Blog

Blog

14 Responses

1. First of all my deepest sympathies go out to his family, Katie and his dear friends. Watching Jason dance was always an Oh My God experience. What I loved about his dancing were his musical interpretations and the sense that he deeply felt the music. I was about to embark on a second private lesson with him with the hopes that they would continue. I was also lucky to have had a recent dance with him as well as workshops. I can honestly say that I still feel my connection with him and it was as if we were leading each other. Any interpretation of a song was OK and met with a little smile of approval, as if to say, feel that connection it’s OK to play. Jason was about connection and he not only achieved this in his dancing but in his teaching and in his relationships. My sadness continues along with my tears. Jason’s passing is truly a tragedy for so many reasons.

   I will miss his presence on this earth and the energy he radiated in his dancing. However I am so very grateful that I had rich experiences with him that continue within me and will for a long time.

2. Jason taught us more than dance-

   he taught us how much one of us can be missed.
   His depth of soul and grace is a truly beautiful
   expression of who he was to us.
   Just as he would not want to leave a space on the dance floor which could be filled with love, gorgeous grace and talent I
   had to fill this space with appreciation for the inspiration that
   he gave to us.
   Dance one for him and many more.
   Love, strength, and dancing,
   Andrea Sweeney

3. Jason was not only a gifted dancer, he was one of the kindest, most courteous human beings on our planet. He was a true professional and a pleasure to watch. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his parents and family. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing how loved and respected their Jason was.

   Cathy and Jim Tigges

4. To Jason’s family and friends,

   I am so very sorry to hear of Jason’s passing. I only knew of him through the dance community and his pictures and never had the opportunity or good fortune to dance with him or have a class.

   He was much too young and the older I get the more you feel the loss of wonderful, creative, talented young people.

   As a parent, one can only imagine the pain and loss his family is going through. As a friend — sometimes our friends are like family and the loss and pain are unreal.

   But fond, playful, happy,funny memories and moments will keep Jason alive in your hearts and minds. He will be missed by all of you but never forgotten.

   And now – – all in heaven are “dancing” “dancing” “dancing!”

   In sympathy and kindness,

   Carol Dobson

5. Dear Jennifer.

   Your letter about Jason’s passing is not only touching but very beautiful. I am grateful to have been included to receive it. He was my idol in the dancing world, a superstar in every way as you say, and he will be painfully missed. I am not only sorrowed by his passing but I’m in a state of disbelief.

   Thank you again,

   Richard Conti

6. I can only imagine the sense of loss Jason’s family is feeling (I have 3 sons myself) but I want to offer to them that he was such a fine young man, an incredibly talented and gracious dancer to all who had the privilege of dancing or working with him. He was at the top of my list of dancers and I have been left humbled and grateful for the opportunity to dance tango with him- to a swing song. Glorious. Rest in peace Jason. May family and friends find their way to a state of grace as they go through this huge loss.

7. My condolences to Jason’s family & his dance partner Katie Boyle. Jason was and is bigger than life and I will very much miss him but he has left such a legacy in recorded performances and for this I am thankful. I feel that dancing brings out the best in people and Jason exemplified that. He was and will remain the best of the best.

   Thank you Jason for sharing your life with so many of us.

8. If only, once we were conceived, we could know the length of time we had to share ourselves with the universe of others. Our time is finite, but the light we shine can continue throughout eternity. Jason’s light will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him personally, as well as those who watched from afar as he inspired them (in all his many ways).

   I will cherish that inspiration from our chats, instruction and that dance on a Saturday night one August. I had no time to prepare, to catch my breath for the connection in dance, the trust of movement that ensued. Now I catch my breath to grieve an inspiring man who has passed, but whose light will shine bright for others, always.
   For his family, and those friends he considered family, my deepest sympathy and hope that his light shines in your heart through your memories of time well spent.

9. While living in Philadelphia, I had the privilege to take lessons with Jason in New York for about a year and a half. That experience transformed me as a dancer. He was truly an amazing person in many ways. As a father and parent now, I cannot imagine the pain and sense of loss that his parents must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family, and especially his parents.

10. I was just trying to search out videos of Jason with no idea that he’d passed away. I took one lesson from him that I will never forget. Just two months ago, I visited New York from Florida and walked right by him in the Village. The hair on the back of my neck stood up because I always remembered him as being an amazing dancer with an incredible gift for translating music. I am so sorry for your family — it’s the same night that Patrick Swayze has passed away and it’s almost too much news for me to handle. One thing his for sure, I am more inspired to dance than ever because life is so, so short. My deepest sympathies are with Jason’s friends and family.

11. I discovered Jason on u-tube a few months ago. I am sad to hear of his passing. I was wowed by his ” honky tonk” dance performance with Katie. so professional together, his hand moves and dance signals to the music were exceptional. Thankyou to those who posted his dance events. A pleasure to watch.

    To his family, he will never be forgotten for his dance., smile. and choriography. I wish you all pleasant and loving memories of this young man . from Austrian
    bless you all Sylvia Burrows

12. I have just started watching swing dance videos & fell in love with this style of dance. I was shocked & broken hearted to see that he had passed. I love watching his videos but especially the ones with Katie Boyle. My condolences to all Jason left behind. Please take comfort that he is dancing with the angels in heaven. God Bless all.

13. I just discovered Jason on YouTube about 6 months ago and love watching him and Katie dance. I noticed that there were only a few videos of the two of them and looked him up on-line to discover he had passed. I was shocked and very sad to learn this news. I’ve never seen him nor even knew of him until recently and can not imagine how devastating this loss has been to his parents and to Katie. The world has truly lost a very special person. I think, as his parents, I would take great solace in knowing that he still moves and inspires anyone lucky enough to come across these videos. I have no doubt that he was kind-hearted and loving and am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

14. The man was not was is being posted here. The man was lecherous!