John was born December 1, 1936. He graduated from New York High School for the performing Arts. He studied classical ballet under Robert Joffrey and Ruth Moore and Modern dance under Pearl Lange and Shirley Broughton. John was a student at the Manhattan School of Music. He was registered with ASCAP as an artist, pianist, composer, and dancer.

In the early 1950?s, while still in his teens, John enrolled in the tap and ballet department of the Fred Astaire Studio in New York City. He studied ballroom dancing with the master himself, which inspired John to become an instructor. John soon aspired to be the National Dance Director for Fred Astaire Dance Studios, which had grown immensely. He retained this title and position for 35 years.

In 1961, John created The Cross County Dance Competition and later the National Dance Competition.

In 1970, John along with Mary Molaghan, formed American Ballroom Company and launched the first United States Ballroom Championships. He remained President of ABC until his untimely passing in 1990.

Mr. Monte received the coveted Carl-Alan Award presented in England by her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret for his outstanding contributions to the ballroom dancing profession.
He served two six-year terms as president of the National Dance Council of America from 1974 to 1987. During that time he was also elected to the position of vice president of the International Council of Ballroom Dancing (ICBD). He was the first North American on the Presidium and the first North American on the Joint Committee (ICBD/ICAD). He elevated the stature of the United States on the Council and he retained his title until his passing.

Mr. Monte was instrumental in the introduction of the International Style of dancing in the United States. He endorsed the forming of the United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (USISTD) of which he was a Fellow. John was also a member of Dance Educators of America for 25 years.

As we look at the dancing of today, it is clear that his focus, vision and genius live on. John dared to dream and had the courage to lead us toward the realization of those dreams. We will always be thankful to him. For all who knew john, the respect and love for him still lingers. He passed away on February 12, 1990 at age 54.