John Clark is a dance coach, and a ninja. His reputation is built on incredible information and humble demeanor—delivered with surgical precision.

No, he doesn’t wear a mask, use martial arts, or carry sharp weapons. His ninja-ness comes from his ability to enter a room without fanfare, pinpoint his target, and deliver a message with surgical precision. It’s that combination that makes him a ninja.

Understanding the Role of a Dance Coach

Before diving into our interview, it helps to understand what makes a dance coach valuable to your progress. Unlike your regular instructor who sees you weekly, a visiting coach brings:

• Fresh perspective on patterns and technique you may have plateaued on
• Specialized expertise developed over decades of experience
• Outside viewpoint that can identify blind spots in your dancing
• Advanced insights that accelerate your growth

John Clark embodies all of these qualities, which is why he’s in such high demand across Arthur Murray studios.

The Interview: Getting to Know John Clark

Arthur Murray Live: We all know what a fabulous coach you are, but not many people know about how you started in Arthur Murray. Can you give us a little history?

John Clark: Walked in to the Arthur Murray location in New Jersey at 19 years old. I was already an experienced dancer in ballroom and theatrical. The studio took to me and quickly offered me a job, and I refused.

AML: Really? What happened?

JC: I was already employed elsewhere. As fate would have it, my job was terminated 2 weeks later and that opened the doors for new employment. Fortunately, Arthur Murray was still open to hiring me… and the rest is history!

The Competitive Journey

AML: Thinking about all of your achievements in dancing, which one are you most proud of?

JC: Being a 3-time Arthur Murray Champion.

AML: So how did you get started competing?

JC: I was an instructor for a long time before I was talked into competing. My wife, who was also an instructor, turned me on to the idea. We had partnered together but had never competed before!

This is an important point for students who are hesitant about competition—even highly skilled dancers like John didn’t start as competitors. The decision to compete came after years of teaching and growing comfortable with the dance floor.

The Consulting Life

AML: What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you while traveling as an Arthur Murray consultant?

JC: I got caught in a blizzard on my way to one of my first consulting jobs.

The life of a traveling consultant involves constant adaptation—weather delays, schedule changes, and the challenge of quickly assessing and helping dancers you’ve just met. John’s decades of experience mean he can deliver value regardless of the circumstances.

The Person Behind the Professional

AML: When people hear that you’re a judge, consultant, and dance champion, it can sound a little intimidating. What do you do when you’re not working?

JC: I spend time with family.

This reminder that even the most accomplished dance professionals prioritize balance and family helps demystify the role of a consultant. They’re people first, experts second.

AML: If Hollywood decided to turn your story into a movie, who would play the role of John Clark?

JC: Richard Gere.

AML: (finish the sentence) “Back in my day we used to….”

JC: Have way fewer coaching lessons available. Sometimes only 2 coaches per year!

This context is valuable—today’s Arthur Murray students have far more access to coaching and consulting resources than previous generations. The opportunity to work with experts like John is more accessible than ever.

Advice for Students

AML: What advice would you give to students about taking a coaching lesson?

JC: Have an open mind, don’t be afraid to do something different.

This simple advice captures the essence of what makes coaching sessions valuable. If you approach a coaching lesson defending your current habits, you miss the opportunity for growth. The best results come from willingness to experiment.

Making the Most of Your Coaching Experience

Based on John’s interview and decades of consulting wisdom, here’s how to maximize your coaching sessions:

Before the Session

• Identify specific goals you want to address
• Prepare mentally to receive new information
• Review material you’ve been working on with your instructor
• Come rested and ready to focus

During the Session

• Stay open to different approaches
• Ask questions when something isn’t clear
• Take mental notes (or physical notes after)
• Try suggestions fully before deciding if they work for you

After the Session

• Debrief with your instructor about what you learned
• Work the new material at your next Practice Party
• Be patient as new techniques take time to integrate
• Follow up at your next coaching opportunity

Why Coaching Matters for Every Level

Whether you’re a new Bronze student or an advanced competitor, coaching provides unique benefits:

For New Students:

• Validation that you’re on the right track
• Early identification of habits to address
• Confidence boost from outside recognition

For Intermediate Students:

• Breakthrough on plateaus
• Refinement of developing technique
• Fresh motivation and perspective

For Advanced Students:

• Competitive edge and polish
• Advanced concepts and choreography
• Connection to the broader dance community

The John Clark Approach

Having observed John’s work with countless students, several themes emerge:

Precision Without Intimidation
Despite his championship credentials, John delivers feedback in a way that empowers rather than discourages. His “ninja” ability isn’t about being harsh—it’s about being accurate and helpful.

Economy of Words
When John speaks, it matters. He doesn’t waste time on filler or vague encouragement. Every observation has practical application.

Humble Confidence
Three-time champion credentials could justify arrogance. Instead, John approaches each session as a service to the student’s journey, not a showcase of his achievements.

Final Thought

Dance coaches like John Clark are always in high demand. Including a consultant in your dance program is a great way to accelerate your learning. For another inspiring story of excellence in the Arthur Murray system, read about Bob Powers’ path to becoming a champion.

The investment in coaching pays dividends because you gain insights that might take months to discover otherwise, you receive validation and course correction from fresh eyes, and you connect your progress to the larger Arthur Murray community.

Remember John’s advice: Have an open mind, don’t be afraid to do something different.

Ready to experience coaching for yourself? Find an Arthur Murray studio near you and ask about upcoming consultant visits.