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references

Stephanie Campbell (Owner/Director of DC Dance Factory)

To whom it may concern:

I am writing with regards to Matthew Taylor. Matthew started as a student of ours at DC Dance Factory at age 10 and spent 9 years not only as a part of our studio but also as one of our company dancers. We first noticed Matthew’s work ethic at a young age always working hard to improve in his classes but more than that we noticed what a great student he was. We knew we could always count on Matthew to do what was expected of him and to be responsible for everything we asked him to do. Matthew was a huge part of our big brother program which is a program in which the older dancers work with the younger dancers to help encourage and inspire them both at the studio and at competitions. Matthew was big brother to both my own children as well as to many of the other dancers and as he got older he continued to not only be a teacher assistant in the classes but he was also such a team leader. Matthew’s positive attitude and energy was a huge part of our studio and all of the families loved Matthew and trusted Matthew with their children. Matthew continues to work at our studio when he is home not only assisting and teaching class but also with encouraging and inspiring our students.

Please feel free to call me or email me if you have any further questions regarding Matthew.

Contact info:
Cell: 615-456-6459
email: smcampbell5678@gmail.com

August 13, 2018

Jeanine Simpson (Dance Teacher from DC Dance Factory)

 

To whom it may concern,
I wanted to write this letter of recommendation for Matthew Taylor as a great candidate for any child care needs you may have available. Matthew comes from an outstanding family and has so much to offer. Matthew has worked with my daughter one on one for private lessons with dance in the past and he’s been a tremendous help and mentor to her. He has such a gentle spirit about him and a great patience with children and his zest for life is contagious!
My daughter adores him to this day and that’s a true testament of how much of an impact he truly had on her life. If I had to recommend anyone it would most definitely be Matthew Taylor. I feel most confident you will be very happy by choosing him.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. I am happy to help!

 

j9simp@aol.com

August 12, 2018

Jake Speck (StudioTenn Managing Director in 2015)

 

To Whom It May Concern: 

I am writing this letter to recommend Matthew Taylor without reservation for an AGBU scholarship. I have worked with Matthew as a teacher, mentor and theatre producer and feel that he embodies all the qualities you are looking for. I worked in the New York and Broadway theatre communities for several years including a two-year run in the Broadway cast of "Jersey Boys". I know first hand the kind of hard work and determination it takes to succeed in the world of the performing arts. Matthew's personal character, drive, talent, work ethic, intelligence and team-oriented attitude have set him up for success. I now operate my own professional theatre company in Nashville, TN (Studio Tenn Theatre Company). Only once have I ever hired a high school student as a member of a professional ensemble. That student was Matthew. To put it frankly, he's just that good. 

I believe Matthew to be a well-rounded artist who is constantly exploring and incredibly coachable. I have seen him succeed both onstage and off. Matthew isn't just interested in the spotlight. He is interested in EVERY aspect of dance and theatre and is a true team player. You don't have to ask him to do something. If he sees there is something that needs to be done, he'll just do it. His immense talent and insatiable desire to create compliment his intense work ethic. Matthew is a top-notch human being and deserves a spot at the top of your list. 

I hope you will give him full and serious consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Jake Speck 

Managing Director 

Studio Tenn Theatre Company 

May 20, 2015

www.studiotenn.com 

Susan Ramirez (Dancer/Dance Instructor at Studio @ Hoboken)

@iam_susan_ramirez

 

Matthew is an outstanding, creative, as well as an educator! As a dancer, you want to be as great as a storyteller as you can, because you are speaking with your body. Not only is Matthew an exemplary storyteller, but he is a graceful teacher and wonderful spirit! I took his class one time and fell in love, and had to come back! I would take his classes every day if I could! Whether you are introductory level or advance, Matthew has an innate way of storytelling through movement and educating the masses through Dance! Sign up now!

2023

Marie Granata (Dancer at Studio @ Hoboken)

 

Attended classes for adults of differing skill level, and differing lengths of time since “last” formal classes. Matthew Vincent Taylor, during his tenure at The Studio, instructed classes I attended Saturday mornings & Thursday evenings. Matthew’s approach: upbeat, made class time fun (using popular music as well as traditional ballet music), patient, engaging, encouraging full participation regardless of (rusty) skill level. Explained the nuances of barre work warmup as to what was being worked, and how best to execute the exercise to achieve benefit. Explained / demonstrated the components of floor work routines and how they fit together to achieve the routine outcome and feel. Explained  projection of “stage presence” while executing the routines. Enjoyed class times with Matthew, felt a camaraderie with other class members, and left each class feeling very much a ‘ballerina’ (a little taller, a little more graceful). Enjoyed class times with Matthew, felt a camaraderie with other class members, and left each class feeling very much a ‘ballerina’ (a little taller, a little more graceful).

2023

Diana Kuritza (Dancer at Studio @ Hoboken)

@dkuritza

 

I have such fond memories of Matt's ballet classes, which were set to the backdrop of pop music. Matt has a remarkable talent for infusing each session with his infectious energy, making them something I looked forward to attending each week. His classes were a perfect blend of fun and challenging.

 

What I truly cherished about Matt's teaching style was his knack for crafting combinations that were both challenging but also immensely enjoyable. And he had a way of providing feedback and notes that were both encouraging and constructive, always pushing each student to give their best. Matt's classes were a delight to attend, whoever has him as a teacher is a lucky dancer!

2023

Jenna Toriscelli (Dancer/Model/Realtor)

@jennatoriscelli

 

Matthew Taylor has been a friend and colleague of mine for nearly ten years. I have had the pleasure of working with Matthew many times throughout his career. As an artist Matthew is creative, bold and witty; as a person, he is simply joy. Matthew’s warm energy is contagious. When he teaches, his students feel supported and inspired. Matthew’s experience and knowledge are apparent and his students trust and respect him greatly.

 

Matthew has also shared his photography skills with me. When working on a shoot,

Matthew does not cut corners or rush to find the perfect shot. Instead, he takes pleasure in the process and encourages new ideas. Through working with Matthew I have discovered that the process is the most important part of any work. I have gained joy and valuable knowledge from working with Matthew and believe he would be an excellent addition to your company.

2023

Darybe Simpson (Actress/Student from DC Dance Factory)

@darbyelovesimpson

         

I have taken classes with Matthew Taylor for many years including group classes and private lessons. Matthew pays a lot of attention to detail and has taught me so much. He is very knowledgeable and gives corrections in an encouraging and supportive way. My technique improved tremendously in a short time after working with him.   

 

I would say some of Matthew’s greatest qualities are his energy and passion for dance and life in general. When he walks in a room he brings a happiness and positive energy that only he could bring. I enjoy taking his classes very much and will continue to do so!   

2023

Gaelle Clesca (America’s Got Talent, Nurses Choir Member from Northwell Health)

@gaelle_211

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Vincent Taylor for any choreography or leadership role in the performing arts sector. As a member of the Northwell Health Nurse Choir at Northwell Health, I had the pleasure of working closely with Matthew during season 16 of America's Got Talent where he meticulously choreographed the performance for our choir. Matthew's exceptional talent in choreography was evident when the choir won the coveted Golden Buzzer, a testimony to the brilliance he brought to the stage. His ability to craft a performance that resonates deeply with both the performers and the audience demonstrates his level of dedication and passion for his craft.

 

What distinguishes Matthew from many in his field is his unparalleled leadership skills, especially when guiding large groups. His genuine dedication to people, both individually and collectively, is truly remarkable. It was these qualities, among others, that led Northwell Health to handpick him over numerous other talented choreographers. From our very first interaction, it was evident that Matthew was not just another choreographer; he was a team player with an infectious energy that instantly connected with our entire team. His dedication, coupled with his unmatched skill set, made working with him not just a professional endeavor but an honor. 

 

In conclusion, I am confident that Matthew Taylor will be an invaluable asset to any organization. His blend of talent, passion, and leadership is rare, and I wholeheartedly believe that any team would be fortunate to have him on board. Should you require further details regarding my recommendation, you may reach me at 516-732-1250 or via email at gmoise@northwell.edu.

 

Gaelle Clesca MSN, RN, CPN

Assistant Nurse Manager

2023

Cassidy Caban (America’s Got Talent, Nurses Choir Member from Northwell Health)

@ctoben1

I had the pleasure of working with Matthew in 2021 when he choreographed our audition for America’s Got Talent. Matthew was so much fun to work with! He is talented, professional, and always made the hard work fun. Matthew was able to choreograph dances that looked incredible on stage, challenged us as non-dancers, and made us feel comfortable and confident the whole way through. Matthew’s passion for the arts is evident in the effort, care, and compassion he puts into his work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

631-987-5297

2023

Christian Montanez (America’s Got Talent, Nurses Choir Member from Northwell Health)

@cmontymusic

 

Matthew was assigned the task to choreograph and prepare The Northwell Health Nurse Choir for their audition on America's Got Talent Season 16 in 2021. With the clashing of multiple personalities with different backgrounds, specialties, and ages, Matthew was able to find a strategic approach to properly manage our diverse group. Through his charisma, talent, and vision, he was able to design our choreography that ultimately led to our Golden Buzzer audition from Howie Mandel. It was a pleasure working with him.

2023

MIc

Michael Zomber


Reference: Matthew V. Taylor Application for Youth Leadership Franklin Dear Ms. McElroy:

I and my family moved from Los Angeles to Franklin, Tennessee in 2000 and lived in your wonderful community for a number of years. During that time we sponsored Angel Heart Farm and its devoted president. Ms. Tracy Kujawa both financially as well as hosting their horses and program on our farm at 4282 North Chapel Road until they found a permanent home.

During the same time I had the pleasure of observing and knowing Matthew Taylor as he grew from a young child into the fine young man he is today. It is proverbial that adults feel the younger generation is lacking in respect for community, authority, and society and indeed this seems to be the case all too often.

Matthew Taylor not only respects his community but is inspired to give untiringly of himself in order to demonstrate his belief that service beyond self is actually of great benefit to him who serves. Matthew has been a positive role model to our two children, a daughter age 12 and a son age 8. He is a natural leader and both look up to him which is no mean accomplishment I can assure you.

I have read and I quote that: “We take the application process very seriously.” I take the writing of a letter of recommendation seriously as well and rarely write them for that reason. However in Matthew Taylorʼs case I am so confident of his abilities and commitment to any endeavor he chooses that I take great pride and pleasure in commending him to a position within Youth Leadership Franklin without hesitation.

Sincerely

Michael R. Zomber

3 October 2012

jnkokmn.jpg

"Solaris Sigma Cydawn: 15(m[M]+12+Soldawn)"

Collage by Penny

Original Photo by Jordyn Smalling Shadrach

Photo at New York University: Tisch School of the Arts

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