Let me introduce you to: Savanna Michael, 16 years old; from Canton, Ohio

1) When did you start dancing?
5 years ago, in Ohio.
2) Why did you become a dancer at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter?
2 Years ago I came to Florida for a long vacation with my mom. I took a few lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter while I was on vacation. I liked it, actually loved it, so I decided to stay with this studio. I come to train here every other month and spend most of my time in the studio; I go back to Ohio. I spend one month in Florida taking lessons, and one month in Ohio practicing.
3) What did you want to become a dancer?
The movie “Dance with me” inspired me to take lessons. I hated the first year because I felt I did not know anything, and then later I started to like it.
4) What goals were you hoping to achieve through dancing?
I started to set goals for the first time when I started to dance at this studio. I realized that I wanted to become a professional dancer and that I would like to open my own Fred Astaire Dance Studio when I am older.
5) How did dancing better your life?
It is keeping me in shape; it made me stronger, improved my posture, and I am not as shy as I used to be when I started. I am a lot more outgoing with my friends and I feel I became a better person.
6) Did your personal expectations for your dancing change since you started?
Oh yeah! The first year I hated it. I had no goals; I did it just for the exercise. Now I love it! I want to become a professional, I want to improve more and I want to have more understanding of the sport.
7) What kind of activities do you take part in at Fred Astaire Jupiter?
I dance at regional and national competitions. My biggest success so far was becoming 2nd at the World Pro/Am Junior Standard Championships and 5th at the World Pro/Am Junior Latin Championships at Ohio Star Ball. I have taken Top Youth Student at many Fred Astaire Regional and National Championships. My biggest competition yet was the Cross Country Dance Championships in Las Vegas last April. I also love to do Showcases and I perform at studio events like Holiday Galas and at some Friday practice parties. I participate in most of the events.

Let me introduce you to: Phyllis Holcomb, 81 years young

1) When did you start dancing?
I danced as a kid; I did tap, acrobatic and ballroom Dancing. I started to dance at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter about 2 ½ years ago.
2) Why did you become a dancer at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter?
After I had 3 back surgeries I have tried to walk in about shoulder deep water…..I got sick and tired of it….so I talked to my doctor who mentioned that Ballroom Dancing would be very good to strengthen my back. But I had not danced in 50 years; and I like old fashion style bands, I am not a fan of new music.
3) What benefits where you hoping to get from dancing?
My main goal was to help my back. I never thought I would perform or compete; not at my age!! I just wanted to do something I always loved to do.
4) How did dancing better your life?
Dancing helped my health through strengthening my back and giving me better posture. It made me more aware of myself and helped my stamina and balance. Dancing also made me proud of myself. I have accomplished goals I never thought I could. It boosted my self esteem and made my every day life more colorful. I developed a new family around me, my Fred Astaire Jupiter Family!!
5) Have your personal expectations for your dancing changed since you started? Yes, dancing changed my whole attitude physically and emotionally. I feel much better. I have no real expectations from myself because of my age. I am dancing for the love of dance. I am also dancing for the love of you all. I am living for the moment.
6) What kind of activities do you take part in at Fred Astaire Jupiter? Showcases, Competitions, events for special occasions like Sweepstakes and Holiday Parties…etc
7) How would you describe the competition and performance experience?
I have never done a competition before and it was a memorable experience. It helped my stamina; I loved the team atmosphere and enjoyed watching the other people dance. I love doing Showcases in particular because they give me self confidence. I enjoy it all very much. It is wonderful to be able to dance, and to dance with people like Warren and Vladimir, who are champions, is a thrill in itself. People should have more confidence in themselves, they should enjoy dancing Showcases and Competitions because it is fun and makes you feel accomplished. After dancing a showcase I have a great feeling of satisfaction.
8) Is there anything you would like to share with all of us?
Dance is a wonderful art. Anybody who does not get involved with it in any form is missing out on a lot! Everybody should take advantage of it. It is good to start dancing young but for people in my age it is great exercise and it keeps the mind occupied so we do not think about ourselves too much. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jupiter has Champion teachers who know how to take care of students on different levels. It is a very well run studio, I would not go anywhere else. I love their dogs, Coco and Max. They are like my inherited grandsons. Dancing is a wonderful experience. I think everybody should try it. Half an hour of dancing is worth 2 hours of walking. I hope anybody who starts dancing will have as much fun as I do and gain as many benefits as well.

SWEEPSTAKES PARTIES

Summer Sweepstakes have arrived and we have 4 exciting themed Parties for you. June 6th: 50ies Rock'nRoll Party
June 13th: Mardigras Party
June 20th: White Summer Party
June 28th: All American Barbecue Party and Sweepstakes Raffle Draw

Parties start at 8:30 PM on friday evening with one exception; our All American Barbecue Party will be held on Saturday at 5:00pm

Maks is coming back to Jupiter!! June 16/17/18 2008

we are happy to let you know that Maks Chmerkovskiy is coming back to Jupiter already this month. He will be here to coach our students and we are planning a big VIP PARTY on June 17th at 8:30.

TEAM JUPITER at the South Florida Regional Mini Match 2008

Team Jupiter at CCDC Nationals in Las Vegas

Thanks to all members of TEAM JUPITER for making this a huge success!!

Maks Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars at Fred Astaire in Jupiter

You could feel the excitement in the studio already far in advance. Everybody was excited to meet Maks Chmerkovskiy in person right here in Jupiter.
Who is following Dancing with the Stars will remember that he just danced a show with Mel B on the Tuesday 100th Anniversary of Dancing with the Stars; well he flew stright from LA to Jupiter to be with us. For everyone who got the chance to have a lesson with him, he was GREAT. Maks is a fantastic dancer, coach and a very nice, down to earth person to be around. He has been teaching private lessons all day Thursday and Friday and the highlight of the visit was our Friday night party, hosted by Maks himself. We all got to learn part of the Mambo routine he danced with Mel on Dancing with the Stars, it was great fun and he did not leave until every question was answered and everyone had a picture together with Maks and his autograph.
Needless to say that we all had a wonderful time, students, staff and guests alike and we hope he will be back some time soon with us here in Jupiter.

THANK YOU MAKS,

from all of us at Fred Astaire in Jupiter and especially from the other Max.