John began his professional career at the age of sixteen, singing and dancing at the world premiere of the movie, "Six Weeks," starring Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore. Barbra Streisand was a guest that evening as John sang the song, "Life is a Celebration." Early in his career, John worked with legendary Broadway composer, John Kander, in the musical, "The Happy Time," at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, performed in productions at the Kansas City Starlight Theatre, as well as Opryland USA, Disney World, and as lead singer/dancer on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
John turned his attention to directing, choreographing and teaching, moving to Florida, where he opened a performing arts center, John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts, inspiring a whole generation of students to follow their dreams. His students have performed on Broadway, Radio City Rockettes, and theatres and venues around the world. In Florida, John joined the team at Walt Disney World, to help stage the Epcot Millennium Parade, was the Assistant Director and Choreographer for the national tour of Cirque Dreams Holidaze, was the resident choreographer for the Jaeb Theatre in Tampa, and Artistic Director and Choreographer for two seasons for the Show Palace Dinner Theatre. John spent thirteen years as Artistic Director and teacher at his performing arts school before returning to NYC in 2015.
In the past year John has taught for the "Making It On Broadway" Intensive, sharing the platform with Broadway stars Kelli O'Hara, Annaleigh Ashford, Sierra Boggess, Norm Lewis, and others. the Joffrey Ballet Jazz/Contemporary program, where John's choreographer was featured at the Joffrey Winter Concert as well as their summer finale show at Symphony Space. John was a guest teacher for the Cleveland Musical Theatre dance intensive, along with Broadway Tony Award Winner, Kathleen Marshall, and taught for the Broadway Dance Center's International program, and now teaching regularly at STEPS on Broadway.
Class Description:
John's classes and choreography are a unique fusion of the greats of the past to the current styles of today. His forty-minute warm up consists of Classical Jazz, Modern and Ballet, that build strength, technique, flexibility, and style. Following his warm up, dancers are given short dance progressions at center and across the floor, connecting turns, jumps, kicks and weight transfer combinations. Classes are fun, challenging, and dancers are always left feeling accomplished and inspired!
I look forward to seeing you in class!