Having grown up in a conservative family during childhood, John never knew he had a passion for dance and had not taken a dance class until his freshmen year at University of California San Diego. Free from parental control and inspired by the movies “Swing Kids”, “Swingers”, and “Dance With Me”, he immersed himself in Lindy Hop and Ballroom dancing. Later, on advice from his teachers Peter Edwards and Tony Caligagan, he took his first ballet class to improve his posture and technique. Though bored and refused to wear tights at first, he eventually came to love ballet after seeing the movie “Center Stage” and being cast by Judy Sharp into his first professional production, California Ballet’s “Dracula.” Over the years he has also performed with Ballet Conservatory Chula Vista, Stuttgart Ballet, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, California Ballet, and San Diego Lyric Opera.
In addition to dance, John has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and History, holds FINRA series 7, and 66 licenses, works as a consultant at LPL Financial, and loves international travel. John looks forward to his 13th season with San Diego Ballet.
Who influenced you most to become the dancer you are today?
I don’t tap dance, but I love Fred Astaire.
What was the funniest episode(s) you’ve experienced in your career?
During the very last 20 seconds as Mother Ginger, my wig accidentally fell off behind me. Luckily the straps kept it from falling onto the floor, and audience of Colorado Springs laughed and loved it.
Who would you most like to share the stage with (living or dead)?
Ginger Rogers
What goes through your mind just before you perform?
At the very least, don’t injure my partner or anyone else on stage.
What do you like/admire most about San Diego Ballet?
I admire, appreciate, and being in good company with the long term dancers, teachers, and staff. They’re are all great eccentric people whom make San Diego Ballet feel like extended family. Also as a dancer whom also has a full time career in the not quite as exciting financial industry, San Diego Ballet gives me a creative, artistic, and musical aspect to my life.