BUFFALO, N.Y. —The lights are dim tonight across rehearsal halls and theater stages in Western New York, where dancers young and old are grieving the loss of Jody Dombrowski—renowned teacher, choreographer, and guiding spirit—who passed away on June 16 at the age of 58.
A proud graduate of the University at Buffalo’s Theater and Dance program and an early stand‑out with the celebrated Zodiaque Dance Company, Dombrowski quickly became known for technical brilliance matched only by an open‑armed warmth. “Jody could command a room with a smile,” recalled colleagues at Dance Masters of Western New York Chapter 8, the organization he helped shape for decades. “You felt seen the instant he said hello.”
That gift for connection carried him from national convention floors to television lights, serving as a lead performer for the Miss Pennsylvania and Miss New York State scholarship competitions affiliated with the Miss America Program. His choreography—equal parts precision and story—earned praise for its humanity; every lift and turn seemed choreographed from the heart.
Students remember him simply as “Mr. Jody,” the first to dub his own mentor “Mr. Tom,” a nickname that traveled lovingly through generations. Whether adjudicating competitions, guest‑teaching at studios across the country, or designing fresh pieces that pushed creative boundaries, Dombrowski insisted the real art was helping dancers discover their own voices. “He never wanted clones,” said former pupil Aisha King. “He wanted you to dance like the version of yourself you hadn’t met yet.”
Yet his most treasured roles were husband and father. Dombrowski is survived by his spouse, William Terry, and their 13‑year‑old son, Micah Dombrowski Terry—the center of his world and frequent audience in the family living room, where impromptu performances were as common as dinner.
Tributes have flooded social media feeds: rehearsal‑room selfies captioned “Forever our choreographer,” competition footage replayed with tearful emojis, and the refrain “Dance like Jody’s watching.” Plans are underway for a celebration of life performance later this summer; details will be announced by Chapter 8 in the coming weeks.
For now, Western New York’s dance floors feel achingly wide. Yet somewhere in that quiet, echoes of his count‑offs—“Five, six, seven, eight!”—linger like phantom footlights, urging the next generation onward.
Rest gently, Jody Dombrowski. Until we meet again on a higher stage.