Welcome to John’s Little Corner, located at the fabulous Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. As always, I am your Little Corner host, John. Today’s interview is an exciting one! With such a colorful job history and a background, not only in dance, but also in music and theater, this guest really defines the phrase “well rounded.” Since this is John’s first true interview, I feel tremendously special he is allowing me to be the one he opens up to, and then share that information with all of our readers! It has taken some time to arrange our guest’s visit, due to his busy schedule.  At last, he is here, and he is all mine! So without further ado, folks please take a bow for our guest, the craziest dance instructor out there…John!

“Thanks, John, it’s great to be here! ”

Q: John, people are begging to find out more about you. Please tell us about your roots and how dance has been a part of your life.

A: “Well, I am kind of the odd one in my family, as most of the men in my family are in the military. My father is a Marine, and my brother and grandfathers were in the Army. I was in choir and theater, so you know the conversations at our family events went well. While I was in choir, we would often pair choreography with the musical numbers. For me, being in theater helped to blend choreography, stage presence, and some singing together to create awesome looking productions. “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” was one of my favorite musicals that I did in High School. Though my part was small, it was the most popular scene on the stage (and off), as I played Curly in his dream sequence dancing with the seven daughters. Not only was I was admired as a professional, but my guy friends saw how good I was with the ladies…(hahaha!)

Little did I know how much those skills would come in handy as a bartender entertaining guests for tips.”

Q: Like the movie Coyote Ugly?

“Kind of??? I’m just not as good looking, and I dance better than John Goodman! I was more like that little monkey in a vest dancing for dollars, while some guy cranked a music box. (Ha ha)”

Q: I bet you made a great bartender! Any other interesting jobs before becoming an instructor?

“Mostly bars, but I put in some time on oil rigs in Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota. Oh, and as a cashier at a 7-11 when I was young, but that did not last long!”

Q: Being young or the job?

“Both…but the job was too boring for me. I can’t be my ‘mover and shaker’ self when I’m stuck behind a counter.”

Q: So, why Dance FX Studios?

“Why not?! Dance affects everyone! Dance FX Studios focuses on social dancing, which is fun and relaxing, not as formal as ballroom dance studios. Fun is my forte, so it is a perfect match for me! Plus, Dance FX Studios is very goal oriented, which is a huge plus for anyone trying to learn something new.”

Q: So what are your favorite things about working here?

“Besides the fun aspect? The staff here is great and well educated in dance, and it’s always a pleasure working with people who share your passion. However, my favorite thing is the students. I know that sounds cheesy, but when my students have a moment of clarity in regards to an element they have been practicing, I get goose bumps. I call it the “light bulb moment!” It’s the moment where the light comes on, their face glows with pride and accomplishment, and I know I’ve helped them become closer to their goal! It’s such a wonderful feeling.”

Q: Light bulb moment, I like that! So, what is your favorite dance to teach and why?

“Nite Club Two-Step is my ABSOLUTE favorite, both in teaching and personally. This dance is not genre specific and is a very empowering dance for a leader since it inspires passion and power. Every guy wants to be that romantic ladies man, though they may never admit it, yet, when they do understand this dance, and correctly do it with the music, they begin to feel those emotions. They also see a twinkle in their partner’s eyes as they slowly get lost moving as one. It can be felt deep down in your core. I have felt that, and every time my students reach that level in their dance, I get to re-live it over again through them.”

Q: That says so much about you and your character. You have a lot of passion for what you do. If there were three words to describe your personality and character more what would they be?

“I was hoping you would skip this question. It is always hard for me to come up with words to describe myself. I’ve been through so many changes in my life. The words I have used to describe myself have changed as well, sometimes unbeknownst to me! However, I would say there are probably three words that HAVE lasted over the years.”

Q: Ok, so they are…?

“Most everyone says I am FUNNY, though I can remember times that wasn’t so true…(haha)! I have always been in touch with my emotions but also others’ as well. So, would that make EMOTIONAL my second word? I’m hoping not, because my next word is CRAZY, and if you put those together, I may not have any students left after this is shared! But, when it does come down to my students, I blend just the right amount of emotion and fun into their lessons to show them just how easy dancing really is.”

Q: Well you seemed to put that together very well for a question you were hoping to avoid! Was it a little rehearsed?

“No, but if I could get a copy of this interview, that would be awesome!”

Q: John, I have to say you have been fun to interview. My cheeks even hurt a little from smiling so hard! So, how about we end with a couple of fun facts.

“Hmmm, something fun about me? You mean something more than entertaining interviews?”

Q: Yes! (hahaha)…

“ Ok, ok, I like to play paintball when I can. It can be a little painful but so much fun! I have even been finding that my dance skills come in handy! There’s nothing like doing a Back Spot Turn to avoid getting shot! Another thing that I have done, and plan to do again is skydiving! There is a crazy part of me that wants to have a dance routine for the fall. That would be AMAZING to pull off with a partner too!”

“I hope that answers all your questions because I have to get to my next lesson!”

Yes, that does! That is all we have for today here in John’s Little Corner. I would like to say thank you to John for sharing with us. It can definitely be said that whatever motivation to learn to social dance, whether its for fun, health, romance or moves (that can be used on a paintball field), going down to Dance FX Studios and meeting with John is YOUR best bet for reaching your goals. He may be crazy and emotional, but he is just the right amount of both to make it FUN and EASY!

Interviewer: John

Guest Starring: John

Written and Directed by: John

Special FX by: Dance FX Studios

No animals were harmed in the making of this production.