Testimonials

~Jonathan
I have been a student at FADS-Chicago North for almost 3 months. The fun staff really make the experience and are great working with first-timers and advanced learners alike. While I was somewhat nervous about looking silly early on, the friendly staff and students helped me to feel at home while my skills continue to grow. Beyond that, it is a great social skill, great exercise, great for stress relief, and you might even make a friend or two through group classes and special events.
 
~Debbie
I have been apart of the Fred Astaire family since Feb. 2011.  It is a wonderful
atmosphere in which to learn dance.  They are innovative in their Friday night dance parties
as well as making sure you understand and learn the dance steps and techniques.
The classes that are provided during the week are a great place to practice & pick up
new steps. (or work on one you may be having trouble with)
 
The students are from pre-teen to adults in their 80's; so friends are easily made.  The teachers are very open to letting you work at your speed, but will be the instructor
in voicing the need to participate more to enhance your dancing skills.  They honor the decisions you make.  All the instructors are exceptional! I could not have chosen a better studio at which study dance.
 
 
~Bonnie
I have been dancing at Fred Astaire for about nine months.  I started at the Studio as part of a charity event and with no intention of making it a long-term part of my life.  That all changed as soon as I entered the Studio.  There is an air of fun, excitement, friendship and acceptance that can be truly understood only after experiencing it.  Everyone at the Studio – staff, instructors, students, coaches – supports one another.  They make you feel welcome every time you walk through the door.  The talented and professional Fred Astaire staff work very hard to balance the fun with the instruction.  Being a student at Fred Astaire has added something to my life that I didn't know was missing.  I can't completely explain it, but every time I leave the Studio I have a smile on my face and I can't wait to go back.
 
~Hilary
 
 Having nearly completed my first year of "real life" work experience post college, I hit a brick wall. Is it really a life where all I do is go to work and return back home to wait for bedtime and repeat? NO! I couldn't take it anymore. I needed a hobby, and fast! Remembering I'd passed a dance studio on Route 22 before, I headed over one Saturday in March 2008. All I said was, "I'd like to take dance lessons," and the rest is history. Ballroom dancing is one of the most thorough workouts I've yet to find and the best part is that I'm having fun while doing it. The daily stress of work is offset by knowing that if I can just make it through the day, I'm off to dance! But even more than that, dancing isn't just learning steps; it's a new world of costume parties, sparkly competitions, and lifelong friends. Dancing has become a part of me. It pushes me out of my comfort zone to discover new aspects of myself that I didn't even realize existed. The self-confidence I acquired has filtered into my professional life as well. Dancing is no longer simply a hobby for me; it's a passion.
 
 
 ~Kathleen
For the past three years I have taken ballroom dance at Fred Astaire in Buffalo Grove. I started lessons to fulfill a dream to learn how to dance. After my first visit, I was hooked on the aura of the studio – diverse people, a positive atmosphere, and talented instructors. Three years later this still holds true. The energy of the staff is tireless and dedication to instruction and students their goal. 
Each instructor brings something unique to the experience, whether it's a private lesson or one of the group classes. It might be what you asked for, or maybe even more importantly, what you need to improve.  Having no previous dance experience, I know I test the patience of even the most patient instructor! Ballroom dancing has become a fun, healthy and challenging hobby and Fred Astaire has been a valued partner in my journey.
 

~Sandra (and Michael) Berman

My husband's father passed away after a 3 month battle with lung cancer and we realized how short life is.  My husband always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance so I agreed to take lessons with him. 

Dance has benefitted our lives in so many ways.  We were very blessed to have wonderful, caring teachers like Simona and Aaron to guide us along an enlightening journey into Dance.  My husband used to call me "frump queen" since I never cared how my hair looked or how I dressed.  I'm 46 years old and married 23 years; I figured I looked good enough.  Aaron convinced me to change my hair color, make-up, and always wear a skirt to dance.  My self esteem is now at an all time high and I know I look great!  I will always be grateful to Aaron for that.  My husband has lost over ten pounds and numerous inches thanks to Simona's hard work with him.  His cholesterol dropped 80 points and we both feel 10 years younger.  Ballroom Dancing has also been wonderful for our marriage.  We always had a fabulous marriage, but Dancing together has brought us even closer. 

Everyone at Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove is caring and supportive.  They have all become a family to us and we love going to class.  Ballroom Dancing is great exercise and a lot of fun.  I would highly recommend it.  My husband and I never danced before and thanks to our teachers, we can now dance at parties and look fabulous!

~ Curt

I have been dancing at Fred Astaire for a year. I decided to take dance
lessons for several reasons. First, it is a social skill that I thought I
was missing. Over the years I've been at events or vacations where there were
couples enjoying each others company with the pleasure of dance. Second, I
was looking for an activity that combined athletics and music. Enjoying
this with beautiful women is a big bonus. Last and unexpected is the
competitive nature of the dance competitors (if you choose to go that route).

The dance lessons have had a very positive affect both mentally and
physically. They call it muscle memory. The concept is your mind and
muscles are simultaneously memorizing dance steps and positions. This has
made me focus more during every day functions and enhances my self
confidence. The competitions give me a goal and purpose outside of
my career and other personal objectives.

There are a number of reasons to choose Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove as your studio of choice. In a few short words: talent, enthusiasm,
personality and dedication. You will be learning to dance with professional dancers that are currently competing themselves for recognized
national status. All of them have placed very well in national competitions. You are learning from the very best. The instructors are
all very enthused about their profession. The staff is very approachable, like to laugh and have fun. All fun aside the team is very serious about making you the best dancer possible. The end product (you) is very
important to everyone. I have learned that dancing is a lot about personality and this studio has it embedded in the staff. There is an up
beat persona that comes across the moment you walk in the door. This does rub off on you during and after you leave the dance floor. The staff is dedicated to the students as they will be flexible with your schedule.
They will work on a personal plan which will fit the student's request.

In short I lucked out choosing Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove as there was no significant research done on my part before I walked through the doors. However, after going to several competitions and watching professionals from other studios, I
know I made the right decision to attend Buffalo Grove.

~ Christine

I started at Fred Astaire - Buffalo Grove almost 3 years ago. It was 2 months to the day before my birthday (it was one of those milestone birthdays and we’ll leave it at that).

I have always loved to dance and took several years of lessons in my youth and even took ballet classes when I was pregnant with my second child. Ballroom dancing has always been a dream of mine - the elegance of smooth and the sassiness of rhythm. One day I saw a coupon in a mailer for lessons and carried it in my purse for almost a year and finally said “what are you waiting for... you aren’t getting any younger... seize the moment”. So I walked into the Buffalo Grove Studio on a Thursday afternoon, was greeted by Chris and Elle, had my first lesson with Chris an hour later and have been hooked ever since. I remember walking out of that first lesson calling one of my sons and saying -- “This is the first time in a long time that I have felt alive.” In the previous six years I had a lot of personal changes and sadness in my life, next to my sons and their families that give me joy daily, this adventure was the spark I needed. Then a couple of weeks later I had a second instructor, Aaron, and the rest is history.
The instructors are incredible. If I was to talk about each one and how they have touched my life this would be a novel. So, I will try to put it into a word for each:
Aaron - Amazing, Chris - Charismatic, Jaana - Jubilant, Simona - Sophisticated,
Aleks - Attentive, Brittany - Benevolent, Steven - Spontaneous, Melanie - Marvelous, Elle - Exuberant and Jackie and Jesse - Just Fabulous.

How can I sum up the benefits I have experienced at FADS - BG:

Feeling good about myself, learning new things and having fun.
Affirmation and positive attitude uplift me every time I walk in the studio.
Dance instructors, coaches, staff, competitions, functions extraordinaire.
Spirit of friendship with others from all walks of life who enjoy dance.
Best exercise program I have ever been on and enjoy it ever time.
Gracious gift of dance from Rae and Joe - what a blessing that you bought this to us.

I am healthier and feel younger now than I did 3 years ago. Thank you to my fabulous instructors Aaron and Chris and the entire staff who inspire me to take the challenge, work through my frustrations and refine my dance - so I can take the opportunity to compete and perform in their productions. I would highly recommend this studio to anyone you wants to enjoy the experience of dance from the best studio and staff around

~ Kim and Alan

We began dancing at Fred Astaire four years ago after taking a 20 year hiatus from the ballroom floor. We had asked our friends, Steve and Sheryl Jamerson, to the Grove Park Inn ballroom dance weekend in North Caroline. Steve said he wouldn't go unless he learned how to dance. So Sheryl found the Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove studio and signed them up! And we joined them a few months later.

The most obvious way lesson have effected us is how good they are for our marriage! It's not easy to dance together as a couple...the dancing is challenging and initially, it's easy to blame your partner when a step's not going right. But once you get past that, it's like having a weekly date! The time during the lesson passes quickly because you're focused intensely on yourselves as a couple. And we always feel so connected after we've danced together. We then go out to dinner after our lesson. We both really look forward to our Fred Astaire "date nights"! (Not to mention the exercise!!)

We would recommend this studio to other because of their teachers. At Buffalo Grove, the dance teachers are not only wonderful, knowledgeable dancers, but are warm, welcoming, and friendly. They make everyone - whether you're taking your first dance lesson or dancing at the gold level of difficulty - feel completely at ease. Even more than that, they make every student feel special. It's really a remarkable studio.

~ Matthew

I began taking lessons in the summer of 2009. I'd been making an effort to get into better shape for several months, and while I noticed improvements in strength it was without skill. I had started to consider how to remedy that when a couple of friends brought up their dancing lessons here and invited me to try it out.

I expected my endurance, flexibility, and reflexes to improve (as they would with many sports) but there were others that I didn't expect. The continual stress on posture and poise in class improved them outside of it. I’ve learned to be assertive when leading while doing so in a way that would best help the follower carried into projects and groups elsewhere. I've had to be more patient with myself when things don't come as quickly as I'd hope, and that's made me more sympathetic to others when I'm trying to teach them something. Additionally, I've been exposed to artists and styles of music that I'd known little about before, and gained a greater appreciation for the art.

I would recommend Fred Astaire Chicago North because of its staff that is both serious about their craft and yet goes out of their way to make it fun and welcoming makes it an easy choice. Large enough to bring in great coaches and hold classes on a variety of topics, they're still able to make it feel like a little piece of home.

~ Alan

Ballroom dance is something I’ve been interested in for a while. A friend of mine signed me up for a lesson and a guest party in July of 2009, and I’ve been hooked ever since!

Ballroom dancing has benefited my life a several ways. I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of interesting people. I’m a little on the shy side, but dancing has made me more outgoing. Because of all the activity, I’m in better shape. I’ve also noticed an improvement in my memory. Since my brain has become so used to learning new moves and patterns, I can retain things much easier in my everyday life.

I would recommend Ballroom Dancing to anyone that is looking to get in better physical condition, to anyone that wants to meet new people, or to anyone just looking for a new and interesting activity.

~ Hannah

I’ve been ballroom dancing since the summer of 2009. I have always had an interest in Ballroom dance. With a name like Fred Astaire, I was sure I was getting the best in the business. Seeing how I live right across the street, I can’t believe I didn’t start earlier!

Taking up ballroom dancing has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Ever since I first stepped foot into the studio, I have become a healthier and happier person. I feel so blessed to be able to be surrounded by such talented instructors and fellow students. I make time every day to come to the studio and I’m always so excited to be learning something new. In a short period of time the studio has made me into a confident and able dancer. Being at the studio is a wonderful creative outlet for me. It is a great way to escape the pressures of life.

The studio has students from all walks of life and is a very supportive environment. Whether it’s for competitive reasons or social ones, Fred Astaire Chicago North has something to offer for everybody. You will make great friends while getting into better shape and enjoying a fun new hobby!

~ Janet

Three and a half years ago, my friend, JoAnn, introduced me to Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Dancing keeps me healthy, keeps my mind sharp, and it is my happy place. No matter what is going on in my life, I am completely happy on the dance floor. I would recommend this studio to others because, quite simply, they offer the best in ballroom dancing. Like many of the other finer things in life, you will certainly get what you pay for.

~ Shirielle

My dancing life began on a whim and turned into a passion. It took awhile for me to find Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove (BG), but once I did, there was no turning back. On March 26, 2007, I began lessons with Chris. Coming for a situation where I was paired with a new instructor almost as often as one would purchase new dance shoes, I am thankful and thrilled to STILL have Chris as an instructor.

Today, as I prepare for my first traveling competition AND my first showcase, I think about the roller coaster ride that got me to this point. Walking in heels was not my only obstacle (friends and family still do not believe that I not only wear them but dance in them), medical complications caused me to sit out for weeks at a time. After my first competition a few months after coming to Buffalo Grove, I was hooked. I wanted to be twirling around the dance floor in ornate dresses, wearing more makeup than I could ever imagine putting on, having the time of my life. After a bag (literally) of medications, more poking/prodding than any one person needs in a lifetime, and a major surgery – I was back and planning my next turn around the dance floor. A mere four (4) months after surgery, I was competing in a Regional. No more carting around medication, no more weekly poking/proding. Better still I've lost seventeen (17) pounds! My doctors all agree that dancing, yup D-A-N-C-I-N-G, is a major contributing factor to my improved health (Chris and Stephen are probably going to use this to challenge me even more).

Three (3) short years of dancing my way to better health with BG, and I cannot imagine going anywhere else. I’ve found a passion, I’ve found better health, I’ve found a group of fun people to bring positive energy to what tends to be a negative world and I’ve found that I can move my hips!! Buffalo Grove is MY studio. Thank you to Aaron (I stayed despite you giving me a hard time), Aleks (I got the point – the toe point that is), Brittany (one day maybe I will make the moves look as easy as you do), Chris (what can I say, thanks for being an awesome instructor and sticking with me), Elle (thanks for all that you do, especially your tips and advice – it helps a lot!), Jaana (thanks for the “diamonds”, now I just need real ones to look at), Jackie (ok so – you challenged, I accepted, what’s next?), Jesse (thanks for the encouragement), Melanie (thanks for the lesson, it was so much fun, we may need a follow-up), Simona (thanks for the help with my frame, my arms, dancing with Chris ), and Stephen (thanks for being such a good sport, we’ve come so far) for helping me to find my passion, to be a better dancer and introducing me to the BEST DANCERS in Chicagoland!

~ Holli H.
I have spent my entire adult life working up the corporate ladder. I’ve learned to shut down emotions, develop a thick skin and drive forward through every barrier. After 20 years, I’ve achieved many of my professional goals, but found myself more and more often sitting alone at night with my cats wondering what is missing and if there are any challenges left to conquer.

Then after almost I year off, I returned to Fred Astaire. Dancers and students alike smile and geniuinely seem happy to be where they are. Everytime I walk through the door, I wonder to myself if I have stepped into some alternate universe. There is Brittney, who has endless energy and is an entire cheerleading squad all by herself. The quiet and elegant Simona, who pushes you just a few steps farther than you thought you could go. Rouslan, who very patiently demands every move be technically perfect and just beams when they are. Stephen, who can’t go two minutes without putting a smile on my face or causing gales of laughter to exude. Aaron, the playful competitor who has to try two or three songs before deciding which one he wants. Jaana, the soft voiced angel. Chris, the giant (a good 12 inches taller than me, so he qualifies) who moves gracefully across the floor. Aleks, Lauren, Elle, Jesse, Jackie and Melanie, who always have a smile and kind word or two. Yes, it is definitely a different, kinder and more beautiful universe.

I’m learning to smile again. My body is starting to recall that it use to be an athelete (I never thought that would happen again). I have remembered how much I love music, physical activity, laughing and being with people. Although I still spend time with the cats, I no longer wonder what is missing. Instead, I dream of what new mountains I can climb tomorrow.

~ Pattiann F.
I’ve been taking lessons at FADS Buffalo Grove since March of 2009. I have always loved to dance. Actually, when there is music of any kind playing my body starts moving. I began taking lessons at FADS as a way to expand my social horizons after losing my husband to kidney cancer. The people at the studio are definitely the draw. The instructors and the students are always upbeat and friendly. You just can’t be in a bad mood once you walk into the studio!! Everyone supports each other; even at the competitions, we’re all pulling for everyone.

If you’ve never danced before, start with the best studio! If you have danced before and are looking to improve your skills or upgrade the atmosphere in which you’re learning, FADS Buffalo Grove is the place!

~ Mark F
I’ve been taking lessons at Fred Astaire since August of 2009. I first noticed the studio in a shopping center I frequent on the way home from work. I have had a growing interest in social dancing which reached the point one day that I decided to stop into the studio and check it out. After one lesson, I knew it was something I wanted to do.

I have noticed improvements in my coordination and mental alertness. I find that as I learn more steps, learning becomes easier and faster. The emphasis on smoother and precise movements has restored a physical self-awareness that had faded over time. Not to mention feeling more confident and comfortable on the dance floor.

I recommend this studio primarily for the staff. They are friendly, encouraging and extremely proficient. They are excellent dancers and excellent teachers.

~ Umpha S.

The loss of significant people in my life drove me to find outlets of relieving stress and grief. After several sessions of counseling I found that I was in need of alternative techniques to comfort my losses. With encouragement from my niece’s husband I was directed to FADS as a one time guest. I was then introduced to Chris Germain who convinced me to continue with dance lessons.

For me, dance is a method of grief counseling. It is a means of mentally and physically exercising health and balance in my life. Furthermore, as a national competitor, dance fills my passion for challenge and competition. As I continue my relationship with members of FADS, my love for the people and the lessons grow.

The most gratifying aspect of FADS is its instructors. Aleks Nashev gives me support, genuine care, and concern for me, not just as a dancer, but as a person. I feel as though it is a second family and home to turn to in times of happiness and sorrow.

~ Bob
It started by having only 1 TV in our house, of course you know whose “got game” on program selection (my wife). She had to watch Dancing with the Stars. Eventually I forced myself to watch Julie Ann and some of the female dancers. That led to “Bob, wouldn’t you like to take dance lessons with me?”.....”Well, not really.” Six months later, my wife secretly signed herself up for lessons at Fred Astaire. She started asking me to attend one of the many Friday night parties with her. I refused until I realized she wasn’t going to take NO for an answer; so the best way was to go, and say “there I did it and don’t like it!” As a side note, my only dancing experience was over 25 years ago in my college fraternity, it was less then ballroom……so I went to my 1st party as her guest. I saw how many different levels of students were on the floor. I sat on the sidelines and watched, trying to go unnoticed. I was slightly intimidated to join all the couples out on the floor.

One of the instructors found me sitting off to the side and with no words exchanged simply reached for my hand. We had never met; a big smile on her face told me “no judgment”. She was going to have fun with me whether I had taken lessons for years or had never danced before. (These instructors all have a passion for teaching). That was 7 months ago. I knew after a couple of parties that these people like to have FUN! That was my connection…FUN, especially with the woes of 2008.

I bought 4 lessons on a trial basis getting private instruction just once a week. During that month I took advantage of a great deal FDS has, free dance classes, all with the purchase of 1 private lesson during that week. After my 1st month, I got a surprise, all the sports I played and the gym time I put in through the years could not compete with the fat burning dancing I was learning. I had traded pain at the YMCA for FUN on the dance floor with results that still amaze me. As a frame of reference, I started dance lessons at age 47. I realized I’m never too old to learn. From my observation, everyone’s a student (instructors too) and ‘the ‘layers of dancing’ are deep enough for me to always be reaching. It’s been my pleasure for the last 7 months to be a student of such highly skilled professionals. I’ve gotten to know the instructors through various classes, dance parties and lessons and I consider them my friends. Some have been trained in Europe while others in North America, each bringing a different style to my experience. I have a new passion, dancing.

~ Sarah
My husband, Pat, and I started taking lessons late November 2007. I have always wanted to take dancing lessons. I was looking for more ways to exercise-- something enjoyable during the winter. I had a heart valve replaced earlier in 2007 and I was very focused on continuing rehab. We had seen several ads and decided to see if it was possible for us to learn to dance together. It is possible! We now take lessons as a couple and individually. I really enjoy dancing with my husband. He now knows that he can dance. There's no more excuses at parties or weddings! I have never had so much fun getting exercise! It is hard work but it is always fun. I lost inches, and I have much more energy and endurance.

I would recommend Fred Astaire in Buffalo Grove to other who are interested in taking ballroom dance lessons for so many reasons and here are a few.....

For beginners, the one-on-one instruction is fantastic, its tailored to your level, and very encouraging.
Our individual instructors, Stephen and Brittney, are both delightful and always upbeat! They are very knowledgeable, sincerely enthusiastic, and fun. Stephen has an incredibly effective approach. He uses a balance of patience and push. He explains his theory and gives me the confidence to do more difficult dances and steps and to keep improving. Brittney is so great at demonstrating the steps and finding ways to work through the tough spots. She is awesome with new couple! They both work very hard, and are serious about the quality of instruction and results, but they are joyful and do not take themselves too seriously.

The overall quality level of all the instructors, staff, and visiting coaches is quite impressive-- read the bios. The structure and discipline in the curriculum is great. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. The group classes are varied in content and all superbly led by an instructor.

The other students are also friendly and fun.

Overall... a visit to the studio always leaves me in a good mood and with a sense of accomplishment!

~ 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 notice

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!

~ 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.