Holiday Gala 2007 - Saturday, December 15th, 5:00pm

Our annual Holiday Gala is coming up this Saturday and we are all tremendously looking forward to that event. We will start with a fun Studio Challenge, and I mean FUN. Anything goes and the purpose is to enjoy the day and to share some dancing. Dinner Buffet will start at 8:00pm followed bu lots of general dancing, top student and teacher awards and as a special treat, some show dances by our Pro's.

We want to thank you all for being with us in 2007 - it was a wonderful year thanks to all of you, and we are looking forward to a fabulous 2008.

Top Ballroom Dancers Compete in “America’s Ballroom Challenge”

“AMERICA’S BALLROOM CHALLENGE” is the exciting series that brings together top ballroom dancers from around the world to compete across dance styles for the title of “America’s Best.” The series returns for a third season with five one-hour episodes. Shot in high definition at the world’s largest ballroom dancing competition in Columbus, Ohio, season three of “AMERICA’S BALLROOM CHALLENGE” airs Wednesdays, Jan. 30 through Feb. 27 from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on PBS.

Hosted by actress and dancer Jasmine Guy and seven-time U.S. National Latin Dance Champion Ron Montez, “AMERICA’S BALLROOM CHALLENGE” once again takes viewers onto the dance floor and behind the scenes as 24 world-class couples compete for the ultimate dance title. Each of the first four programs will focus on one of the four major styles of competitive ballroom dancing: American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard and International Latin. The six finalists in each style will first compete as a group, performing the five standard dances in the category, with expert judges scoring their performances. Then the dancers will have an opportunity to shine, performing a show dance solo. Each program will end with the crowning of one couple, named champions in that style.

In the fifth and final program, the four champions will compete across dance styles for the coveted title, with each couple performing two pull-out-all-the-stops solos.

Only one couple will be named “America’s Best.”

Friday Evening Practice Lesson, December 14th 2007

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Lesson, Friday, December 14th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Rumba;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Group Lesson, Friday, December 14th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Rumba;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Congratulations to our NDCA 2007 Competitors!!

We would like to congratulate all participants at this year's National Dance championships in Orlando, Florida. it was a truly magnificent event and Jupiter was for sure noticed as one of the top dancing studios in the country.All of our students made us very proud.
Savanna Michael won Top Junior Student and was honored at the Saturday evening Banquet in front of about 500 guests.
Mary Hanyak gave her debut in the Ballroom section, Jade Sha debuted in International style Ballroom and Latin, Phyllis Holcomb stood out with her wonderful personality and performance.
Marie Ambroise prooved herself as being one of the Top Females, especially in International Latin and American Rhythm, scoring a lot of first places.
Wayne Phelps made his cometitive debute on Saturday, looking great between very experienced championship dancers.
Keiko Pugh gave her competitive debute and won over everybody with her lovely personality and immaculte style and class.
Friday evening came and everybody looked forward to see the professional divisions.
It was a wonderful evening and both of our couples gave a performance that did not keep people in their seats.
Warren & Babette gave their World premier in American Smooth.The reaction of the audience was overwhelming, to get standing ovations at a debut is more than anyone can expect or hope for.
Vladi and Gabi prooved that they are belonging to the very top of their field. They came in second but many people were in the opinion that on this night they were delivering the better performance and should have won.
The next day they also gave an exciting performance at the Professional show, where they performed a solo. The show has been choreographed by no one less than Taliad Tarsinov, a world renown coach and choreographer, Blackpool lecturer and owner of the Fred Astaire New York East Side studio.
It has been a wonderful event, we are already looking forward to our nationals in April in Las Vegas.

Group Class, Friday,November 2nd 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Samba;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Friday Evening Practice Party, November 2nd 2007

DUE TO OUR HALOWEEN PARTY ON WEDNESDAY, WE WILL NOT HOLD A PRACTISE PARTY THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND 2007

Jane Seymour gushes about ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Jane Seymour has gone from the studio audience to center stage on the hit show “Dancing With the Stars.”
"I've been offered (to participate as a celebrity contestant) a couple of times and I've always turned it down for various reasons," Seymour recently told realitytvworld.com. "Physically I didn't think I'd be capable of doing it because I have a fused spine and some back issues. I'm by far the oldest female contestant they've ever had."
While she's been "very careful" with her back, consulting her doctor and physiotherapist before joining the cast, in the three or four weeks she's been training with professional partner Tony Dovolani, Seymour said she's lost 14 pounds "without trying." "I'm in better shape then I was when I was 16, and I'm happier than I could possibly ever tell you," said Seymour, who credits the majority of her success to Dovolani.

Click on http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/jane-seymour-gushes-about-going-dancing-with-stars-5808.php for the full text of the article

Friday Evening Practice Party - September 28th 2007, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Frida September 28th August 31st 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Samba;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Showcase - Around the World - 9/21/2007 - 7:30pm

Showcase tickets are availlble for sale in the studio.Make your reservations soon - space is limited. Ticket includes after show party with pizza.
Bring all your family and friends!!

We are all looking forward to see you!!

Friday Evening Practice Party - August 31st 2007, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday August 31st 2007 - 7:45PM

Vladimir is going to teach Swing;
All levels; No Partner needed;

NDC - Championships - Orlando

Championships held in Orlando, Florida on October 24-28. At this annual competition, you’ll dance with the best while being just steps away from the #1 tourist attraction in our country – Disney World! Don’t miss this great opportunity to challenge your dancing skills, strengthen your confidence and focus, and form life long friendships with other dancers! With its mix of fun social events, high-level competitive heats, and dramatic performances, the NDC is the perfect event for any dancer.
Professional Night
See top-rated professional dancers whirl into action during Friday night’s Professional Division performances. You’ll be captivated by their daring choreography, dazzling technique, pitch-perfect musicality, and exceptional movements.
Awards
On the last night, a variety of awards and trophies will be presented to competition participants. In addition, a minimum of $15,000.00 will be rewarded to the top overall teachers from the three national competitions this year.
Disney Resort
Experience a world of fun at the Hilton Walt Disney Resort. The Hilton has 2 lavish swimming pools, 7 restaurants and lounges, and 5 championship golf courses. In addition, it’s located just steps away from Downtown Disney!
Local Attractions
When you’re not dancing, you can enjoy the Hilton’s complimentary transportation to the parks and the exclusive Extra Magic Hours when parks are opened early or closed later for Hilton guests. Other areas you might want to visit include:
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Magic Kingdom® Park
Disney-MGM Studios
Epcot®
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Downtown Disney® Area

Dancing With the Stars Cast Announced

Mel B (Spice Girl) paired with Maksim Chmerkovskly;
Sabrina Bryan (Cheetah Girl) paired with Mark Ballas;
Hello Castroneves (race car driver) paired with Julianne Hough;
Mark Cuban (businessman) paired with Kym Johnson;
Jennie Garth (former 90210 actress) paired with Derek Hough;
Josie Moran (supermodel) paired with Alec Mazo;
Cameron Mathison (All My Children) paired with Edyta Silwinska;
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (boxer) paired with Karina Smirnoff;
Wayne Newton (singer) paired with Cheryl Burke;
Marie Osmond (singer) paired with Jonathan Roberts;
Albert Reed (supermodel) paired with Anna Trebunskaya;
Jane Seymour (actress) paired with Tony Dovolani.

Friday Evening Practice Party - August 10th 2007, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday August 10th 2007 - 7:45PM

Vladimir is going to teach Waltz;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Sundance Classic Championships 2007

The annual Sundance Classic Championships will be held at the exclusive Ritz Carlton Hotel in Palm Beach from August 23rd to 26th 2007.
We are all looking forward, especially to the Friday evening professional event where ALL of our studio instructors can be seen LIVE in competition. you don't want to miss that, it is going to be a lot of fun - the more we are the louder we can cheer.
Now if you already came to the Friday event - you certainly cannot miss the saturday evening gala dinner and ball with a wonderful Professional Show by nobody less than Jesse deSoto and Jackie Josephs. Jesse has appeared on Dancing With the Stars.
Tickets are availlable in the studio, please ask Gabi or Babette.

Performance Grooming Workshop

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14TH 2007;
7PM – 8:30pm

….you know how to style yourself – every day – for an evening on the town – for a big gala event……
But getting ready for a dance performance is different – you will sweat – you will turn fast – but you still want to have everything stay in place and look good – even in the limelight….

So don’t miss this event, we will show you some tricks of the trade and we will make you aware of some Don’ts so you won’t find out the hard way.

Last Chance to sign up!! Don't miss it!

Friday Evening Practice Party - August 3rd 2007, 8:30

Friday Evening Practice Party - July 13th 2007, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday August 3rd 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Tango;
All levels; No Partner needed;

How to get a dress that will help you dance

If you are like me, you don’t pose too many requirements on a normal evening gown. The only important thing is that it has to look good on you and maybe shouldn’t fall off while you’re walking from your car to the party and back. You’re happy as long as the dress survives past one or two special occasions. You won’t wear it more often than that, anyway.

With competition dress it’s completely different. You spend a large sum of money on the dress to start with. You will be taking it to every competition, putting it on and taking it off hastily, jumping, sweating and wiping your make up with it. And you will still expect to use it at least for one season and to look gorgeous in it whenever you get on the dance floor. Buying a ballroom dress is an important step and you don’t want to make mistakes here.
The problem finding the right ballroom dress is that not only it has to look good on you while you are standing in front of the mirror, but also it should help you look great while you are actually dancing. It means that:
a) The dress shouldn’t impede your movements during the dance

b) it should emphasize all your good sides: your dancing technique, your beautiful figure, and, whenever possible:

c) it should conceal your bad sides, (if any) such as weak techniques or figure flaws.

Of course no dress in the world can substitute hard training. However, by knowing your technique flaws you can get a dress that will partly disguise them. As a result – you will improve the overall impression of your dancing performance. Try choosing the dress that does the opposite – and you’ll see the difference.

In this article I tried to summarise common technique flaws and my suggestions on how to conceal them with the help of a gown:
Weak hip movementes is one of the usual problems among the dancers. This flaw can be easily solved by choosing an appropriate skirt. All you have to do is to say "no" to slinky skirts and choose fringe or flounce decorated skirts instead. An A-shaped skirt would create a nice waving impression around your hips/knees, improving the look of your hip movements. Another suggestion is to use some bright decorations on top, and thus drawing the audience’s attention from your bottom, however I’m not sure you can fool the judges with that!
Slouched spine:
This is mostly the problem of standard dances, as you constantly have to keep your spine right. If this is your problem then try to hide your spine with chiffon scarves attached to your neck or shoulder. You may even use several of those, so that instead of frowning at your slouched spine, the judges would see nice “wings” floating behind you.
For Latin dresses simply try to avoid gowns that expose mainly your back. In this case the attention is drawn to your spine automatically and this is not what you’d wish to do.

Weak frame:
Do you keep letting the hands and elbows down in standard? Again, the trick is the same. Try to conceal this lack of technique by getting your hands covered with layers of flimsy/floating fabric or wide sleeves.

Protruding bottom:
Another flaw that happens rather often in standard dances. In an effort of balancing your upper posture, smiling at the judges, and keeping in mind the dance steps you forget about the need to strain the bottom muscles and end up with your buttocks stuck out backwards. If you are still working on this - don’t choose the mermaid-like silhouettes, or any skirts made from one heavy layer of fabric (like satin). Such skirts will bring attention to your bottom automatically so even a small mistake gets visible. Instead opt for multi-layered floating skirts that would smooth your curves and conceal the problem.

And the last piece of advice for today:
If this is your first performance and your first dress – don’t leave it in the box until the day of the competition. Even if you felt great when trying the dress on and you are now afraid to stain it – test it together with your partner. You might discover that dancing feels different now that you are wearing the dress and that some steps or movements need adjustment. Again, for your first time – don’t choose skirts that are too long. If you don’t have enough experience you risk stepping on your own skirt during the competition. My suggestion is - choose a dress that has a skirt a bit above your ankles. For latin dresses – make sure you don’t wear long fringed or ripped skirts where you could get your hill entangled during the dance.

Summary: I believe that every lady can and should look best on her competition day. It’s a great experience and a huge incentive to move on. Even if you are not interested in a professional dancing career, you should take competitions seriously -you will see the results for yourself. I hope that using the above suggestions, you can make the most of your assets and do your absolute best on this important day of your dancing life.

Friday Evening Practice Party - July 13th 2007, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday July 13th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Rumba;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Group Class, Friday July 6th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Mambo;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Friday Evening Practice Party - July 6thth 2007, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Blackpool 2007

By Armando Martin, former International & US Champion and the current Fred Astaire National Dance Director


Blackpool, England is not a very nice place to vacation, having been built in the 20s and 30s and having had very little done to it since. It is a place that takes us back into time in a way that does not remind us of history or great architecture or beauty of any kind.

The very best food you can find in the entire town is Pizza and Fish & Chips. Order anything else at a local restaurant and you may be taking your taste buds to places they have never gone before!

When I arrived there on Wednesday after a 14-year absence, absolutely nothing had changed. I stayed at the very famous Imperial Hotel, which at one time hosted the English Royals. My room was so small I had to open the window to create some ventilation and to avoid feeling claustrophobic. My view was of a 100-year old alley, which housed tons of doves taking cover from the rain and cold.

So, after leaving my window open once, I returned to my room to find the birds and some presents they left me on my bed, chair, floor, etc. I had left my bathroom door open but they decided not to use it. Nice, ha?

Than I decided, after getting all settled in the Hotel, to go to the Winter Gardens where all the dancing happens. Walking in, listening to the music and watching the couples throwing themselves across the floor creating great shapes and superb rhythmical actions with their feet, bodies, and souls, I remembered why we all go to Blackpool - to watch the best dancers in the world battle it out for the most coveted tittles in DanceSport, the British Open.

Being there also brought me back to my youth, when Laura and I were one of those couples, trying to make a name for ourselves on an International dancing stage. It reminded me of all the hard work and sacrifices that all these kids have to make to get there, with no guarantee of success, but only the hope that some of the judges recognize their talents and continue to put them into the next round, then the next, then the next. Laura and I were one of those lucky couples to have made it onto the Blackpool dance floor with only 5 other couples. That meant that we had made the final and that we had reached the top of the mountain in DanceSport. That feeling was worth all that we had sacrificed to get there.

This year's Blackpool was no exception, mostly disappointed couples and a very few happy ones returned home after nine days of dancing. The people that have to be the most disappointed is the US and the US Team Match team. In the Team Match event, the US sends their very best dancers (2 Latin couples and 2 Standard couples) to dance against 3 other teams; three judges judge the event and, on this particular night, the politics and ironies of judging DanceSport were very obvious. The US had on paper the very best team in the competition - 2 world finalists in Latin and the same in Standard. By far the strongest team in the Team Match competition, they managed to finish LAST! How did that happen? Well, that's Blackpool.

Our Fred Astaire couples were a little unlucky too. Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian, with their sharp and strong dance styles, were only able to get a fourth place in the Cabaret, a style that is usually dominated by the US. In the Latin, we had Gabi and Vlady and Warren and Babette from Jupiter and Ilya and Nadia from Montville; all of these couples did not go as far as they should have, especially Ilya and Nadia who were in the Rising Star Latin Final last year. Tina and Plumen from the East Side NY studio went on to dance the 48 which they were very happy about.

The Amateur Latin featured a very strong field, and our TOP couple Eugene and Maria were disappointed to end up in 4th place since last year they were runners up in that category.

The Pro Latin was won by Brian and Carmen who retired that night to a very appreciative audience. Also making the finals in two dances were Max Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko from the US. This is a great achievement for a US couple; it has not been done in many years. Andre Gavriline and Elena Kryuchkova made the Semifinals in all the Latin dances - also a great feat for them and the US.

The Standard had a lot of good US couples. The eventual winners were Mirko Gozzoli and Alessia Betti from Italy. Jonathan Wilkie and Katusha Demidova from the US came in 2nd, which is by far the best that a US couple has done in that category. Also making the finals in 3 dances was Victor Fung and Anna Mikhed from the US. These couples are the epitome of class and great quality Standard dancing and everyone in the US should be very proud to be represented by them.

Over all it was a great week for the US and another exciting British Open Festival. I personally look forward to going back there again in 14 years.
Labels: Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Dancing with the Stars Rumors

Superstar actor, Al Pacino, told Time Magazine that he would consider going on Dancing with the Stars if he was asked.

He says, "Actually, I would consider it. All due respect and trying to be as modest as I can be, I am a dancer. "But I don't think I would be on Dancing with the Stars mainly because I would be too shy."

In other Dancing with the Stars news, Beverly Hills 90210 star Jennie Garth has confirmed that she will be appearing on the next season. According to her publicist "It's official!"

Fred Astaire Dancer wins Accolades in Dancebeat

Congratulations to Charlotte Carey and Kostadin Bidjourov, of the Upper Montclair Fred Astaire. Charlotte has been dancing for years, and only came to find Kostadin after seeing him dance in a show with his professional partner, Carrie Babcock. After a few years of struggle, she decided to leave her former teacher (non-FADS) to study with Kostadin. Charlotte has been dancing with Kostadin for 2 years now. Here’s what the EMERALD Ball review had to say.

DANCEBEAT – Edition 0607
Page 19
Emerald Ball Pro/Am C Open Standard Championships
Review by Didio Berrara

“Somewhat unexpected but very deserving of the honor of winning this competition was Charlotte Carey partnered by Kostadin Bidjourov. I have watched this lady dance now for many years and have always been a fan of her dancing. I always thought her energy was good and her understanding of the skill, high. On this occasion I think Charlotte has jumped way ahead of her teammates. I have never seen her dance the Standard so well. She was totally in a league of her own, miles away from the challengers. This was a geat win for Charlotte but even a greater win for her dancing.”

Friday Evening Practice Party - June 29th 2007, 8:30

Special party: American 4th of July Party

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday June 29th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Swing;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Friday Evening Practice Party - June 15th 2007, 8:30

Special party: Hawaiian Luau

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday June 15th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Merengue;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Summer Festival Party Events

June 8th, 8:30pm: Cuban Mambo Party
June 15th 8:30pm: Hawaiian Luau Party
June 22nd 8:30pm: Summer Ball (formal event)
June 29th 8:30pm: American 4th of July Party
.
.....lots of fun....lots of dancing.......Bring your friends

SUMMER SWEEPSTAKES HAVE ARRIVED

Like every year, when the winter season is over we start the summer season with an big Festival. We will also be in a contest for Florida’s TOP STUDIO and each teacher is in contest for Florida’s TOP TEACHER. Winning that title means that we are definitely also heading for a top position in the national ranks. Florida has some of the best Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the whole Nation. For teachers it means bonus time, they get rewarded extra for achieving their goals. The one’s to beat would be St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Fort Walton Beach, two of these schools are in the top 5 in the whole nation, so this is a tough call.
How you can help:
Attend the Group Class
Attend the Practice Party
Bring ALL your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, golf buddies ( dancers and non dancers alike) to the party
Come for your lessons
Bring Guests
Renew your program now (we will make sure you get a special)
Visit our blog at www.fredastairejupiter.blogspot.com and leave a nice and fuzzy comment.
Email us a funny or nice story about yourself and your dancing so we can feature you on our website.
Tell the world that you are having a fantastic time at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter.

Friday Evening Practice Party - June 1st 2007, 8:30

Special party: Stephany Brown's Birthday Party

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday June 1st 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Foxtrot;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Blackpool Dance Festival

due to the famous Blackpool Dance festival in England, the Studio will be closed from Mon, May 28th to Thursday, May 31st.
we are all looking forward to see you back on Friday, June 1st 2007.

Take care,

Babette

Friday Evening Practice Party - May 25th, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday May 25th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Tango;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Dancing With The Stars, Season Finale

By Armando Martin, a former US International US Champion and the current National Dance Director for The Fred Astaire Dance Studio chain



Move over American Idol...Dancing With The Stars is here to give you a run for your money! Last night's competition was great but, tonight, the show is competing head to head with American Idol for an audience that - in my mind - would have a much better time watching the dancers than the singers.

I have been following both shows and I have to tell you that Dancing with the Stars has been the winner for me, with such interesting personalities as Laila Ali and Apolo Ono, who you have to tip your hat to for what they have accomplished in their own arenas and for the intensity and work ethic they bring to DWTS. Then you have Joey Fatone whose incredible likability and outgoing persona makes you can't wait to see what he's going to do next.

Simply put, there is a lot more meat to sink your teeth into with DWTS. Unfortunately, the winners of the dance competition will go back to their own lives, with the exception of Stacey Keibler who has done very well due to her appearance in the show, but the singers will go on to be Pop Stars and make millions of dollars.

So this judge's scores are: American Idol: 9; Dancing with the Stars: 10 - but maybe I am a little biased.

Tonight's first couple was Laila and Maks dancing the Paso Doble. She looked fantastic in her red dress, which complimented her body and her coloring. I found her performance very strong and focused with a very good interpretation of the fight that goes on in the Bull Ring. Her steps were strong and her footing was right on target.

I find that Laila does her best dancing when she is left on her own and has an opportunity to move her own body weight around the floor; when she gets in dance positions, she looks uncomfortable and tends to lose her posture and charisma.

Her free style was superb and very entertaining. I disagree with all three judges about her doing classic better than funky. This is a gorgeous lady who can look very classy when she wants, but who I believe to be more comfortable dancing to a good old Motown piece than to a Waltz any day. Good job! Again, the choreography left me wanting to see more - too simple and not very creative but not her fault. Total score after the Mambo: 85.

Next to take the floor tonight was Apolo and Julianne performing the Rumba. First of all - being a man - it was hard for me to watch Apolo at all. Julianne looked so fantastic in her custom, which I believe was Julianne imitating Christina Aguilera who was imitating Marilyn Monroe. Whatever the case - she was outstandingly beautiful and sensual.

I thought their Rumba was very impressive with lots of feeling and a great blend of choreography, technique, and romance. But the thing that I was the most impressed with was Apolo's partnering ability; he was the perfect partner supporting her and giving her all the room that she needed to shine like no one left in the competition can.

The Rumba also caused a bit of a fight between Len and Bruno. I must take Bruno's side on this one. I agreed with Bruno that their Rumba was very good, not too quick as Len said. I think that Len confused speed (which is a plus in dancing) with being too quick, which is not.

For their free style number, they performed a Hip-Hop that was even better than their Rumba. They did have some help choreographing this number but, wow what a number it was! Both Apolo and Julianne took to this number and this new tundra like they have been doing it forever. Great number, great energy, superb tricks and very very funky...by far the best dance of the night.

Apolo and Julianne are easily my winners for this season of Dancing with the Stars. Total Score after the Paso Doble: 88.

Last to dance tonight was Joey and Kym. Their first dance was the Cha-cha and it was not a good one. He really showed his size during this dance. I never thought that he looked big or slow even though he is not a small, thin dancer type but tonight he did. His footwork was sloppy and his movements very slow and heavy. The dance was full of tricks and not enough basics, which Len criticized him for, but I think had he put more real Cha-cha in it, it would have been worse.

In the free style part they chose a Disco number that received good comments from the judges, I think, because of Joey's exuberance and need to entertain at all times, but I thought the outfit made him look like a caricature of something out of the 70s. Besides the lifts, which they did very well, the rest of the dance was just OK. I think that Joey secured the third place in this competition with tonight's performance. Total score after the Tango: 86.

The finale proved the point that I made at the beginning of my article. I watched both the American Idol and Dancing with the Stars finales and the latter was much more entertaining and fun to watch.

All three couples performed one last dance on the final night. Apolo and Julianne danced their Paso Doble; Laila and Maks the Mambo; and Joey and Kym the Tango. All three couples were very good and showed why they were the finalists.

After all the scores were tabulated, Laila took home the Bronze and a lot of good memories and left us thinking what a beautiful and classy lady she is. Joey came in second place showing lots of class in defeat. We will never forget what a great entertainer and person he is. Apolo and Julianne became the new Dancing with the Stars winners and for the first time in the history of the show - the best dancers won the competition.

Now that the show is over the question is: What are we all going to do on Monday nights at 8 PM? I have an idea! We should all head over to our nearest Fred Astaire Dance Studio and learn to dance like a star!

Keep dancing everybody and have fun.

Armando Martin

2007 Astaire Awards Championships, July 24-29 2007

Showcase your dancing and make memories of a lifetime at the next Fred Astaire National Competition - the Astaire Awards Championships (AAC) held on July 24-29, 2007! This year’s AAC will be held in a new location - the full-service Westin Hotel in Chicago’s prestigious North Shore district. With dramatic professional shows, gala dinners, fun parties, social dancing interludes, top competitive heats, a world-class judging panel, and generous cash prizes awarded to top teachers and students, the AAC is a premier competition that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a newcomer or have competed before, you’ll be amazed at how this thrilling competition will challenge you!

Your time at the AAC will be well-spent. Summer in Chicago means non-stop events, from concerts and movies in the park to baseball games and street festivals. Explore Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, hundreds of restaurants, live music, and much more.

You’ll be staying and competing at the Westin Chicago North Shore. This newly opened hotel features luxurious guest rooms and suites, a fully-equipped business center, lounge, expansive fitness center, and indoor pool.



Talk to your dance instructor today about joining us at the AAC! Early Bird registration date is May 29th and Regular registration is June 12th.

Friday Evening Practice Party - May 18th, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you. You are very welcome to bring your friends!

Group Class, Friday May 18th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Rumba;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Directions to Ibis Country Club

The Mini Match is being held at the Ibis Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach. Ibis is off of Northlake Blvd. If you are taking 95 there is a Northlake exit and Ibis is about 7 miles to the West.
If you are taking the turnpike and have a Sunpass you can get off at the Bee Line Highway and go right off of the Turnpike, then left at Northlake which is the first light on the Bee Line. Ibis is about 2.5 miles on the left hand side of the road. (Second Red Light)

You can always go to Mapquest.com if you need to. The address is 8225 Ibis Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33412.

Once you get into Ibis, you will need to stop at the gate and tell them that you are here for the Fred Astaire Dance Competition. The Country Club is straight down that road on the left hand side. You can park at the lower right hand side of the Club. There is a little walkway right off the parking lot that takes you to a side door. From here you can take the elevator to the second floor. We are in the Osprey and Egret Ballroom.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Sundance Mini Match

Sundance Mini Match
May 19, 2007
Ibis Golf & Country Club
West Palm Beach, Florida

2:00 pm Registration
3:00 – 6:00 pm Mini Match – Egret & Osprey Ballroom
6:00 – 6:45 pm Cocktails – “Birdsnest Lounge”
6:45 – 9:00 pm Dinner, Dancing & Pro Show

Adjudicator – Richard LaValle
Master of Ceremonies – Armando Martin
Coordinator/Programs – Bonnie MacKenzie
Music – Derek Martin
Registration – Ariel Martin

True Hollywood Story: Dancing With The Stars!

Premiering Saturday, May 19th at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT, The E! True Hollywood Story takes you behind the competition that launched a thousand steps, topped Nielsen ratings, initiated a North American tour and introduced its own DVD line. This show will feature Dancing With The Stars' champions Kelly Monaco (Season 1), 98 Degrees’ Drew Lachey (Season 2), former NFL star Emmitt Smith (Season 3) and former contestants Jerry Springer, Mario Lopez and Evander Holyfield, Ian Ziering ("Beverly Hills 90210"), Heather Mills, Billy Ray Cyrus and Leeza Gibbons. So waltz on over to your TV set and don't miss the "true story" behind this award-winning show!

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Celebrate 60th Anniversary

LONGMEADOW, MA - January 19th 2007 - Fred Astaire Dance Studios proudly announce the celebration of its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in 1947 by legendary dancer Mr. Fred Astaire, Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc. is a well-known franchised dance studio chain with over 120 studios open throughout the country. Although Mr. Astaire retired from the business in 1953, the curriculum used today in all Fred Astaire Dance Studios is still based on the concepts that he perfected.

Upon opening, the original studio on Park Avenue in the heart of Manhattan was visited by a swarm of celebrities, including Vera Ellen, Red Buttons, Shirley Booth, and Alan Hale. Fred Astaire worked with many young teachers to establish the foundation of the famed Fred Astaire method of ballroom dance instruction. Many of these teachers went on to become executives in the Fred Astaire organization and experts in the dance industry.

“We are very proud,” says Jack Rothweiler, CEO and President, “of maintaining the highest standards of excellence for 60 years. With our National Dance Board, comprehensive training program, Conceptual Method of Teaching, and a unique Trophy style of learning, Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer the finest dance instruction in the country.”

Evolving from a social past-time into a darling of television, ballroom dancing has changed significantly since Fred Astaire’s time. With the advent of hit TV shows and movies like Dancing With The Stars, Mad Hot Ballroom, Take The Lead, and Shall We Dance, young people and couples are now interested in learning how to ballroom dance. Since its debut in 2005, Dancing With The Stars has attracted a young adult audience, ranking among the highest rated TV show with adults ages 18-49. Over 27.7 million viewers watched the last season’s finale. There is also a growing awareness of the general benefits that can be derived from dancing. Learning how to dance provides a fun way to exercise, improve coordination, relieve stress, and meet new people.

“We’ve had a 32% increase in our new student enrollments from 2005-2006,”
Mr. Rothweiler adds, “And 8 new studios are planning to open within the next
2 months. All this is a dramatic increase due to the newfound popularity of ballroom dancing no doubt coming from the immense exposure of this delightful art that is being embraced by millions and millions of new people. Although we’ve grown so much in the past 60 years, Fred Astaire’s grace, style, and elegance are still an integral part of every one of our studios.”

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer all types of dance instruction through private, group, and practice lessons in all the social dances such as Swing, Fox Trot, Slow Dancing, Salsa, Tango, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Polka, Samba, and Mambo.

Group class today at 7:45; Practice Party today at 8:30

Don't forget it's Group and Party night today, Group Class will be taught by Warren and he will show Salsa. At 8:30 you have the opportunity to try out what you learned last week on the dance floor, we will have some refreshments, good music and lot's of fun.

See you later,

Babette

Dancing with the Stars review by Armando Martin; Fred Astaire National Dance Director

With the semifinals beginning next week, all the competitors put forward their best efforts last night on Dancing with the Stars, and what a night it was, it had all the ingredients of a good Soap Opera, controversy, drama, fun, bad dancing, great dancing, good looking sexy people and a very touching moment, when Leila performed for her father Muhammad Ali who looked on with pride and amazement in his eyes as she danced across the floor.
All the competitors had to dance two numbers tonight and you can tell by the quality of the dances that they are getting more comfortable with every week that goes by, the first couple tonight was.
Ian and Cheryl, Their first dance was the Fox-trot, contradictory to the judges opinions, I thought that Ian did a great job with this dance, his interpretation of the music he was given was right on cue, he was light and bouncy, looked great in his smooth suit and looked like he was having fun, I thought that the two 7's he received from the judges were undeserved.
Their second dance was the Rumba, in this dance his posture was not very good and for a guy who is as young and in shape as he is, it looks to me that his core is weak and does not support the connection between his upper body and his legs as well as it should, creating some week looking top and shoulder lines.
Next to take the floor was Joey and Kim, I was very surprised to see them in the bottom two this week, his Waltz was truly fantastic, he was soft, light and showed all the right characteristics of this dance, I was specially pleased with the way that he stayed in his side of the dance frame showing good control and an excellent ballroom silhouette through out the entire number, folks this is very hard to do.
Unfortunately for Joey his mambo was by far the worse number he has done the whole competition, the judges did not agree with my assessment on this one, but what I saw, was a lack of understanding about this dance from Kim, (who is Australian and is not familiar with the mambo) when choreographing it, again I must disagree with Len about his comment regarding Joey dancing on the two beat, because they never once during the dance, hit the right beat, in my opinion Joey faltered a bit when he started the dance and he never truly recovered.
Dancing the country Fox-trot this week was the self proclaimed hillbilly Billy Ray, for a guy who is a very good singer and can obviously put a lot of feeling and emotion when using his voice, but when it comes to dancing that feeling gets lost somewhere between his head and his feet, he basically just walked around somewhat to the beat of the music with no technique to speak of.
His mambo on the other hand, while still lacking any technical attributes, was a lot of fun to watch and reminded everyone what kept him in the competition this long, I think that Karina being a smart, choreographer let him do his own thing to the music and used that in their routines instead of actually trying to make him do things he did not do well.
Leila and Maks danced a beautiful soft Waltz tonight which she dedicated to her dad, as always Leila showed great balance and control through out her performance, unfortunately, for me the choreography lacked the beauty and risk factor that is so important at this stage of the competition, but to Laila's credit she did fantastic with what she was given.
Her jive also left me wanting more from her this week, she made good use of her boxing footwork during this dance with all the kicks, hops and flicks but her shoulders made her look a little heavy and her elbows must be closer to her body in order for her to look more centered and lighter, I also think that Randy, the costume designer for the show and a very talented guy, did not do her any favors with that black dress, in hindsight if she was wearing a dress that showed her outstanding physic a bit more, I would most likely not be talking about her elbows today.
What can one say about Apolo and Julieann other than, bravo!!!! First of all I have to give Julieann kudos for the incredible job that she is doing teaching this young man and choreographing his numbers, we must remember that she is only 18 years old and although being a very experience dancer, she has risen to a new level as a teacher and choreogrpher.
Apolo did a great job dancing a Tango to Swing music, something that I think the judges did not take under consideration when giving their critics, but who remembers that Tango after he danced the Paso Doble, in my mind that put him in a level all by himself in this competition, this young man has true talent and I think has a very real possibility at a second career as a professional Rhythm competitor when he retires from speed skating.
His foot work, feel, partnering abilities and incredible shapes made his Paso Doble the judges choice for the uncore performance for Wednesday night when he once again did not disapoint us.
It was nice to see Tony and Elena dancing on the Wednesday night show, keeping us well aware of what real dancing should look like.
I'll be back next week to share my thoughts about the first week of the semifinals.

Happy Dancing

Armando Martin

Showcase "Around the World" - September 21st 2007

We have started casting our End of Summer Showcase on September 21st 2007. This time we will take themes from different countries "Around the World".
4 Spots are already gone in our first week, so talk to your teacher about participating and available Solo Shownumbers.

Friday Evening Practice Party - May 11th, 8:30

Practice sessions are an integral part of learning as much as your lessons!Nothing will get you to a comfortable social dance level more quickly than regular attendance at your practice sessions.This is the ideal place for you to test your new dance steps with various partners and situations that occur on the dance floor. you will have fun dancing and will gain new confidence.
We are looking forward to see you.

Group Class, Friday May 11th 2007 - 7:45PM

Warren is going to teach Salsa;
All levels; No Partner needed;

Newcomers Mini Match - Ibis Country Club

On May 19th 2007 we are participating at the Regional Newcomer's Mini Match at Ibis Country Club in West Palm Beach.
We are looking forward to a fun day of dancing, in the afternoon (3:00PM) we start with the Newcomers competition; in the evening (7:00PM) we will all meet for a Dinner and Dance with a spectacular Professional Show by our top Fred Astaire Professional Dancers.

Welcome

Welcome to the new blogspot of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter, Florida. This way we will keep you updated with the latest news, discussions and tips;

See you soon,

Babette