50 people from 5 different states
traveled to Buffalo Grove
to join Fred Astaire
in welcoming Maksim Chmerkovskiy
from Dancing with the Stars on April 22nd!
CCDC 2008
Watch for more pictures
from CCDC
the week of 4/28!
Our Pro Ams
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Our Pros
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Buffalo Grove in Las Vegas!
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DanceSport 2008!
"Hairspray" was a huge success!
On February 23rd, over 400 people filled the seats of Schaumburg Prairie Center
for the Arts awaiting Fred Astaire's first annual Dance Fantasy.
This year's theme was the Tony Award Winning musical, Hairspray.
The fabulous production was overflowing with catchy music, thrilling lifts, fancy footwork, dazzling costumes, and Fred Astaire's finest students and teachers!
The auditorium swelled with applause as the curtain opened
and the enthusiasm continued right until the curtain dropped.
This exciting experience for the staff, the students, and the audience is one that will not be forgotten.Many thanks to everyone involved for making "Hairspray"
such an enormous success!
Thanks to all who attended Holiday Ball 2007!
Our Studio was named Top Studio again!
Carl Mito was top male newcomer,
Carl and Marion Mito were top amateur couple, Angel Sidor won top showcase!
Chris Germain was named top teacher and Aaron DeSoto was second!
Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills
hosted Chicago North on December 8th
for a fun filled day of ice skating!!
This was a special event for
the Winter Festival sponsors and their teachers.
Click on image for larger view!
MAKSIM CHMEROVSKIY “Dancing with the Stars” Seasons 2, 3, & 4 Hosts a Dance Camp at the Buffalo Grove Studio!
Following 3 days of coaching the students and staff at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Buffalo Grove, Max hosted a Dance Camp open to the public Wednesday evening.
The lucky students had an opportunity to feast their eyes on one of America’s 10 most eligible bachelors while learning valuable dance skills.
During Max’s meet and greet after the camp, our own student Mike Adamle (Channel 5 Sports Newscaster) decided to toss Max up on his shoulders for a photo op! Max will be joining Dancing with the Stars for their 5th season, but he guarantees that following the finale November 24th he will be back to visit all of his new found friends at Buffalo Grove!
Happy Anniversary Arlington Park Race Track!
Jackie & Jesse, dancing for the Million!!
On Friday, August 10th hundreds of jockeys, horse trainers and owners, from all over the World gathered for the 25th Anniversary of the Arlington Million! It is also the 80th year Anniversary of the Arlington Park Race Track! This marvelous event was held at the grand Estate of Judi & Dick Duchossois.
Friday evening consisted of entertainers, a grand buffet, fire throwers, an orchestra, mock horse races, singing and none other than Chicago's own, Jackie and Jesse performing 3 exciting numbers! The first number was a surprise dedicated from Judi to Dick, a Fox Trot, danced to Blue Moon---the name of their yacht. The 2nd number Jackie and Jesse performed is their animated dance version of "Move", from Dream Girls and the 3rd number they danced was their saucy number "Right Now". The crowd cheered as they took their final bow. This took place in a tent that seated hundreds, had 9 projectors showing races and pictures from days gone by, to logos of the 2007, 25th Arlington Million to be raced on Saturday, August 11th. Judi and Dick were the perfect host and hostess greeting, seating and socializing throughout the night.
In August of 2006, Jackie and Jesse had danced for George Hamilton's 67th birthday in the foothills of Hollywood, with some of the most prominent movie stars in the World in attendance. They compared this spectacular evening in South Barrington to their experience in California to which they felt it was just as exciting, and at least they could drive home when it ended! Thank you to Judi & Dick and congratulations to Jackie and Jesse for another great performance!
2007
Astaire Awards
Photos
Click photo for larger/printable view
On July 25th - 28th a talented group of competitive students and professionals from the Fred Astaire Chicago North studio competed at the chain’s National Competition, Astaire Awards Championships.
Studios from all around the country came to our beautiful city to compete at this exciting event. Even with over 30 studios participating at the event, our students took home some of the top awards at the competition.
The culmination of everyone’s hard work and dedication was on Saturday evening, which featured a Professional Show including the staff from the Chicago Region and a special performance by our very own Jackie Josephs and Jesse DeSoto. The evening concluded with the Buffalo Grove Studio winning Top Studio for Astaire Awards Championships 2007 which is an amazing “feet” at a National Competition; especially since they have only been open for less than two years!
Thank you to all the students and staff that made AAC a very memorable event!
Student Testimonials
Robbi ~
I have been a student at Fred Astaire for almost 2 ½ years. I have always loved all styles of dance, but I especially loved ballroom dancing. I always wanted to dance as a kid but never got the opportunity, so when I saw that Fred Astaire opened a dance studio in the area, I decided that it was time to live my childhood dream.
THAT was the one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I tell my family and friends that it has truly changed my life. There are so many benefits, it’s hard to talk about all of them. Ballroom dancing is absolutely great exercise-I’ve tried Yoga and Pilates and other fitness classes at the health club but for me, it’s an exercise to exercise. Not so with ballroom dancing. I actually don’t think of it as exercise because it is so joyful. Nevertheless, I’ve definitely noticed the physical benefits. When I’m dancing that is the only thing I think about. If I’ve had a bad day, dancing turns that around 100%. I’ve never left the studio feeling anything but energized and happy!
I have two daughters who dance and I have always been in awe of their ability to get up on a stage and perform in front of people and I’ve always marveled at how they can remember all those steps. I am pretty shy and self-conscious and I never thought it would be possible for me to do either of those things. Now I compete at the national competitions where I do have to perform and I have to remember the steps to nine choreographed routines. To me, those are remarkable accomplishments!
The people at the studio are the absolute best! Everyone, staff and students alike, are so friendly. On “Dancing with the Stars”, the celebrities are always talking about how close they become. That’s true at the studio too. People cheer each other on in competitions and it has a real family atmosphere.
I absolutely adore the staff at the Fred Astaire studio. They are amazing dancers and teachers and they truly care about each and every student regardless of age or ability. There are not enough positive adjectives to describe how I feel about my two wonderful teachers, Aaron and Chris. They give and give and give. It never seems like dancing is a job to them. They are the BEST!
I also like the fact that Fred Astaire is always enhancing the learning experience. They bring in the most amazing coaches, including Tony Dovolani and Maxsim Chermakovsy from Dancing with the Stars. Although I’ve never danced at another studio, I doubt there are many studios that bring in so many professionals to work with their students.
I would strongly recommend ballroom dancing to anyone. I guarantee it will change a person’s life.
~Paul and Cindy
It all started a little over a year ago when a husband, eager to score some brownie points with his wife, gave her a certificate for five ballroom dancing lessons. Little did we know just how much fun dancing would be, and we have never believed that dance lessons would occupy such an important slice of our lives.
It's the studio. The instructors, staff and other students are wonderful. The instructors praise and encourage without a hint of condescension, and they all share great talent and a genuine love for what they do. The studio atmosphere is friendly, happy and welcoming!
Dance lessons are our "date nights," and we look forward to learning new dances and steps and polishing the older ones. Competition is not in our plans, but we enjoy cheering on the other students and instructors. We'll never be as graceful as Fred and Ginger-think Fred and Wilma-but that doesn't matter. We're participating in an activity we really enjoy, and we're doing it together. When we dance, we laugh, and that's what really matters!!
~ Cyndi
Two years ago I walked into the Buffalo Grove Fred Astaire Dance Studio with my coupon in hand waiting for my first lesson. I was at a very tough time in my life and was seeking to find something or somewhere to escape to. Dancing has always been a way for me to release my anxieties and the studio turned out to be my little paradise. It is such a positive, energy packed, friendly place that you can't help but want to be there.
I have always loved dancing but have never really pursued developing any technical expertise. Within months I was learning the proper techniques and doing steps that I never thought possible. I never could have dreamed how it would energize and revitalize me. The staff is outstanding and my teachers, Aaron and Chris, are the absolute best. They have such patience and they have never given up on me.
I have done some competitions and am now performing in a show!! Who knew? If you're looking for someplace to relieve your stress, forget about the hassles of the day, and have the time of your life doing it...forget Disney World come to Buffalo Grove Fred Astaire!!
~Felicia
I've always loved watching ballroom dance on tv, but never imagined that I could one day do it myself. As I watched the first couple seasons of abc's Dancing with the Stars, my interest was renewed and I even began to think that maybe I could dance like that one day! Thumbing through the yellow pages in February of '07, I came upon Fred Astaire Dance Studio and called to schedule my frist introductory lesson. Within forty minutes of walking through the door, I was hooked!! I walked out of there with a basic program, some new shoes, and a new outlook on life! Almost a year later, I am now coming in at least three times a week, I've competed in a national competition, and am currently preparing for a regional competition. I NEVER thought I would get this far! The best part is, I 'm having the time of my life!
There was even a day that I showed up out of habit when I wasn't even scheduled and I still had a blast. The instructors are so talented and they're like a little extended family. I've met so many great new friends of all ages. It's the best exercise and a real workout. I'm challenging myself physically and mentally and I feel so great when I get it right. After raising three wonderful sons, who are now out on their own, I feel like its my time now. They even join me a tcompetitions and fill the room with cheers as they proudly watch their mom burn up the dance floor.
That first phone call to Fred Astaire truly did change my life, and I'm on to a whole new chapter and I'm loving it!
Hi there! My name is Kat, and I've been a student at Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove for the last year.
I'm here to tell you that taking Ballroom dance lessons was the wisest decision I have ever made. I have gained confidence in myself, made some wonderful friends, increased my appreciation for music, and have improved my overall health dramatically. I cannot
imagine what life would be like if I had never taken that first lesson! Please, take a moment to visit my online journal where you can see how Ballroom dancing is continuing to change my life, and learn how it can change yours too, one step at a time.
~Sheryl & Steve
My husband, Steve, and I have been taking lessons at the Fred Astaire Studio for over a year. We have been married for 34 years and I have been waiting that long for Steve to learn to dance. He has always been what we call ‘rhythmically challenged’ and both his feet were ‘left’. The only way to get him onto a dance floor was after several drinks, and the floor had to be packed with people with us in the very center.
Our good friends finally talked him into trying to dance so that the four of us could all attend a Glenn Miller Dance Weekend at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. If Steve does anything, he wants to do it well, so he insisted I find somewhere to take lessons before our weekend. The Fred Astaire Studio in Buffalo Grove had recently opened and we signed up for some introductory lessons.
At first we were impatient and quick to find fault with each other. Our teachers were friendly and encouraging and, before we knew it, we were having a great time. We traveled to our weekend in Asheville and enjoyed it so much that we decided to keep learning.
Now I’m afraid we’ve created a monster. Steve is so enthusiastic about improving his dancing that he practices all the time, dragging me up from in front of the television to be his partner. No more couch potatoes at our house, we have moved the furniture in the living room against the walls and laugh as neighbors do a double take when they see us waltzing around the room.
Walking into the Fred Astaire Studio is like walking into a party. Friendly greetings come from all corners and no one is a stranger for long. Whatever your dance level, the staff makes you feel comfortable. They treat all students with courtesy and respect, but there’s lots of good-natured teasing once you are a familiar face.
I’m so glad Steve and I have a new and healthy interest to share, and I am grateful to the professionals at Fred Astaire for their contagious enthusiasm and making the learning such fun.
~ Sue & Ron
We are having a blast learning to dance at Fred Astaire! The teachers are wonderful, very patient (which we need) and encouraging. Not only is it fun, it is a great workout – you use muscles you haven’t used in a while, and it is great for posture, balance, and with all the hip action, for your waistline! There’s always more to learn and the coaching is great. We love the dance parties that allow us to practice in a social setting. Now, we look forward to dancing at family and work events. We’ve found it a great activity that we can do together, today and for years to come. Oh, and we like showing off every once-in-a-while!
~ Patti
I couldn’t have written this testimonial four months ago. I was tired, overworked and overweight. I don’t jog and thinking about going to the health club gives me hives. I’ve always loved to dance- but it was alone in the kitchen or while cleaning the house or at a wedding with my husband. The second fantastic season of Dancing with the Stars had just ended this past spring when my husband read in the local newspaper that Tony Dovolani was going to be at the local Fred Astaire Studio. Wow! I summoned up my courage and called the studio requesting to be included in Tony’s group lesson. My life hasn’t been the same since. Not only have I had the opportunity to make new, wonderful friends- both the patient, supportive instructors and fellow students, but my live has changed. I know that sounds bizarre, but it’s true! It’s been uplifting. I’ve lost 20 pounds- and still counting, I’m sleeping soundly at night, am more alert in the office and have more self-confidence than I‘ve had in years. My husband tells our family and friends that it’s been a long time since he’s seen me so happy. I can have the worst day in the office and after my lesson, feel invigorated. The best part of it all is the fun! I have found my bliss. It was there waiting for me all the while. It just took a few days at the studio with some great people for me to find it. I am continuing my dancing, entering competitions with my instructors and feeling fantastic. This is one of the best things that I have ever done for myself. I can’t image a day without dancing.
~ Paula
When I first walked into the studio to watch my friend's lesson I was nervous and initially did not want to get up and dance. Once Aaron got me out on the dance floor the lesson was so much fun and he made me feel so comfortable that I haven't stopped dancing since.
The whole studio provides an atmosphere of fun, excitement and a genuine friendliness that makes you feel at home there. In addition to the fun I have lost weight and my employees say I am a happier person since starting dancing. I have also gained confidence ( both on and off the dance floor).
I have always loved dancing but would always hide in the middle of the crowd on the dance floor so that nobody could see me. Now that I have more confidence I am no longer in the middle of the crowd. I successfully danced two routines at the Holiday Showcase, one at the practice party and I plan to continue my dancing.
~Uri
In one word... awesome. In seven words...I fell in love with this place. Got there almost by mistake. For a while I entertained myself with the thought of going ballroom dancing, but never really got myself to do it. I tried once 2-3 group lessons in the Deerfield park district and it was a disaster. Until one Tuesday afternoon... I needed to get a gift for a friend for a Christmas party. The gift shop was closed. I was very disappointed.
I didn’t want to go back home empty handed. The sign at the neighbor shop said “Fred Astaire.” Thought I had nothing to lose. I walked in.
Right away I realized my mistake; this was no gift shop. The place was crowded. Some people were dancing. Some were practicing fancy moves in front of a huge mirror. And some seemed to be just chatting with each other. Nice relaxing music was playing in the background. I believe it was Frank Sinatra. I looked again. I thought I was dreaming. Perhaps hallucinating. It was by far the largest amount of beauty per square inch which my eyes ever glanced at. I was overwhelmed. Was starting to back up slowly towards the exit door... A hand stopped my escape and pulled me back in. Her name was Simona. She was very friendly and calming. She said hello and I think she mentioned something about ballroom dance and an introduction lesson, but I wasn’t listening carefully. I was too busy pinching myself trying to wake up. I mumbled something about wrong shop and ran away.
Later I woke up in my car. Relieved that it was all a dream. Then I noticed something.. There was a little piece of paper in my hand.
I called the telephone number on the card. 2 weeks later I had yet another dream. In it I was performing waltz in front of many people in a Hollywood style dance party. I can clearly remember the weird feeling that I was actually dancing, not just walking around... People were cheering and shouting my name. I made a point to myself that when I woke up I better read more about the phenomena of dreams with reoccurring themes. A hand shook me gently. She was wearing a very fancy dress and a mysterious smile. “Uri,” she said, “You are dreaming again. Raise up your head and smile. People are looking at us.” Her name was Simona. 4 months later I told my other guarding angel... I mean dance instructor, Brittney, about the transformation I think I have been going through. I went From a computer nerd to a confident dancer and a party boy. She seemed amused a little by my comment. “It is not an overnight thing, Uri,” she said. “But we are getting there. Just remember TV couch potatoing time doesn’t have to always be a 2 hour thing. If you keep it down to an hour and fifty minutes, you can get yourself a whole 10 minutes of dance practice.” So I do (well sometimes). After all, this is not much to pay for a guaranteeing a reoccurring dream..
