Jul 28 2008 04:39 pm
Marc--first and foremost we appreciate your dedication and attention to the art of Steppin.
Carton and I truly LOVE taking your class!!!
We have learned and re-learned how to dance. You and the instructors love and passion for the Steppin have been motivational to keep us eager to learn new steps and combinations and to practice practice ,PRACTICE!!!
But we most love is dancing with each other (all though we can't listen to music now without counting..7,8).
This is truly a great experience for us. We encourage other married folk or couples to get active, get together and to get movin 123, 456, 7, 8
Keep on Steppin Baby!
God Bless
Carlton & Frankie Griffin
Jul 24 2008 12:36 pm
Danitra Gardner. Portland, Oregon Family. (post below)
Jul 24 2008 12:34 pm
Well let me just say that all i had was an interest in steppin, I wanted to bring Portland, Oregon back to life a new flavor of dance. Fate brought me to Marc Thomas by the wonderful tool of "Google" and I saw Marc's STeppin in the City" website and wanted him to teach a workshop here in Porltand, Oregon. Marc, came and got me motivated to walk on faith to bring something positive here to portland.
Though it was slow, he showed me and took his time to mentor me on how I can take advantage of doing "Steppin" on my own. My small class here in Portland when marc came is stil today my most committed staff. Marc presented steppin very well here that it has only grown! Steppin has helped me to be able to teach men and woman, to build friendships and have a strong passion for the dance itself. You begin to look at everything you do as a step, building a relationship. I have learned that everything takes time! In due season you can only get better if you keep at it! So I am blessed and I would have never thought I would be doing this today, but Marc saw the vision, he just helped me get there! I thank Marc, Jimmy, Samonna and Shayla that faithful day here in Oregon January 2008! Thank you Steppin in the City... for sharing the vision with me! God Bless you all!
Sep 27 2007 08:31 pm
Marc, Steppin In The City is really great, I love the way that you instruct your classes. Not only do you get a workout,you have fun.My mother and I really enjoy and look forward to coming every tuesday and thursday. I also signed up for your friday class, but I just have'nt made it yet.
Thanks Marc,
Patricia M
Feb 23 2007 12:26 pm
The Employee Health Services at the Riffe Center distributed a notice right after our offices moved in to the newly renovated Lazarus building to "Dance off..the pounds." I was already signed up with Lifepoints and had established a personal goal to lose 20#. After 4 weeks of tracking my diet and dancing at lunch I have lost 8 pounds. Admittedly, one of my weaknesses was overeating at lunch and by planning my meals better and burning off a few extra calories, I have done well enough to continue to be motivated. Besides, the music selection is fantastic and we have a lot of fun.
Thanks Marc,
Joanna Valentine
Dec 8 2006 05:53 pm
Marc
What a dear you are. John and I just started your beginners Chicago Steppin class Nov. 22, 2006 and already we are hooked! We had such a good time at Wednesday nights class that we knew we had finally found our home for what we were looking for. You and the others that assist you are amazing instructors and the people we have met are wonderful to be around. Where else can you go, get a real work out that is fun, and know you are among friends in a safe, enthusiastic environment? No where but Steppin with the crew!!!! We so look forward to every class and cannot wait for the private lessons and the next set of classes. Thank you Marc and to all of our fellow Steppers for making us feel so welcome! Love, Peace, and Keep moving.
Francene and John
Sep 13 2006 10:09 pm
I have taken Marc's line dancing class twice (2 yrs in between) and will be there on tomorrow registering for another one. Where else can you get a very good aerobic workout, sweat like crazy, see a difference in all aspects of your life, laugh, meet people from all walks of life, help others and receive help when there is a need, and enjoy what you are doing -- this line dance class offers just that. The second time I took it was with my son and he knows most of the dances and learns those he doesn't know in no time at all. He and my youngest son are excellent dancers (maternal influence) and excel at line dancing. I don't excel but I can hold my own. I enjoy everything about the class. Interacting with such a great group of people (all 125 of them) and hearing all the great rewards each person is seeing -- weight loss among the best -- is so motivating. I'm not the type of person that will just go to a gym or just exercise on my own -- this class has provided me with an opportunity to get a great workout (we sweat more than people taking kickboxing). I know that my heart is also getting a great workout, and enjoying every minute of it. I have the added bonus of having my son and a friend of mine in the class but have also run into people I hadn't seen since high school (East High School - go Tigers!) and friends from church. I plan on doing this for as long as I can -- so in twenty years I'll be the old lady doing the dances with my walker -- sweating like nobody's business near one of the doors in the class.
Sheryl P.
Aug 11 2006 08:18 am
I have been a member of Marc's class since fall session of 2003. After about a session or more I began noticing some residual benefits, my energy level was up and I began losing weight. I lost 30 pounds by taking Marc's class! This class has been extremely beneficial in my life.
This would normally be the end of the story, but life sometimes sends you a curve. My curve came when I was diagnosed in February of 05 with "Breast Cancer". My treatment involved prayer, more prayer, medicine, along with continuing my line dance class, chemotherapy and radiation. The doctors were always amazed at my recovery and my vitals. This was not an early cancer as I was misdiagnosed a year earlier. I would come into the line dance class the day of my chemo treatments or just a day two after treatments and attempt to follow routine. I would fumble through the dances....but i kept dancing. Most people in class were probably unaware of my condition and treatments.
I have met great people and associates since taking this class. I truly believe GOD puts people in your life for a reason and he has a perfect plan! This class was a part of my healing plan. I truly believe my outcome would have been different without this class. This class has become my safety net.
My radiation treatments ending in Feb. 06, but my life treatments continues. Marc, I wish you much success and you have a talent and skill that motivates not only the physical body but, in my case the physiological body. I look at other workout programs and can't imagine doing anything else. I've tried many different programs and succeeded with most but never had the inclination to continue or the interest to continue.
Carol. S.B.
Aug 9 2006 04:17 pm
Too Marc Thomas:
My Sister and I belong to the Columbus Steppers Dance Group, we both love to dance and have done so most of our lives. I discovered Marc at the 5th Annual United We Dance Reunion this past June in Akron, Ohio and was invited to his dance class. Marc is a very talented young man with much energy and enthusiasm for dancing. He is a great instructor, easy to follow and is very motivational.
The only regret I have with this class is there are very few of us brothers
in the class, SUP with that do the brother's not dance any more??? or have they forgotten there enter rythm???? Come on out be there or be square.
Hope to see some of you who read this in his next class, Chicago Steppin Class
Ed R and Heidi M
Aug 2 2006 08:45 pm
The Soul Line Dance class has been a great experience for me. I actually took this class along with my mother. We both enjoyed it so much we have decided to take it again in the fall and try to get my younger brother as well as other friends and family to join us. It's a great way to exercise, and it's a fun class which makes the commitment easier to maintain. We even put the CD on at home and go over the moves on the days we do not have class. For anyone looking for something the whole family can enjoy, you should definitely check this class out !
William Packer
Aug 1 2006 07:07 am
Marc, you make your line dancing class fun and physical. I have taken several classes at Barnett that have been fun, but your class is in a class all it's own. I would have spent my summer just going to work and coming home, but your Tuesday and Thursday class has me excited about sweating and feeling good about a true workout. It is the best kept secret you love to tell. I tell those friends of mine who chose not to attend what they are missing and encourage them to sign up for the next session. I am sooooooooo glad I signed up, I look forward to many more. Thanks again!
Yvonne Robertson
Jul 19 2006 01:24 pm
I have to say this is the most fun I have had excersizing.
Yes I said "excersizing" Steppin with Marc Thomas
" Columbus's 1 and ONLY Rhythm Boogie Coordinator" is an absolute ball, he makes learning the steps easy and they can be done by anyone.
You are guaranteed to break a SERIOUS sweat!
I've lost nearly 2 dress sizes since starting just weeks ago.
Thanks Marc for showing a lot of us how to let go and have a good time!
Ms Ronnika Wilkey
Jul 19 2006 12:47 pm
Marc,thank you for making learning to step and line dance so enjoyable. I never knew I could get my workout on doing something I love to do DANCE!!! I really appreciate you. Thanks for helping me get active again!!! Keep doing your thing boy!!!
-Keisha Charles-
Jul 19 2006 10:07 am
Marc, your line dance classes have been a wonderful blessing to me and my daughter and grandaughter. We so enjoy the workout we get and being together. And the class is so diverse in ages, I don't feel a bit out of place. I used to walk and bike alone, it got boring fast. Working out in your class is soooooooo much more fun!!! Thanks alot, Lorraine Leichner
May 30 2006 11:08 am
I'm one of the few brothers that man-upped and joined the Steppin Class. I started out dancing like most older bruthas, with two left feet. But now they call me Mr. Smooth. I really enjoy the classes. I've met some wonderful people, formed new friendships, stayed within my purpose for joining, while the experience has been both pleasant and real. Since the ladies are eager to participated and don't need a special invitation, I would encourage the men of Columbus, surrounding communities and neighboring cities to come join us or give Steppin a try.
The Steppin in the City classes has also included road trips to other cities. I've been on a couple of these road trips and have found that there are "Happy People" in every city we've been to; showcasing some absolutely wonderful, artistic dance styles and forms.
Eric R.
May 17 2006 08:17 am
This class is great we have a lot of fun and get a great work out. We have all ages and sizes,if I can do it anybody can. Sandra Ross.
Mar 25 2006 07:17 pm
I have been taking the soul line dance class and steppin classes since June 2005. I have really enjoyed learning steppin', and I am HOOKED on the line dance class. Marc makes the class so much fun, with a wide variety of soul, funk, and hip hop music. We get a great aerobic workout from the line dance class. The hour and a half goes by so fast that I hardly realize how much I've worked out, except for the serious sweating!!
-Gina Applin-
Mar 15 2006 11:24 am
Fitting exercise into a busy schedule is a difficult tasks within itself. And finding something that you like to do and sticking to it is another challenge. However since joining Marc's class those things are no longer an issue. I enjoy the class, I'm having fun, he keeps it interesting and most importantly I'm getting what I need the most. EXERCISE.
Ms. Kema Nutter
Feb 26 2006 02:02 pm
This class is a real blessing. I truly enjoy teaching people how to dance. I enjoy being a small but important part of their lives!
-Marc-
