A.J. Rogers
His eyes have it
Movement isn't in his blood or his soul -- it's in his eyes. When AJ was eight years old he saw a kid his age playing the drums. AJ's eyes lit up -- he couldn't even blink as he didn't want to miss a single thing.
It was just a few years later, now infected by the groove, that he saw some dancers on a music video; no video in particular, mind you -- just dancers. His eyes again: "Yes!" He became a self-taught hip-hopper and knew (yes, I said KNEW) that dancing was his future at the tender age of 12 ...around the same age many of us are just getting to know Clearasil.
He took his dance to a new level during a week-long intensive study with Choreographer Brian Friedman (of televisions: "So you think you can dance?" reality show). That confidence helped him identify his style and, uniquely enough, earn him some humility. When he teaches -- which he loves to do at the studio or with you on the dance floor, please ask -- he not only brings his experience and confidence to the table, but also reaches out to the people who aren't picking up what he's putting out so quickly. He adjusts to them, occasionally learning something new as he goes.
"I like testing myself," he says, adding: "I went through a lot to get this job and now I'm glad because it's so fun."See more photos of AJ in action.
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"Thanks for checking in ... the event was a huge success thanks to AJ and the team. AJ kept the party going all night and everyone had a blast. I just posted a comment on facebook ... thanks for everything!"
-Alla Gershberg, Hotel Whitcomb, October 29, 2011
"Everything was wonderful! We received tons of compliments about AJ. He is terrific. Thank you."
-Julie Lerner, Beth Chiam, October 22, 2011
"Everything went great! Both William and AJ were great to work with and did an awesome job!!! Can’t wait to have you back next time ... Same time next year J last weekend of September!!!"
-Trace' Condon, St Catherine of Siena School, September, 25, 2011
"It went great. Can't think of anything else you could have done. Only little thing is that Sophie did bring some extra prizes, so there was a cross-section of the type of prizes, but that's no big deal. (E.g. some gift certificates the kids liked, etc.) I think you folks did a wonderful job and A.J. was great. One of the dancers the kids liked; the female they thought didn't dance quite that well (and we had some pretty experienced dances among the kids.) So, that's the only "negative" feedback I got, if you think of it that way. The other dancer was fine,and AJ was great."
-Donna Little, Olympic Club at Lakeside, September 17, 2011
"AJ was fantastic at our daughter Julia's Bat Mitzvah 2 years ago. I couldn't imagine anything better. But, AJ may have outdone himself this time for son Charles' Bar Mitzvah on Saturday night (9/3). He was simply amazing and had every kid and just about every adult rocking out of their minds. It's not just that he is fabulous at what he does--he really seems to love it as well and his enthusiasm is totally infectious. As usual, I will continue to recommend AJ and Denon & Doyle wholeheartledly. Thank you for a job extraordinarily well done from start to finish."
-Marc Teitelbaum, Beth Hilel, September 3, 2011
"The party was fantastic – Aj and Nick were totally great with the kids – I think everyone had a wonderful time."
-Linda Gerard, Presidio Golf Club, August 20, 2011
"Thank you, [AJ], so much for making Tara's bat mitzvah party last Saturday a day she will remember forever! She really had the time of her life and her friends did, too! Rachel's friends agreed that it was the "best party they had ever been to in their lives" and Rachel said she definitely wants you to MC her bat mitzvah. And the adults all thought you were amazing, too. I wish you could hear all the great comments people had to say about you!
Thanks again for everything. You were awesome!
Hopefully we'll be working with you again. In the meantime, let us know if you're dancing in any productions we can come see. We'd love to support you!"
-Karen Goldberg, Temple Isaiah, July 16, 2011
"AJ was fantastic! When we got home my 13 year old daughter said, “Mom – sit down ... .that was the best Menlo Cast Party EVER!” And coming from a teenager, that means a lot.
Please pass my most sincere appreciation to your entire team for working with me since I was underwriting this – and for your ongoing support, professionalism, and quality service."
-Susan Kidwell, Menlo School, April 10, 2011
"Thanks for your email. I wanted to let you know that AJ and Nick did a fantastic job. Not only did the adults have a great time, but they both did a wonderful job with the kids. I was particularly impressed with AJ and his ability to deal with all aspects of the party. He has a real enthusiasm and ability to relate to the kids, which is a talent that most adults (including me) would love to have. He truly made the party a much more enjoyable experience. Ben in particular loved the event and it was the perfect way to end the day.
As you may recall, Ben is the first of 7 Tarkoffs who will be having a bar mitzvah over the next several years, the last being our son Joseph (who is only 9 years from his big day). My brothers (whose kids are next) were also very pleased with the work that AJ and Nick did and I hope that we will have the opportunity to see them again at the next Tarkoff party.
Thanks again for all your help as well in getting us set up and headed down the right path."
-Tom Tarkoff, Orinda Country Club, April 2, 2011
"Well, everyone had a great time. The party was fantastic! AJ and the dancers did an amazing job keeping everyone dancing practically the whole time, and they were also really sweet and well-mannered. Overall, an amazing experience."
-Sharon Portnoy, Larkspur Hotel, March 26, 2011
"Everyone had a great time, the event was wonderful and ran smoothly and flawlessly. Eden was thrilled with the party and her and her friends’ Facebook pages were lit up afterwards with comments along the lines of “best party EVER!” AJ, Nick and Ashley were fabulous!"
-Geri Justi, Lafayette Park Hotel, March 12, 2011
"Thanks to you all for a wonderful party on Saturday night. Everyone has a great time from the youngest kids to the grandparents and most of all Ethan. AJ and his crew really made the night spectacular."
-Barbara Sobel, Servino Restaurant, February 26th, 2011
"Please give AJ and his crew a big thank you for a great job Saturday night. Natalie's facebook page is full of hugely positive comments from the kids at the party (and the adults) about what a great time they had. AJ checked with us all evening making sure everything was going as planned and making sure we were happy, checking on the noise level making sure the grandmothers weren't driven from the room....He is an amazing motivator. You will see us again in four years (if not sooner) for the twins Bat/Bar Mitzvah!"
-Janice Rich, Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, February 19, 2011
"Five stars is hardly enough for AJ the Magnificent MC and his terrific DJ. "Amazing" and "epic" are the words circulating to describe the event. AJ & Co. played a leading role. I had so much to manage to make this event happen. It was such a relief and pleasure to have your crew manage me - that is to say make your end seem effortless. That's what I call professionalism. Many thanks to all at Denon & Doyle for your pitch perfect contribution."
-Monica Heredia, Mill Valley Residence, February 5, 2011
"AJ and Nick were fantastic. They definitely new how to read and engage the kids. They were both very professional and nice guys to be around. They were able to interact well with David and me, and to gain the trust of the kids. Super Job!"
-Robyn Dabora, Sleepy Hollow Clubhouse, January 22, 2011
"Thank you for making Sophie's Bat Mitzvah party a major hit! We all had a blast--especially Sophie (and Ilana)! You have an amazing ability to tune into the crowd and provide energizing and fun entertainment. People of all ages from 13 yr olds to 80 yr olds came up to me throughout the evening to tell me how great you were in engaging the crowd and creating a festive atmosphere. Al the kids and adults enjoyed the dancing so much! Ilana and Sophie say it was the best party ever! Thank you for helping to create a memorable night for Sophie."
-Jay Share, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, December 11, 2010
"I wanted to let you know how FABULOUS AJ and crew were for Cole's Bar Mitzvah! AJ was fun, personable, engaging, "on it" and really gave 110%. Nick was a great dj and worked really well with AJ. Jake was a good addition and had a challenging job of "keeping up with Cole." It was also nice to have Jonny, "the new guy," as an added bonus.
And, the photo booth was a great hit!
You, and Denon and Doyle, have been great to work with. You are professional, experienced, fun and so well-organized!"
-Dana Pepp, Marin Art & Garden Center, November 20, 2010
"Aj and everyone was great!! AJ lead the way to a great and memorable party and Nick, Maya and Brandon really made a wonderful team. We were very happy with everything."
-Sheela Hodes, Fountain Grove Country Club, October 30, 2010
"Hi Dan, everything went really really well. We're very pleased with AJ and his team. Everyone commented on how great they were, and they really made the party a special event. Thanks so much.
I've already heard that numerous of our friends want to hire AJ for their events, so you and he should all be pleased. We'll look forward to working with you all in the future."
-Randy Moss, Temple Isaiah, October 9, 2010
"Everything was fabulous. David and his friends had a blast, as did the adults. As usual, you guys made the party! As one of David's friends posted on his FB page.... "Becker, that party was legit!"
I'll be checking in w/ you in about 3 years, when we're planning my daughter's bat mitzvah."
-Mindy Becker, Lafayette Veteran's Memorial Hall, August 28, 2010
"I never had a chance to formally thank you. My daughter's B'not mitzvah was amazing and more fun than I could ever wished for and much of it's success was due to AJ and Denon & Doyle. We have received numerous requests for his contact info as many of the guests said he made the party. Old and young, teen or tween everybody danced! I highly recommend your organization. Thank you!"
-Kim Liss, The Peasant's Courtyard, July 24, 2010
"Aj, tj and ben were awesome. What a team! Aj is a masterful mc who created a wholesome nightclub atmosphere that engaged the 13 year olds the entire time. He was cool, fun, in control in a non-showy, unobtrusive way, had an impressive ability to read the crowd and timed transitions brilliantly. Ben was a charismatic and amazing dancer who worked the kids so well and jt was flawless at mixing the music with entertaining transitions that added to the fun.
The kids were buzzing with positive comments "this party was awesome" and aj really made our twin bnei mitzva boys feel special."
-Cindy Fenton, Mill Valley Golf Course, May 30, 2010
"AJ and crew were AWESOME! They truly were amazing and people have not stopped talking about them. Thank you!!!"
-Cyndi Weingard, Marin Country Club, May 15, 2010
"Dan, AJ ROCKS!!!! He really is spectacular!!! Difficult crowd of kids but he is amazing. The Bat Mitzvah girl loved him. We're all good. I just love the guy and his team. "
-Joannie Liss, Jewish Community Center, February 27, 2010
"Hi AJ, We want to tell you again how FANTASTIC you and your team were at AnnaÕs bat mitzvah party at the Lake Merritt last Sat. night. Everyone just raved about you. Anna was so happy. You really made the event a huge success!"
-Cathy Rosenfeld, Lake Merritt Hotel, January 16, 2010