StudioDNA Partners Inc

StudioDNA is run by John D. Dawson, who has been instructing dance since 1991. A member of both the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and the Professional Dance Federation (PDF), John holds a degree in Psychology from Loyola College and spent over six years working in Special Needs Education in the Baltimore City and Baltimore County school systems. This background shapes his teaching approach: he develops multiple techniques and styles to work with all clients, meeting people where they are with patience and encouragement.

The studio specialises in wedding first dances, social dance, ballroom, Latin/Rhythm, Swing, Salsa, Tango, and freestyle or club dance. John has extensive experience creating wedding choreography—from elaborate "Dancing with the Stars" style routines to relaxed, minimally choreographed dances. He considers ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds when designing first dances, and welcomes couples of all ages, sexual and personal identities, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and religious affiliations.

Private lessons run one hour at $80 cash/check or $83 Venmo/Zelle. A wedding deal offers four one-hour lessons for $300 cash/check or $310 Venmo/Zelle (new clients only), best scheduled at least two months before the wedding. If you don't have a partner, John instructs and partners with you. Group lessons can be arranged: three or more people pay $30 per person per hour; two couples pay $50 per couple per hour; three couples pay $40 per couple. Larger groups of 12 or more are priced at approximately $10 per person. Friday evening group classes run 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at $20 cash/check or $21 Venmo/Zelle per person—each month covers two new dances, drop-in format.

CLAW! (Cardio Latin Aerobic Workout) classes run 50 minutes at $10 per person on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM. These high-energy classes incorporate Samba, Cha Cha, Salsa, Swing, Hustle, Merengue, Mambo, line dances, Jazz and Freestyle moves, with Tabata-style interval training. Small hand weights, hula hoops, jump ropes and ribbon wands are used. New music each class—pop, current, and themed selections—and patterns are not required to memorize. Floor work exercises and stretches close each session.

StudioDNA deliberately avoids long-term contracts. John believes that offering a good product in a friendly, non-threatening environment will bring clients back without contractual obligation. Gift certificates are available. The studio also offers DJ services and can travel to corporate events, fundraisers, schools, churches, synagogues, or private residences for private affairs and themed dinner parties.

You'll work one-on-one or in a group with John in a warm, welcoming studio. He teaches with humour and levity, focusing on what you want to learn without pushing further than you want to go—though he will if you ask. For wedding couples, expect a personal, patient approach that respects your background and vision. For group classes or CLAW!, come ready to follow instructions, learn patterns if needed (or none at all for cardio), and have fun with music and movement.

John D. Dawson is the owner, CEO, lead choreographer and instructor. A member of NDCA and PDF instructing since 1991, he holds a Psychology degree from Loyola College and six years' experience in Special Needs Education. He specialises in American Style ballroom (Bronze and Silver levels), has taken clients to first-place competition titles, and is known for creating wedding first dances tailored to couples' backgrounds and preferences.

John welcomes all clients—social, wedding, competitive, cardio-fit—in a safe, non-judgmental environment; if you don't have a partner, he partners with you.