If you’ve ever taken a class at Jordan Mac Adult Dance, or plan to soon, there’s a good chance you’ve met or will meet Bernie and Shannon Orton, cherished members of our community who have been dancing together for years. Their journey with us perfectly encapsulates everything we strive for — joy, community, fitness, and love — while also capturing the essence of what dance is truly about. We feel that their story is one that has the power to inspire and resonate with everyone, so we recently sat down with the married couple to discuss how signing up for one of our classes has enriched both their relationship and their lives.
Bernie and Shannon’s journey began when they met at work, and it was love at first sight. Shannon recalls, “My girlfriend went to college with him and said, ‘You’re gonna have the biggest crush on Bernie.’ I met Bernie, and as soon as he walked away, I said, ‘I have a crush on Bernie.’” From that point on, it’s been 15 years—eleven of them married— of what Shannon calls “utter bliss.” But even in the most perfect of relationships, there’s always space for new and exciting experiences. For Shannon and Bernie, that spark was found in dance. Shannon has always loved dancing, even wanting to be a choreographer when she was a kid. She told us how she used to tape dance videos and play them back to teach herself the moves. Bernie, knowing this, had the idea to sign up for a dance class together, and that’s when they found us here at Jordan Mac Adult Dance, signing up for Beginner Hip-hop.
Like a lot of people who are attending their first class, they were a little uncertain about what to expect. Bernie told us, “the first time I came, I was nervous because I don’t know if I’m a good dancer, bad dancer…” He also recalled feeling apprehensive about not being “in the best shape.” Many newcomers share these concerns when they join us, but we strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, supported, and free to have fun. Bernie has certainly embraced this vibe; he shared his current perspective after taking classes for a while: “...at the end of the day, dance really isn’t about good and bad. Really it’s about moving around and having fun.” We’re proud to say Bernie also emphasized that at our studio “there really is no judgment”. This is the spirit of our dance classes, and it’s what we hope every student experiences. No matter your experience, age, or fitness level, dancing should always be a source of joy, not stress. It should bring a sense of freedom—encouraging you to let go, stop overthinking, and simply enjoy yourself. Our dedicated instructors strive to create this atmosphere in every class.
Like Bernie, Shannon has also enjoyed the benefits of our classes, but in a little bit of a different way. Shannon, who came in with some experience, told us that “I’m a pretty confident person, but this dance class helps me even more because I’m outside of my comfort zone. Some of the moves Jordan teaches I’m like ‘I don't know if I can do that’, and then by week four I'm doing it.” Bernie agreed with this, chiming in that “It legitimately teaches you things that you didn’t think you could do.” This is another key goal of ours. While the ultimate goal is to have fun, that doesn’t mean you can’t push yourself to new limits while doing so. Our talented and caring instructors genuinely aim to see you improve and build confidence not only as a dancer, but also as an individual. With commitment and hard work, you’ll see this growth unfold faster than you ever imagined.
While Bernie and Shannon may experience some different types of benefits from our classes, there is one very important sentiment they share. As Shannon told us, “My favorite thing about Jordan Mac Dance is that I’m doing it with my husband, so it’s something that we do together, and the community here.” She emphasized this sense of community by describing a routine they’ve developed after being with us for so long. Shannon said, “We're always first, because we could never be late... we start stretching on our side of the house... and when people come in, we welcome them into the circle.” That’s just one example of the community we have here, which we take great pride in, as community is one of our strongest core values and we believe dancing is meant to be shared with the people you love. There may be no better example of this than Bernie and Shannon, whose joy of dancing together deepens their connection, making every class a cherished experience. These connections formed within our studio are truly special, reminding us that dance is not just about the steps we take but the relationships we build, inspiring us all to celebrate love, joy, and the magic of moving together.
As Shannon and Bernie’s journey with us illustrates, our classes are not just about learning new moves; they’re about making connections and growing together. No matter your background, stepping onto the dance floor opens doors to new experiences and friendships. So, if you’ve been on the fence about joining a class, maybe Bernie can help convince you: “My advice for people wanting to take a dance class would be to just sign up and do it. Just come in. After one, you’ll want to come back for more.” We hope you listen to his advice, because no matter who you are, we promise there’s a place for you in our community. So don’t wait any longer, come join us and experience the joy of dancing with people you love – plus, you’ll probably get to meet Bernie and Shannon.
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