pretty good too.  There was one another couple that danced pretty well.  The man took 20 years of lessons and has been dancing for 27 years.  He enjoyed
dancing with me, and I think I followed well. 


Linda & Marvin
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,      I hope you know how much I enjoy taking dancing lessons with you.  I just wish I was better at it but I am not giving up.  You are stuck with me and Paul (when I can get him there).  If I could I would come twice a week.  I think Paul would kill me or think I was crazy.  My sister called from Florida Thursday evening wanting to know where I had been.  I told her I was at my dance lesson and of course she laughed.  I don’t know why everyone laughs.  You think they might be jealous.!!!!!! I wish we had started taking lessons a number of years ago.  Kisses, Lilly

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Dear John,

Thank you so much for the amazing photos from our wedding!  And please, please, please thank David for us and tell him how thrilled we are with them!  My mother is in New York City (helping take care of Treasa’s brand-new nephew!) and she called this morning (after Treasa started emailing them out) because she was SO excited about David’s photos!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Not only did you make our day so wonderful with your music as you kept the party going, but now we have such terrific images from the day as well! David’s are the best so far, and we are so happy with them!

John and I especially love the photos of him chowing down on the cake, while I try to take care of things. 😉

I hope everything is going well for you and your lovely dogs! Thanks again!    Rita
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John!!!! You will be so proud of us.  We danced the dance, not the Lambada, but our walk-a-samba! And we did not fall or step on each other or anything!! We even danced to the whole song and people cheered and yelled for us. Abby even said she was shocked at how much fun we had doing it (we talked and laughed the whole time) and how great  we were- we v stepped like champs!! When we get the video, you will be among the first to watch!!! Let’s set a date so we can get together!!! Kelly and Drew

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi John,

     Just a note to let you know how very special I think you are.  I really enjoyed my “first time”.   I’m relieved that I’m not a “virgin” anymore, so watch out, I could possibly “get this” after all.  You are a magnificent dancer and an equally wonderful person.  In just this short time of knowing you, I feel extremely comfortable with you and trust you in that you truly want everyone to have fun and enjoy life. After all, that is what it’s all about—bottom line.  LIVE -LOVE- LAUGH & DANCE  DANCE  DANCE !!! 

Love Ya, Karyl    ( w/ a K ) 

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Hi John,
        

     Thanks for the E-Mail.  You are a great teacher and I look forward to learning more from you.  You have great words of wisdom for single women on the approach of dancing.  I’m definitely getting my monies worth.  As you can see, I do enjoy dancing very much.  I’ll look forward to a group of us going to Redwood Trust.  It’s always nice to go to new places and met new people.  It also helps to have friends at the new places.  I think that is a great idea.  I wish we could get more groups to go out more often.

 
Belva Jean

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Hi JOHN! 
 

     Well, we are back from the honeymoon but crazy getting settled and back to a normal routine!!!! AHHHHH!  I thought you would enjoy seeing one of the pictures from “the dance.”  Bill did a great job.  We will make an appointment to see you in the near feature once we have the video so you can see the fruits of your labor!  I didn’t leave the dance floor the whole night!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  
 

Love, Shannon and Bill

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Thanks for the encouragement John!

     We are having so much fun, and I know that Mark and Martina had fun also.  You really have a gift: in both as dance an art and form of expression, and in helping people to have fun and feel good about dancing.   Thank you for sharing that gift with us.  

Take care, Kris and Heather
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Hi, John

     Congratulations to you and Missy on your latest success!  I am glad the judges see the same thing I do when I see you two dance you are a winning combination!  Dancing is becoming more and more important to me and I owe this partly to you and the fun lessons we shared. You are a very inspiring teacher!

Love and kisses — Sherie

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John,

     Just a quick note to thank you for last night’s lesson!!   We look forward to each Tuesday evening learning a few new dance steps, re-learning steps you’ve already shown us (sorry about that!), trading stories, and of course, the poodles too!  I think the thing that “keeps us coming back” is that you’re a great instructor, you keep it fun and provide a perfect environment in which to learn!!

Just wanted to say thanks! Have a great day!!  Scott

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John,

      We have disappointing news.  As a result of the chaos preparing for our wedding while maintaining active professional/social lives in New York, we have not been practicing our dance steps and will only be prepared to wiggle and waddle as beginners when “Stand By Me” is played on 6/7/03.  We want you to know how much we appreciate all your efforts teaching two poor dancers how to seamlessly move on the dance floor.  

Thanks again, Todd & Megan

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John, 
     The wedding was great.  The band was fun and it was cool to be able to dance to their music.  Thanks for all of your help!  We did the entire thing we planned with one little mess up, but recovered from it without anyone realizing.  I have some friends who want to take more lessons with us.  

Thanks again and take care,  Nikki 

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Hey John,

     A friend told me that I should be proud to win first place.  I told her that I will never be proud because I would always need to improve my dancing.  I look at the competitions differently than most people do.  I joined it for fun but I got more.  I gained new friends, got even closer with my old friends and saw a different view of my JOHN DAWSON!

      You are an extraordinary person.  You are not just a dance instructor, you are a true friend.  Someone who cares for his students.  I feel blessed to have known you.  You make everyone feel important and know how to get your group together.  Your dancing girls are awesome and I love them all, very nice people.  I feel blessed too to have known them.  This is very gratifying to me, forget about the prize.  Having fun along the way and enjoying the friendship we all have are the most important to me.  Thanks a million John!!!

Lynne

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Hi John,

     I am still pumped from all the excitement last week.  What a fantastic experience!   I can’t thank you enough for your love, confidence and support.  I have always dreamed of trying a comp but never had the self confidence to try until I met you.  I felt like a winner just walking on the floor with you.  The results were a bonus!!   I now am even more motivated to continue.

     I agree with Lynne that the greatest part of this experience was the bonding with you, Marie and Missy.  Not to mention all the others who came to watch and support us.  You are a fantastic person and you attract the same into your circle.  I feel honored to be a part of it and to call you my friend.  

Lots of love and kisses!!!  Nancy

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John,

     The dance was perfect (or at least I think so).  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  The dance lessons were such a big help throughout the wedding.  We had a fantastic time!  We missed you.  I will bring in pictures when we come in.  I definitely want to continue.  I’ll let you know when we are ready to start again.  See you soon!
 
Stacy

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Hi John,
         Just wanted to thank you so much for suggesting such great songs for our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah on Sunday.  We used Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez.  Everyone went crazy when they played it and our group got up to light the candle.  Thanks again for helping to make our party a success.

Elaine

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     Thanx so much for checking up on me.  It was very thoughtful of you.  I have been doing better and the sunshine certainly helps.  This winter was a very long and arduous one.  I still get out every Friday and dance with Fran and I hope as I get my life in better order we can resume my lessons.

     I started working again, I’m back on wall street and have been enjoying it and still playing daddy to my big girl (she turned 9 last week).  I’m hiking, biking, tubing, running and swimming and I’m confident I will have a great summer.  I may even pop in for your party if I’m in town.  If I don’t see you, have a great party and Happy BDay.  I feel blessed to know you and I hope to see you shortly!
 
Lots of love and hugs,  Jack

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Dear John,
         The kids were amazing.  Ivor and Ruth were amazing.  You should know how often we all spoke about how we wished you could have been there.  We know how much fun you would have had, and so many folk (especially the men) wanted to dance with you!. Michael told us that, as did Uri and the Diamonds. Several of those who know recognized your mark on Josh’s dancing.
         Anyway, hopefully the video will be terrific when it comes and we  can all enjoy it together.  Thanks so much for what you did.  You will be a part of this wedding for ever.  

We love you.   Jill

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John,
     It was WONDERFUL to meet you on Sunday.  I can’t tell you how excited I am about opening this door of Dancing with Toby.  He really enjoyed himself also.
We were chatting about class and were wondering if it was possible to meet with you twice a week until the cruise.  I know you have a busy schedule.
     I was talking to my Mom and telling her about the fun class, good vibes,  etc., and she thought it was hilarious that you said my biggest challenge was going to be to let Toby LEAD me instead of the other way around.  She said I always WAS bossy.  I prefer to think of it as self-assured, he he.
 
See you soon,   Sara Beth

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     Everything went great John!  I heard many comparisons to Fred & Ginger – Sanford and Baker, that is.  Seriously though, all was terrific!  I poked my head in a couple of times to your studio but have not caught you yet.  I wanted to thank you for you wonderful work.  

Thanks again,   The Mendozas AKA Steve and Dee

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Dear John,

     Thanks for your good wishes.  Dancing lessons with you have made the past year really great!  You bring joy and love and positive energy to our lives.  After many years of marriage its so great to be dancing and have new perspective.  Thanks for giving us of yourself and your talents.
 

Love, Miriam and Forrest

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Hi John,
     I continue to have lots of fun and learn in your classes.  I never thought I’d like dance as much as I have.  Thanks for being such a great teacher!

Thanks, Evan

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     Saturday night was fun.  You surround yourself with good people which is so enriching to all of us.   I’m so glad I met you a year ago this week.  I guess we are having our first “dance” anniversary.  It’s been an outstanding year for me.  My life is so much richer.  Thank you for being my friend.

Love ya, Nancy


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Hi John     
     Greetings from Aruba!!  Just wanted to let you know that we kicked ass in our dance.  Bryon says we were off beat but I didn’t notice!  No mistakes!!  Everyone was crying and in awe.  Even Bryon’s friends were impressed.  No one made fun of him  It was GREAT  You would have been proud.  We will send you a copy of it when we get the tape from the videographer.  I can’t wait to see it myself.  We are in Aruba now and Bryon is passed out from drinking too much at the pool today, so I thought I would let you know how well we did.  Thank you so much for working with us, you are a great teacher.  You are such a terrific person with such a good heart.  

Thanks again John, we love you Merri and Bryon Boswell

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John!

     You have done the impossible-made dancing fun-for both of us.  I refer you to folks all the time and sing your praises.  You have an intuitive sense for how people learn, a friendly, non-threatening manner and the uncanny ability to present the information in a way that a  computer scientist and a counselor can enjoy and learn at the same time.  We both very much appreciate your kindness, humor and patience as you put us through our steps!  Thank you-and I look forward to our next lesson!

     You have a great gift to teach dance to those of us global-non-linear thinkers as well as those linear folk…  You are able to teach however the pupil best learns-this is a gift!  One I know both of us enjoyed!

Marcia Merrill

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      Lessons with John Dawson are always so fantastic!  John is a unique dance teacher and a special person!  He is not interested only in getting you to do the steps, he works on the whole “you”…the attitude, the stance, the mind.  If you are short he teaches you how to create the illusion of length.   If you are tall he helps to diminish the gangliness and replace it with grace.  As only a great teacher can, John is constantly assessing not only the dance progress, but the needs of each individual’s personality, and adjusts his teaching and comments accordingly.  Quite frankly, without my weekly dose of John and dancing, I feel out of sorts, off balance, and unhappy.

Elaine Gittlen

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     Thanx for the experience of your web page.  Clever.  I am an avid dancer.  Even though I did not receive specific dance lessons, I have enjoyed dancing at all occasions where dancing is possible.  From concerts to parties to weddings, I will dance and feel free in that expression.  I have danced with John.  He is moving in more ways than one and brings out the best in everyone.  If you are given the opportunity to be in his presence, I can assure you will not forget your dancing experience.

 M. Flick

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     Marcie and I are trying to refer as many folks as we can to you. We have been extremely satisfied with you classes and it has been fun getting to know you.  See you Wednesday.  Thank You and Best Regards.

Sean R. Koenig

(Marcie Kronberg and Sean Koenig are to wed November 17th, 2001 visit their web site @ )

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      John makes learning ballroom dances fun, so I learn faster and better.  He gives helpful, non-threatening feedback, and has a real sense of humor.  I recommend John to people who want to dance better, look good, and feel confident on the dance floor.

Beth (Germantown, MD)

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John,

     This is Christine Kirtz (newlywed).  I just wanted to tell you how great our First Dance was-in large part because of all your help.  We did the show pony & our first turn and our families and friends went nuts.  It was like the final scene of Dirty Dancing!!!    David and I had a blast.  I have been telling people if they want to learn how to dance to give you a try it worked for us.  If you can get  Dave (who could play football for Ravens) light on his toes and laugh the whole time too, that’s pretty special.  Thanks again for the wonderful memories.

Christine & David Kirtz (Married on May 19th, 2001)

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     When I signed up to start dancing lessons, I wanted to learn how to dance.  Now, the learning part of the whole experience is secondary.  Dancing is time for my husband and myself, along with another special couple, to spend together.  While we are dancing, I can feel the stresses from my life begin to drain out of my body.  We’ve been taking lessons with John Dawson for years, on and off, and have found him to be a wonderful teacher and friend.  He has a very relaxed teaching manner, and that makes us relaxed.    Thank you John, for all the happiness and laughter you’ve added to my life.

Jessica Kissel

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     John has a unique way of teaching.  Through all of his life experiences, he knows that not all of us learn the same way.  By using several different techniques, John has made us feel relaxed and move with the music.  John has shown us that while we are learning, we do not have to take ourselves so seriously and that dancing is FUN!  Keep up the good work.

Beth and Jack Kirtland

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      John Dawson is a very fine and dedicated dance instructor. My experience with John’s dance lessons over many years has been enjoyable and very helpful and very productive. I’m glad that I was fortunate enough to begin working with John many years ago. His genuine interest in his students’ progress and enjoyment is a real find. His interest in and care about his students’ progress make his lessons truly enjoyable.

John makes learning to dance fun !!!  Howard Asplen

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     John, you are a truly unique individual full of love and compassion for others.  I feel honored to know you and I am glad we struck up a conversation in the make and take room.   Thank you for the joy you have given us just by knowing you and sharing your talent of dance and humor.  

Love  SUPERSTAR  RIDGELY!    P.S.   I love the nickname can you tell?

Ridgely and Patrick Furness

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     We really enjoyed your dance classes and the opportunity to participate.  Hope you never change your style of teaching.  We look forward to more classes when we next get to Baltimore and keeping up-to-date with all the news ’till then.  We’re sure to have some questions when we get back into dancing in the next few days.  Will contact you soon.

Mike and Lois Kitchell     (They live in Australia but visit 2 months out of the year.)

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John,

Just wanted to drop you this quick note to thank you for the GREAT lesson this past Sunday!!  With each class, we can always count on learning something new and having a GREAT TIME!!!  You put the fun into dance, John!  We look forward to many more classes with you.  See you this Sunday!

Your Friends,  Dian and Jerry Hicks

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John,

The foxtrot dance went awesome, as did the rest of the wedding.  We messed up all over the place on the swing, but were having so much fun that no one noticed and we didn’t care.  I had no problem doing the saucy parts of the swing (remember how embarrassed I was in your studio?!).  We’ll bring in the video and pictures as soon as we get them and will talk to you soon about the rest of our lessons!

Thanks for everything!

Erica & Jason Mah (Married on March 31st, 2002)

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John,

     I truly cannot wait until Mondays.   I love learning, practicing, dancing, and talking with you.  I do feel better about my skills and I know with time I will get better yet.  I’ve started another exercise/eating program and hope to look better yet.  I know where I want to be.  Have a great week and weekend.  See you on Monday.  Great to hear from you.

Joanne

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       I had to beg my fiancĂ© for months to take dance lessons.  I was so afraid that he would complain the whole time, but John Dawson is so much fun that I know that my fiancĂ© enjoys the lessons — even though he won’t admit it!  In fact, last night he even asked to go to the Belvedere for their Wednesday night dancing.  My fiancĂ© does not know yet, but I hope to continue the lessons even after we get married!  It goes without saying, but John Dawson is the best thing since sliced bread…

Robin J. Siegel

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John,

     Thanks so much.  Chris and I wanted to take lessons prior to our wedding but ran out of time.  Before taking lessons, we would either only dance to fast songs separately or waddle to slow songs.  Finally, we took advice from another client of yours and came for lessons.  Now, we both feel great about being out on the dance floor.  I feel sexy and Chris looks handsome and proud.  What a feeling!  The Long and Short of it …we are hooked.  We want to learn all of the dance styles.  So, the next wedding we surprise everyone, most of all ourselves.

Thanks a million.   Heather and Chris

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Hi John,

     Joe and I look forward to Wednesday nights class.  I’m fortunate to have Joe as my partner.  Thank you for making our Wednesday nights fun!!!  Also thanks for not giving up on me and I do appreciate your words of encouragement.  Our dancing group “The Stumps” which includes three couples, started taking lessons a year and a half ago.  All six of us are lucky to have you as a friend as well as our dance instructor.  John has taught us patience and grace.  Every lesson he encourages us adding humor here and there.  “The Stumps” are no longer stationary at social events.  We are like branches blowing in the wind on the dance floor.  See you Wednesday.

Ann Menning

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John,

      Thank you so much, for the kinds word and your teaching.  I feel as if I’m getting to where I want to be with my dancing.  I don’t know how to thank you for helping to satisfy what ever it is in my soul that makes me have to dance, it’s priceless to me.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I couldn’t imagine dancing with you.

With admiration,  Jan

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John,

      Everything went great!  It was a great day all the way around.  My back didn’t hurt at all, and we were able to do the dip at the end.  I slept like a baby the night before, but couldn’t sleep a wink after the wedding.  It was so much fun, I couldn’t come down from that wedding high.  I am planning on sending you a snapshot or two.  Thanks for making us look great out on the dance floor.  We’re off to Aruba.

Tia and Doug George (Married on March 30th, 2002)

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John,

     …you are a joy to dance with.  You have a unique gift for bringing out the best in my dancing and you give me the confidence I need to dance even better.  You not only make learning (not to mention hard work!) fun, but you are also a truly good friend.  Lessons are never long enough!!  Thanks, John, for the special joy you have brought into my life since we started dancing together!!

Deborah Lewis

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Hi John,

     We wanted to let you know our wedding dance (5-11-02) was a success, thanks to you!  We had such a great time taking lessons with you.  We wanted to start taking lessons again sometime this summer, since we are moving to Canton in a few weeks.

Thanks again, Lisa and Todd Baldanza

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Dear John,

     Lawrence Welk the bandleader would always say at the end of the TV show in his accent…..”wunnerful!”  That is what our lessons are with you.  We have taken for about 11 years out of the 25 we have been dancing come this Nov 2nd and never has Jerry really been that “happy” after or during a lesson.  He has done it for me and did care now and then and did feel an accomplishment in doing it, but it was always a chore.   As he got older, it became more of a chore than fun, but he would go to dances and show off and was proud of himself.  With you, he smiles the whole time & afterwards.  He loves his lessons with you, it is no chore. The reason being your knowledge, your personality and you dance with each of us.  You jump in and teach us ourselves or together, and you make it a joy rather than a chore.  He is proud of himself and of us and he “kvells” ( a Yiddish word for pride and happiness).  I deserved, finally, for my husband to be happy in his dancing and HE IS, though he will not admit it too loudly.

     You are a joy and we have great happiness looking forward to Wednesdays.  You did it with your magic and your psychological knowledge.  You know how to handle your students, and your encouragement and your enlightenment now illuminates our Wednesdays.  Wednesdays are now my favorite day!!!

     So dear, John Dawson, it was a lucky day when I met a new doctor and he mentioned your name.   He pranced around the floor to show me his foxtrot and I said, “who is your coach?” and he bragged to me that he and his fiancĂ©e were taking from you.  Thus, this many splendored event.  I could NOT have done any better when I met you for our dance teacher.   You are the highest rung on our beautiful dance ladder.  We will not fall off.   We will continue to rise up to all the dance glories, brilliance, grandeur there is and all because of you…

Fondly,  Elita  S. Clayman

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Hey John,   

     Steve and I had the most wonderful time at the wedding.  You did a fabulous job.  We’re back from Florida and had a great time.  The wedding and reception were fantastic.  We just received our video back and watched our dance.  For days, all family and friends talked about was our dance.  My father said people that did not even go to the wedding were calling him and telling him that Steve and I looked beautiful dancing together.  Props to you!  We couldn’t have imagined a smoother and more enjoyable evening.  Thank you so much for the considerable part you played in bringing it about.  All we’ve heard are rave reviews on the dance  We will send you some pictures when we get them so you can share the memories.    Keep in touch and let us know of any dance parties/events… we’ll try to work in some future dance lessons as well… maybe once a month or so when we all have time…    Again, thanks for everything…everything was fantastic and it was great having you there… I hope you enjoyed yourself as well!  Thanks again for everything, John, you are so special.   Ciao!

Much Love, Suzanne & Stephen Judge  (Married on May 25th, 2002)

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John,

     I wanted to thank you for everything.  Ursula and I had so much fun and enjoy your company.  We will make sure you get a picture of us dancing at the wedding.  When we get back, we would like to get together and have dinner and tell you all about the wedding.

Regards, Todd and Ursula Slutkin  (Married on June 22nd, 2002)

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John,

     We just had the wedding of the century and our dance lessons served us well.  First of all Becky & Chris had everyone in awe as they glided across the dance floor for their first dance.  The dip was especially impressive.  Mark and I did a lot of dancing too.  I think when you are really ecstatic you tend to dance a lot.  And, many of our friends commented on how accomplished and relaxed we were.  All of the wedding plans came off with out a hitch.  Naturally, it all went by in an instant.  When we get some pictures or video we will share them with you.  The kids are off on their honeymoon to London and we are going to now try to catch up with the rest of our lives.  We will stay in touch and perhaps do some more dancing when things settle down.  Keep up the good work as you spread happiness and joy to all of your lucky clients.

All the Best!  Jill & Mark Levin            (Becky and Chris Kent married on July 6th, 2002)

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Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I never doubted your talent one bit.  Your lead is always superb even for simple dancer like me.   Your moves and steps are so calculated, practiced, timed, refined & elegantly executed.  I can go on & on.  I’m not an objective judge when it comes to you.  I hope you are well.  I will see you soon.  Hugs & kisses……. Ammie    (In regards to the July 2002 Virginia State Championship Dance Competition)

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Hi John!

     Well let’s just say our first dance was quite interesting.   However, we had a blast!  We were able to pull off the chorus and everyone loved the John Travolta move.   I must admit Jon nailed the line dance and I forgot it completely.   It worked out alright because no one could see my feet.  I just wanted to thank you for all of your help.  We would have never been able to get away with a first dance like that without your help.  I truly appreciate your guidance and patience with both of us.  We emailed you some pictures to enjoy.  Thanks again, Our first dance truly set the tone for the whole evening which was absolutely perfect!

Sincerely,  Jodi and Jon Cohen

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Thanks John…

     Everyone thought we looked great.   The dress was a slight hurdle but your “coaching” allowed us to just go with the flow and work around it.  Hope all is well and maybe I can get Ken to dance again.   

Stacy and Ken Valentine

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Hi John,   

     I had a really good time at your class tonight and I really learned a lot.   I would like to join you and your friends as often as possible.   I really enjoyed the people in the class too, they were all so friendly and pleasant.  I am also interested in private lessons.   It is a pleasure to know you and I feel privileged to learn from such a gifted individual.  I know that nothing good comes easy and it just takes time, dedication and practice; just like anything else.  Thank you for your dedication and I am sure that with your help, Ill do just fine.  Oh, did I mention that this is fun and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Jack Martin

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Hey! 

     I just wanted to thank you again for letting me be a part of your dance classes these past two semesters.  I had so much fun, especially getting to dance with you.  I love dancing and getting to dance with someone as skilled (and fun!) as you are was really a treat.  But, thank you again for everything.    See you later!!

Treasa

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John,

     Interesting. You provide your students with dance “know how”; that breeds confidence, social interactions increase, self esteem rises, sadness and depression decreases. You are a public service.

Lois

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John,

     Just wanted to let you know that the dance was AWESOME!!  People were soooo impressed and really had a great time!   We got about a million compliments…. and spread your name around quite a bit!  My uncle video taped the whole entrance and dance…we will send you a copy as soon as we get it… probably closer to Christmas.  Thank you so much for all of your time and energy.  We really could not have done it without you.  You really made our day special. 

     We are leaving for St. Lucia tomorrow…..to bask in the sun!  We will look forward to dancing with you in the future…. got a few more dances we would like to learn!

Lots of love and gratitude!   Amy and Tim Simms

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John

     Congratulations!  It sounds as if the two of you did quite well in the competition!  Jonathan and I did very well with our wedding waltz.  Thank you!  The beginning and ending went well, and he did the twinkle, underarm turn, and turning box.  If and when I get pictures of our dance, I’ll send you one.  Otherwise, I’ll just send you a picture from the wedding.

Happy New Year!  Mechelle (Lesher) Bray and Jonathan

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Dear John,

     I just wanted to let you know how much Barry and I enjoyed the dance lessons.  You really made it fun.   Please let us know when and where you are competing, we would love to see you and how it is supposed to look.  Thanks also for working with Allyson & Keith.   They looked great on the dance floor, very relaxed. We hope to see you soon.

Marilyn and Barry Dubin

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John,

     Looking forward to tonight.   I’m so glad that it did not snow today/  I was afraid it would snow and then we would miss seeing you tonight for our lesson.

A WEEK WITHOUT DANCE IS LIKE A WEEK WITHOUT SUNSHINE!

Sonja and Scott Fraser

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John,

     I’ve consistently enjoyed your fun-loving and engaging style of teaching.  You’re the only dance teacher I’ve ever had but one of the most, if not THE most, supportive teachers I’ve ever worked with.  

Thanks, Evan

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John…

     Thanks for your instruction.  Bob and I had a great time at class prior to our wedding!  It was great to have a little skill under our belts!  It has been interesting to hear about your competitions and open-dances via email.  Thank you again for your time and energy in class.  You truly have the gift of teaching.  Best of luck to you in the future.

In peace, Lauren (Szczepaniak) LaPointe and Bob

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John-

     I don’t know if we ever emailed you to tell you thank you for the dance lessons, but we enjoyed them very much and the wedding was perfect.  The dancing couldn’t have been better and everyone was impressed!   Sometime we will have to show you the video!  Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!

love,  Matt and Derry Agnini

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     I really do enjoy your class and am looking forward to learning more from you.  Thank you for a wonderful time.  You’re the best.  You’re right…my head was definitely turned around after spending the time in your class.  I never knew this could be such good therapy.   You’re a great teacher and we’re both looking forward to learning more from you.

P.S.  I’m working on loosening up my hips for the cha-cha.  Hopefully you’ll see some improvement next time.  It’s just hard getting these hips to work right.  Take care of yourself and remember…we still owe you a drink some night.

Jeff and Danielle

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     I can’t believe its been almost a year since John  and I took lessons from you!  We did shine on the dance floor thanks to your instruction and we are sooooooo glad that we were prepared, with your help and advice, to dazzle everyone!   It went very well.   John did great!  I will try to find an extra picture for your wall.

Nina and John

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HI JOHN!

     Well, we are back from the honeymoon but crazy getting settled and back to a normal routine!!!! AHHHHH!  I thought you would enjoy seeing one of the pictures – from “the dance.”   Bill did a great job.  We will make an appointment to see you in the near feature – hopefully once we have the video so you can see the fruits of your labor!  I didn’t leave the dance floor the whole night!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  Love,   Shannon and Bill Frederick

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Hi John,

     Thanks for your message!  Thank you so much for working with us a few times.  We know it was short, but it was very helpful and made us want to dance more!  Hopefully we will just smile, have fun, and show off a couple of things we learned.  Then we’ll tell people we took a few lessons and send them your way 🙂 We would love to learn some other dances, so hopefully we will see you again….and under less stressful circumstances 🙂  We’ll bring back the good weather from St. Lucia!

Love, Michelle & Rob

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Hi John,

     Congratulations on your Philly accomplishments.  Hopefully, you celebrated your accomplishments by having a nice meal in Philadelphia.  I knew you and Missy would do well in the Rumba.  I hadn’t seen your other routines, but your Rumba routine was very engaging.   Some dance routines you kind of brush off, as ya this is great the couple is moving 180 bpm and they are not sweating and look at their kool-aid grins…how could they be happy?  I must admit your routine had the Cirque du Soleil effect.  It seemed so fresh and well coordinated and almost seemed like Missy was melting under your lead as she performed her amazing Pilates/yoga/ballet like dance steps (translation: great dancing combined with a little drama….good thing).  

Mike Kubik

P.S.    you have an amazing ability to switch dances on a moment’s notice almost like a jukebox machine.  Most importantly, each of your dances are injected with the same high quality and high energy.   Is it the PowerGel that keeps you going?

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John,

     Your hard work and dedication to your students does not go unnoticed.  I want to thank you again for all the help you have given in getting our dance routine to where it is today.

Liza

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     I’m so honored that you remember to always include me in your gatherings & important events.  You just don’t know the warm feelings it gives me when I check my e-mail & see your name.   I’m sure you all were wonderful & electrifyingly great.  After all they studied @ the “John Dawson School of Supercalifragilistic Expialidoucious Dancers” of which I’m an alumni.  Gosh! that makes me full of wonderfulness tooooooooo.                           

I will be there in spirit as always & your biggest fan.     

LOVE & KISSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ammie

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     I’m so honored that you remember to always include me in your gatherings & important events.  You just don’t know the warm feelings it gives me when I check my e-mail & see your name.   I’m sure you all were wonderful & electrifyingly great.  After all they studied @ the “John Dawson School of Supercalifragilistic Expialidoucious Dancers” of which I’m an alumni.  Gosh! that makes me full of wonderfulness tooooooooo.                           

I will be there in spirit as always & your biggest fan.     

LOVE & KISSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ammie

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