“They are world class teachers with exceptional knowledge in all forms of dance.”
— Victoria French, JHO Alumnus & Principal Dancer at Sarasota Ballet
JHO is the perfect place for excellent dance training and a beautiful nurturing environment. I have studied under the Jacksons and Nicole, performed for JHO, and taught for the studio, and every experience has been a wonderful one. It truly is a family environment that pushes and teaches you to grow not only as a dancer, but also as a person. The Jacksons and Nicole treat each student like their own child. They are world class teachers with exceptional knowledge in all forms of dance. JHO is the dance studio family you want to be a part of!
“I’ve always been asked, “Why Rome? Why John Hayes O'Neill Dance?” and my answer has been steadfast and true; there are only two reasons: Canan and Stephen Jackson.”
— Anita Amidon, JHO parent
I’ve always been asked...why Rome? Why John Hayes O'Neill Dance.?...my answer has been steadfast and true... there are only two reasons - Canan and Stephen Jackson.... you will not find two more selfless and devoted dance teachers or humans, utterly dedicated to teaching their students/their children... I use the terms interchangeably because to both Canan and Steve they are one and the same...when Anika was little and painfully shy, I wanted her to have the most nurturing experience possible to give her the best opportunity to love dance like I did... mission accomplished and then some...Canan, Steve and the studio became her dance family (and what was a mere 22 minutes on 840 anyway??)... and such an integral part of the fabric of our lives ...and then sometimes also a safe haven for us all... mere words can’t express enough how much we appreciate and love you both ...thank you and beyond for the last 15 years.
“She didn’t just take dance classes with you! You gave her a second home and the release she’s always needed to be the best version of herself.”
— Kristin Haag, JHO Parent
“Words cannot express the gratitude we have for the John Hayes O'Neill Dance, the entire Jackson family, and Nicole Cotton for making this all happen. They gave our kids a sense of normalcy during this trying year. How many other studios would extend their year almost two months to put these kids back on stage? She didn’t just take dance classes with you! You gave her a second home and the release she’s always needed to be the best version of herself. You truly are her “Chosen Family”!”
“ The JHO studio has provided a nurturing environment for me to evolve, and discover who I am as a person and dancer.”
— Julia Zeszutko, JHO Alumnus
Saying that I would have no idea who I would be, or where I would be in life without the JHO studio would be an understatement. I began my journey at JHO just a few months before turning three. The studio became a place where I learned to come out of my shell as a child and escape from reality in my pre-teens. Throughout all the years, the JHO studio has provided a nurturing environment for me to evolve, and discover who I am as a person and dancer. Studying under Canan, Stephen, and Nicole provided me with a strong foundation and technique which I was able to build upon while studying dance at the University at Buffalo. The city of Rome is so unbelievably lucky to have this studio. JHO brings Rome to life in December with their annual production of The Nutcracker, but even better than that, JHO touches the lives of all of their students in a way that lasts a lifetime. JHO is more than just a dance studio, it is a second home.
“ I feel so blessed to have had this in my life. It is so surreal that I now get to watch my daughters experience this as well.”
— Alessandra Hammond, JHO Alumnus
“September 1992, I walked into the John Hayes O’Neill Studio of Dance at 3 years old. Little did my 3 year old self know that this studio and these people would make such a huge impact on my life. Steve and Canan became like a second set of parents to me. They truly, and deeply care for each and every one of their students. They take the time to get to know everyone and relate to them on a personal level. In my 15 years dancing for them I learned how to dance, I learned to have discipline, I learned that hard work will take you far, and so many other lessons of both dance and life that I carry with me to this day. I gained life long friendships with the girls I danced with because of the values they instilled in all of us. Today, I still walk into that studio and feel a sense of home. So of course when I decided to sign up my 3 daughters for dance, this was the only place I considered. I now get to watch my daughters feel all of the joy that Steve, Canan and Nicole brought to me. They love dancing more than anything, and it’s because of the dance family that they are a part of. You can’t find this type of environment everywhere. It’s a special gift that they give to their students. It’s the memories and lessons that last a lifetime that make this studio stand out above the rest. I feel so blessed to have had this in my life. It is so surreal that I now get to watch my daughters experience this as well. Steve, Canan, Nicole and Leyla are amazing teachers with the gifts of dance, love and family. Thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for us.”
“People don’t understand how rare it is to find a loving space with loving teachers in such a competitive field.”
— Katerina Thompson, JHO Alumnus
When I first walked into John Hayes O’Neill in 2011, I had no idea what impact these beautiful people would make in my life. The Jacksons scooped me up and welcomed me into their arms without question. Not only is it a family in the studio, but outside as well. People don’t understand how rare it is to find a loving space with loving teachers in such a competitive field. They have taught me not only how to dance, but how to treat others and myself. Trips to NYC for summer intensives and auditions fill my childhood, all with Steve and Canan by my side. Sometimes with Leyla and Sean too! Those memories I will cherish forever. Nonetheless, the time and dedication they have put into this wonderful studio shows through all of their students, now and forever! I will always go back to visit given the chance, among many alumni. Thank you guys again for all that you have done for me, as well as for Rome. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!”
“After 12 years of watching her dance, I still find myself moved by the performances as if it were my first time watching.”
— Tricia Rutkowski, JHO parent
When my daughter was 3 years old, she begged to do “dance class.” After seeing the Nutcracker flyers all around town during Christmas season, I thought to try the studio that puts the show on. Eva was treated with nothing but love from the moment we first walked into the studio. She was greeted with hugs and kisses and told how they were looking forward to having her in the upcoming Nutcracker performance. At that time, I had no idea we were walking to a studio with such a rich history, with world class teachers, and associated with a theater as classic as the Capitol Theater.
From a young age Eva was taught the hard work, dedication, and discipline that goes into dance. She was given the tools to develop and over the years we watched her grow from a little mouse, to Clara, and beyond. After 12 years of watching her dance, I still find myself moved by the performances as if it were my first time watching. From ballet and pointe to jazz and modern the instruction, motivation, and love provided at the studio is excellent.
To say that the studio is part of the fabric of our family is an understatement. In addition to her immediate family, the instructors at the studio have done the most to shape my daughter’s life. Eva may only have 2 Nutcracker performances left, but the relationships that have formed from the studio will last a lifetime!
“Being able to share a passion for dance with my daughter is wonderful – sharing my dance teachers with her is priceless.”
— Jaime Sedelmeyer Thiesen, JHO Alumnus and parent
I have been trying to find the right words for a while now, and nothing comes close enough to reflecting the love and admiration I have for this JHO Dance family. Being able to share a passion for dance with my daughter is wonderful – sharing my dance teachers with her is priceless. The memories of my time in the studio and on stage with Canan and Steve will be engrained in me forever and I have no doubt the same will be true for Marley. Watching how she has matured as a person and as a dancer since her first Nutcracker in 2012 is breathtaking. Ballet is where it all started, but we can’t dismiss all that studying with Nicole has brought out of her. I am thankful to all of the amazing people the Jacksons have brought into our lives - to all who have had a hand in teaching her, to keep her engaged, excited, and very much in love with dance. There’s no other place we’d rather be dancing!
“John Hayes O'Neill Dance is not just a dance studio but an extension of your family.”
— Shannon Todora, JHO parent
When she was 3, we wanted to sign Isabella up for dance to see if it would be something she might like. When looking at studios, we were told John Hayes O'Neill Dance is not just a dance studio but an extension of your family. We were warned, they are tough, it's not a "just for fun" studio- they push the dancers, but it is because they care deeply about their students. Four Nutcrackers later and I'm still in awe of how hard all these kids work. Truth be told, harder than I've worked at anything in 39 years. I'm so impressed and proud of our little dancers, and not only did we find something they like but something they love. And this family has most certainly become an extension of our own. Isabella and Liliana adore each one of these people so much, and we are so fortunate to know that when they walk through the doors of the studio, they are in the best hands possible. Thank you for all that you do for our girls and for all of the dancers!