A PASSION FOR TEACHING

At the Dancing Hammer, a passion for working hot metal has begotten a passion for sharing it. For as long as he has operated his own forge, John has taught blacksmithing, and over the years he has passed along the joys of moving hot iron and steel to hundreds of students. In recent years, he has also expanded his range to exploring the forging of aluminum, copper, bronze, and brass.  John no longer offers lessons at his shop in Spencer, but his teaching continues at the Bay Path Vocational Evening School in nearby Charlton and at the Worcester Center for Crafts in Worcester.  You can sign up for his classes at their websites, and you can also reach out to him for private sessions at those locations. John will also travel to your own blacksmithing shop.

LEARNING WITH THE DANCING HAMMER

John has developed a unique approach to teaching blacksmithing which he calls “Be the Metal!” He encourages his students to listen, feel, and witness the transformation of the incandescent metal with every hammer blow. He wants them to imagine themselves as the metal itself caught between the hammer and the anvil thereby acquiring that mysterious state of oneness with the hot, plastic, and willing hot metal. That’s his secret to moving the metal into the beautiful and flowing shapes we seek. Immerse yourself in the creative flow: coax, manage, and lead the metal by becoming. John works with students ranging from young teens to seniors:  on a one-to-one basis or with couples, family groups, and small classes. He engages students on their own terms whatever their starting points. It’s fun, intense, and memorable, and the experience can be transformative and even healing.