Student of the Month Spotlight

Meet Joe & Carole Muto, August's Student of the Month Spotlight...

In 2003, Joe and Carole embarked on a fitness program.  That fitness program included walking and their walking route led them right past the old studio on Willits Road.  They noticed an announcement that group classes were forming and the rest is history...they have been part of the Top Hat family now for 6 years!

The Muto's began dancing long before they entered Top Hat Dance Studio.  Joe remembers "hopping around to the tarantella" as a young boy in Calabria, Italy.  Carole enjoyed dancing as a teenager at high school dances.  She also tried out ballet classes where she once collided into a mirror while executing a tour jete!  They danced at their wedding in 1976.  Of that dance, Carole says, "at our wedding we performed the traditional 'clutch & sway' as Jameson, no doubt, would refer to it!"  As adults, Carole longed to try out partner dancing but found it difficult to fit into the family schedule.

Once they happened upon Top Hat, Joe & Carole began taking the Ballroom Group Classes.  During their time on the dance floor, several dances have emerged as their favorites.  Joe points to dances like Cha Cha, Rumba, and Samba as his favorites; "they are lively and sensuous!"  Carole likes the dances that lend themselves to be most useful at a party or social event.  "We seem to Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing at reception parties."  Carole goes on to say that although Tango and Waltz are not used as much, she loves the romantic music of those particular dance styles.

The Muto's lead very busy lives when not on Top Hat's dance floor.  Joe teaches high school level Spanish and Italian at Archbishop Ryan.  Carole is an RN and Student Nurse Practitioner at Thomas Jefferson University.  They spend most weekends at the Jersey Shore enjoying their time bicycling and walking.  Carole uses her creative skills to write 'jingles' for special occasions like retirement and farewell parties.  Joe & Carole have three grown sons and a daughter-in-law whom they adore. 

Although they are kept quite busy with careers and other activities, Joe & Carole have enjoyed dancing so much that they have converted a room in their house into a small dance studio.  The pictures accompanying this article were taken in their in-house studio.

Joe & Carole have been at Top Hat for 6 years.  When asked what keeps them coming back, they replied with the following: "I actually see myself progressing," Joe said, "As a result of taking dance lessons I've learned to like music more and I want to keep learning."  Joe points out that his favorite aspects of Top Hat are the "friendly atmosphere and phenomenal staff - the teachers are very motivating and encouraging - even if you suck, everyone claps for you!" 

Carol stated, "I refer to Top Hat lessons as my 'dance therapy'.  Just stepping into the studio relaxes me.  Sometimes if I'm exhausted and want to bail out, Joe coaxes me to go with him and I can say with certainty that I have yet to regret an evening of dance class!"

How fortunate that a casual evening walk not only brought something new to the lives of the Muto's but also brought Joe & Carole into the Top Hat family!