Jon-Paul Mateo

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Teacher Bio

Jon-Paul Mateo, a native New Yorker, started studying dance at the age of 12. He took classes at BDC and studied from icons such as the late Frank Hatchett.

Jon-Paul’s family moved to Florida and he started his professional career in Orlando, FL. at Disney World. He has danced and sang for companies such as Universal Orlando, Universal Japan, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian Cruise lines.

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Jon-Paul Mateo, a native New Yorker, started studying dance at the age of 12. He took classes at BDC and studied from icons such as the late Frank Hatchett.

Jon-Paul’s family moved to Florida and he started his professional career in Orlando, FL. at Disney World. He has danced and sang for companies such as Universal Orlando, Universal Japan, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian Cruise lines.

As a performer Jon-Paul has a diverse career spanning the worlds from theme parks to Broadway! Some of his Broadway credits include: Hot Feet, The Wedding Singer, and All About Me. Some of his regional credits include: Guys and Dolls (Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, OH), La Cage Aux Folles (Musical Theater West in Long Beach, CA), and West Side Story (The Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, AL). He has toured nationally with the Chicago National Tour, where he played Fred Casely, and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. He was also a soloist at the world famous Moulin Rouge in Paris, France.

As a choreographer/director Jon-Paul has choreographed for Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, and Universal Orlando. He had the opportunity to work with The United Dance Association (UDA) and choreographed for The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Regionally Jon-Paul has directed and choreographed shows such as Rumors, West Side Story, A Chorus Line, and Noises Off. He was recently a resident director and choreographer for RWS and Associates. He has had the honor of dancing, singing, and choreographing shows with icons such as Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, and Ben Vereen.

Jon-Paul hopes to continue passing on the knowledge and love of dance for many years to come.

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Class Descriptions

Jon-Paulʼs class begins with a technique focused warm up concentrating on ballet, jazz and core techniques. It is designed to enhance strength and awareness of body alignment. After the warm up there will be several across-the-floor combinations that focus on jazz technique elements. 
All combinations very however all combinations prepare you for a professional performance level/career in dance. Above all Jon-Paul teaches you to step out of your box and go beyond the mirror. Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch, but above all, LIVE!