John Mueller, Owner Mgr., Dance Instructor

Sara Dance Center is owned and operated by John & Ginny Mueller. John was born in Poland, coming to the U.S. when he was 16. He was an under nourished boy and built himself up through becoming a weight lifter and a golden gloves boxer. His initiation to dance started with Adagio in his teens. He trained to become a dance teacher at the local Arthur Murray studio in Youngstown, Ohio. He moved to Brooklyn in the late fifties and worked for the Arthur Murray organization, transferring to the 5th Avenue studio in Manhattan. He recalls he thought himself quite the best. The fellow staff members would laugh at his style, and every time they laughed he would ask "Why?" Then he would work to fix what they found so funny. His determination resulted with him eventually becoming the Dance Director himself, a Certified Judge (certified in both American & International Styles), and a member of the National Dance Board which set the curriculums for the franchise world wide and trained the teachers nationally.

He moved to Florida in the late 60's, (managing studios). In 1980 he bought a studio in Sarasota, ( and expanded to 6 studios on the west coast) where he has been ever since. As he approached the idea of retirement he decided he wanted to leave the franchise organization and run a simpler more free operation for the dance enthusiast and those people who just wanted to learn a little bit without the hassle of long termed agreements.

In addition to John & Ginny, their two sons are also in the industry. Michael owns and operates "Gotta Dance" studio in Nokomis, son Ed is teaching in Atlanta. Their daughter Michelle was the United State's Latin Champion, continuing in competition thru out Europe representing the U.S., completing her competitive career with the achievement of being "2nd" in the Youth Division at the world famous prestigious competition at Blackpool, England. She is the proud mother of two, and will be returning to the U.S. this summer, at which time she plans to join John at the Center.

John is unique as an instructor in that he is equally trained in all styles of dance: American social, International - latin & smooth, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Disco & Hustle.

He has retired from Competitive dancing, but will never retire from ensuring that others have the opportunity to find the great pleasure, health and joy of dancing.