I started lessons at Social Elegance several years ago after a dance acquaintance described the studio. The “pay-as-you-go” and the “beginner-intermediate-advanced” weekly schedule were especially appealing. John teaches social dancing in his group lessons and teaches the performance or competitive dancing during private lessons (the group lessons offer a surprising amount of individual help.) Unlike too many dance and ski instructors, John patiently teaches technique and form without attempting to “impress” his students with his knowledge. Dancing has become not only my favorite hobby but also my favorite pastime (as in baseball.) I have formed many friendships with fine people and have danced on several Social Elegance-sponsored performance teams. Come dance “The Light Fantastic”—you will never be the same!

- Bob

Looking back, I am very thankful for John’s “pay as you go” program for learning dancing. We have both tried several other dance studios, but are very amazed at John Martin’s masterful ability to diagnose and teach even complicated dance moves to those of us who otherwise could never learn such. We find-especially when taking private lessons-that John can teach very difficult moves to a former double left foot (me) in an amazingly short time. In just one private lesson, we often learn-and then video tape for future reference- several dance moves which we can then use as we attend different dances. For us, the pay as you go works far better than some of the other studios’ contract plans.

Our dancing ability is primarily due to John’s masterful but patient teaching ability, and I feel this has much to do with my being voted in the Spring of 2008 to be the ball room dance coordinator, and my recent appointment as co-coordinator for the selection and direction of all the bands at the International Dance Club. Because of the pleasure I have received from this new found hobby of Ball Room dancing, I often give John’s lessons as gifts to my customers, or to others whom I feel could really benefit and appreciate an increase in the enjoyment of dancing. It is my hope that every one of these people can enjoy the thrill of dancing to the music while holding their beloved partner in their arms. Dancing has changed my life in a large, positive way, and now I have something very fun and healthy to do with my wife, Terry two or three times each week.

- Terry

When some friends and the owner of a men's clothing store all suggested that I try ballroom dancing a few years back I could not imagine doing so. Yet I had also been feeling like life had to consist of more than work. I finally gave into the notion and tried Social Elegance as the friends had suggested. I am glad that I did.

John Martin's teaching style really works for me. I got up to speed quickly, attending my first dance less than two months after attending my first group class. All the while John has been patient as he is with all his students, recognizing that each person learns at different rates and in different ways. Ballroom dancing has become more than a hobby, it's also a good form of exercise and a welcome social outlet. I have developed friendships with many of John's students. I cannot imagine going back to a life without them or dancing. Dancing at Social Elegance has truly brought a great deal more happiness to my life.

- Vincent