STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES
“John’s teaching not only prepared me for success in the theatre industry, it prepared me for success in the real world. His dance classes taught me technique, precision, and challenged me in the best possible ways. Beyond that, he was a mentor in every way that a student needs as they are about to enter the professional industry. I’m forever grateful for his leadership inside, and outside of the classroom.”
-Logan Marks (Western Carolina University Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Mark in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Rent
Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys at the Riverside Theatre
“Taking John's classes has deeply improved my audition skills and confidence. He made sure that I was prepared to dive into not only the classical musical theatre tap stylings, but also the current rhythm tap being presented on Broadway today. He is a great mentor because he is an even better student; staying up to date so that he can pass on the new information to his students. I dedicate my recent bookings in White Christmas, 42nd Street, and Singing in the Rain to him.”
-Michael Motkowski (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Ensemble in A Christmas Story: The Musical at the Lexington Theatre Company
Ensemble in 42nd Street at the Palace Theatre
“Taking John's Musical Theatre Dance classes as both a student and as his assistant was an invaluable experience that deeply prepared me for success in the industry. As a student, I gained a solid foundation in various dance styles including musical theatre tap and musical theatre jazz, learning not only the technical skills but also how to embody the character and emotion behind every movement. The opportunity to fill the role of teacher's assistant allowed me to further refine my abilities while developing a deeper understanding of choreography and the importance of clear communication, which have served me well in dance captain positions as a professional. “
-Emma Luxemburg (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Pippi/Dance Captain in The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Surflight Theatre
Ensemble/Female Cover in Bandstand at Playhouse on Park
“Taking classes with John helped prepare me for success in this industry because I learned to pay more attention to detail while dancing. I felt comfortable jumping into a professional setting where choreography would change every day and I would be able to switch sides with ease. I gained a better sense of how style impacts choreography and how it shapes the way you need to dance for various shows.”
-Mikayla Thrasher (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Ensemble/Samantha (u.s) in My Best Friend’s Wedding at Ogunquit Playhouse
Suzy Simpson in The Marvelous Wonderettes at St. Vincent Summer Theatre
“John is the reason I’m the dancer I am today. I was lucky enough to glean an incredible sense of style, technique, and joy from John. His instruction, attention to detail, and encouragement is second to none. I’m so lucky to have been his student!”
-Ben Sears (Western Carolina University Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Mungojerrie in the national tour of Cats (revival)
Vacation Swing in The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway
"I learned so much from John, not only about dance, but about audition techniques and the industry as a whole. He is a wealth of knowledge. With firsthand experience as a performer and an educator, John is great at providing feedback and insight. I use many of the tools and skills I developed in his classes to this day!! He creates an incredibly comfortable environment, always prioritizing humanity over perfection. Anyone would be lucky to learn from him."
-Emma Alteri (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Ensemble/Bridget/Babe (u/s) in the national tour of The Cher Show
Ensemble/Stephanie (u/s) in Saturday Night Fever at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
“I credit John’s “Musical Theatre Style of Tap” class and teaching style with further developing and fine-tuning my tap skills for positive outcomes in the audition room. I’ve been cast as Don Lockwood (Singin’ in the Rain) and Nick Bottom (Something Rotten), two dream roles for any tap dancer, and I firmly believe the training I received from John made the difference in those casting decisions and my success on stage.”
-Jordan Thomas Burnett (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at the Waterfront Playhouse
Nick Bottom in Something Rotten at the Priscilla Beach Theatre
“Through John’s classes, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped my career as a performer and an educator. His system of skill building, insights into navigating the industry, and thoughts on presenting an authentic self while gearing towards the projects you’re going in for have made all the difference in my career. And getting to work alongside him as a Teaching Assistant has shaped my own teaching philosophy in ways that have allowed me to go on to teach at the top of my field.”
-Remy Van Collen (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Playwrite of Non-Disclosure, produced at Wild Project in NYC
“When I reflect on my training, I immediately think of John as someone who shaped my career path in the industry. John was such an invaluable asset to the theater and dance department. His focus on specificity and control allowed me to access the storytelling and joy in dance. Specifically, John brought his knowledge to his classes by teaching combinations directly from shows in the musical theater repertoire. His attention and respect for the craft informed so much of how I dance now. He instilled foundation in style and an innate passion for what we do that I often reflect on. If it weren’t for John, I wouldn’t have the style and technique that I have today. John is the ideal educator- fostering care, compassion and integrity.
-Alex Drost (Western Caroline University Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Ensemble/Phil Davis u/s in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at The Fulton Theatre
Andy Lee in 42nd Street at the Ogunquit Playhouse
“I would not be the performer I am without John. I had the privilege of taking his classes, TAing for him, and being his DC. Through him, I gained an in-depth education in dance technique, auditioning, and what it means to be professional, but I believe my biggest takeaway was learning about his vast knowledge of the business. He sets his students up for success - preparing them for the real world ahead. The industry is constantly evolving, and John makes sure that he is up to date so that his students can be, too. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle when trying to enter the real world. John leads with professionalism and kindness. He lifts his students up to be the best YOU that you can be. I use the tools I learned every step of the way. I am grateful to call him my mentor and for his never-ending support over the years.”
- Madeline Kendall (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Ensemble/Anya u/s in the national tour of Anastasia
Ensemble in the national tour of Mean Girls
“I wouldn't have the career I have today if it weren't for John. Not only did he teach me invaluable skills in dance technique and auditioning, but as we all know, success in this business often depends on who you know, not just what you know. So I’m especially lucky to know John because of his connections with people I aspire to work with. Thanks to his influence, I’ve had the chance to perform at highly respected theatres like The Muny and Paper Mill Playhouse, among others. I always felt like he was rooting for me as a student, and I still feel the same way as a professional now.”
-Sydney Chow (Wagner College Graduate)
Recent Credits:
Ensemble in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Papermill Playhouse
Anne Egerman in A Little Night Music at the Denver Center