Congratulations to all of our fabulous AWC Nationals Competitors! San Juan was great! Bob & Robin Nedli, Phil Smagacz, Brianna Yadgir,
Jim Yadgir, and Marlyn & Henry Valena,
you all were amazing.
Brianna won TOP YOUTH STUDENT! Yayyy!!
Ours professionals did great as well!
Andre & Yuliana placed
3rd in Rising Star Rhythm
3rd in Open Rhythm
2nd in Bronze & Silver Closed Rhythm
Joe & Elena placed
2nd in Open Rhythm
2nd in Rising Star Rhythm
Andre also won 4th Male Top Teacher Yuliana won 2nd Female Top Teacher
Wow! Great job Team SB. It was a blast and we are so proud of you!
The students of South Barrington FAD
brought home the Chicago Open TOP Studio award!!!
The winning team: Allen, Ariel, Christina, Mariel, Marlyn, Henry, Scott, Alyssa, Brianna, Jim, Robin, Bob, Lena, Jeff, Patty, Brian, Denise, Phil, Lora, Loredana, Angela Congratulations to
Robin & Bob ---Top Amateur Couple
Phil---Top Male Bronze
Lena---Top Female Bronze!! Gooooooo Team!
Congratulations to the following Top Teachers
at FADS Chicago Open: Joe--5th
Elena-- 2nd
and the Top Teachers,
both Male & Female---Andre & Yuliana!
What a great team of professionals---
from South Barrington Fred Astaire Studios!
ASPCA Week!!!
In honor of Joe Josephs and all the other animal lovers at the Buffalo Grove, Burr Ridge and South Barrington Studios, we helped out in donating to the ASPCA.
Thank you to all of our fabulous students who donated. Animals lives are saved because of you!
Jim Yadgir, Phil Smagacz, Lena Falco, Jennifer Fleming, Brian Olsen, Patty Horton, Robin Nedli, Simone Paul, Christiane Tiskus, and Denise Pieroni
Chandler's Rockin' Rhythm Night!!
January 22 2010
This was a fabulous event! Chandlers hosted it and we were the main event! We did a giant group class, a Student Show, and a Professional Show!
It was a good time and there is another one on Friday, February 26th from 7-11pm!
Come and join the fun! Admission at the door!
Congratulations to everyone who competed at
Holiday Ball 2009!
*Sue Bland
*Lena Falco
*Sheila Funk
*Martina Gariti
*Scott Haertel
*Bob Nedli
*Robin Nedli
*Angela Sciortino
*Phil Smagacz
*Scott Valena
*Jeff Van Der Toolen
*Brianna Yadgir
Jeff Van Der Toolen and Lena Falco won Top Amateur Couple.
Andre won Male Top Teacher
Elena placed 4th Female Top Teacher
Yuliana placed 5th Female Top Teacher
Holiday Ball 2009 was the largest competition
since the Chicagoland Region started 3 and a half years ago.
This competition had over 2,000 entries!!
We are all looking forward to
DanceSport Classic, March 26 & 27 2010! See everyone there!
We came with 3 of our students,
2 of them being Newcomers!!
Congratulations are in order for Brianna Yadgir, James Yadgir, and Sue Bland.
You all did a phenomenal job!
Andre and Elena went and were Rising Star Finalists!
Good Job South Barrington!
Attention:
The South Barrington Studio is proud to
announce that one of our youth student dancers,
8 year old Kaylyn Slevin, has just WON the title……
“International Model Of The Year”
She is presently in Los Angeles competing in
a pageant and has placed 1st in every category!
Congratulations to Andre Santore,
her instructor, who choreographed her
Cha Cha routine for the ‘Talent’
portion of the competition!
She performed with sass, spunk and
her adorable personality!
Great Job Kaylyn!
We are so proud of you and can not wait for you to come back!
You won't believe what dancing can do... till it happens to you!
~ Phil
3/9/10
It's been just over a year now since I first walked into a place that, unknowingly to me, would become like a second home. When I first entered this hallowed hall of Fred Astaire, I thought that I would only be around for a few lessons, learn some basics and be done with the whole thing. From the start, the staff was amazingly kind and courteous, even with me being late for my very first lesson. After a couple of lessons, and realizing I didn't have two-left feet, I really started to enjoy dancing and found myself coming back often and eventually signing up for more lessons and even performing in a competition. Then there came a time when I finally realized that I loved it and started going almost every day and taking advantage of all the group classes. The dancing in itself was fun, but it was the chemistry of instructors, students and atmosphere that permeates throughout the studio like an invisible ether that made me want to keep coming back.
So now, a year has rolled by, and every day I am thankful I found this place. Some of my fellow dancing students have turned into friends. My instructors, Elena and Yuliana, are two of the best teachers and people on this planet. My very first lesson was with Elena, and I couldn't believe the amount of patience she had for dealing with someone as inexperienced as myself. After Yuliana coming on board, I couldn't believe how much I had already learned and what more she had to show me. Because of those two phenomenal dancers, along with the other instructors, students and new found friends, I have been regaining a vagabond confidence, and they've been helping me achieve a personal goal that, for a long time, seemed always out of reach. Since I began to dance on a more regular basis, I have lost over 30lbs and am still going! If it wasn't for them, Andre, the rest of the staff and the other students, I don't know where I would be; definitely not as happy as I am right now. This temple of dance is amazing and has found a lifelong follower.
- Brian
3/5/10
When my Mom's birthday rolled around in 2008, I decided that I would finally bite the bullet and take some ballroom dancing lessons that she had been begging for since I was in high school. I figured we would take a few lessons, she would have fun for a few weeks, and I would never see the inside of a dance studio again. Clearly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
While I don't consider myself a shy person in the least bit, dancing was one activity I've always felt completely self conscious about. Besides partaking in the slow dances in high school, any situation that involved dancing would find me pressed against a wall, watching all the fun around me. Fred Astaire Dance Studio completely changed that. Dancing has instilled a sense of confidence in me that I never knew existed which has translated to other aspects of my life. My utmost gratitude goes out to the teaching staff at South Barrington for helping me realize it. Their carefully paced instruction seems to adapt to the varied skill levels of all of their students, including someone like me who had absolutely no experience or desire. Whether it be my incredibly gifted and patient instructors Elena and Yuliana or the equally talented studio manager Andre (among other staff members), each lesson or group class leaves me with a sense of accomplishment, not to mention a strong determination for improvement. The dedication they have to motivate their students to reach their goals is admirable. Since she has been with me since the beginning, I commend Elena especially for having extreme patience during the period where I was still learning to find rhthym. She continues to work through my frustration while keeping things fun.
What started as a hobby to occupy routine weekdays has become a passion and eventually an obsession. Recreational dancing has evolved into competitive dancing. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself in this situation, however, it is safe to say that it is one of the most meaningful developments in my life. Not only have I found a new way to celebrate and appreciate music, but I have met a lot of new people and developed some very strong and surprising friendships. Speaking not only from personal experience but also from what I've observed in the students around me, whatever your goals in dancing are, Fred Astaire provides you with the opportunity to achieve them. If you've even been thinking about trying it, sign up. You won't be sorry.
-Cathy
3/1/10
I started at Fred Astaire in South Barrington about four months ago. My husband was into marathon running, and ballroom dancing was something I always enjoyed watching on public TV. Then, “Dancing with the Stars” started and renewed my interest. Since my kids were both off at college, I decided to do something for myself. I was looking for exercise, weight loss, and fun. I got all three and more!
When you walk in to the studio, it’s reminiscent of the old show “Cheers.” Remember how everyone called out “Norm!” when he walked in? That’s how it is at the studio. Everyone, from Rikki at the front desk to the instructors and the other students, welcomes you and seems genuinely happy to see you.
All of the instructors are wonderful and each quite gifted in their talents. I was signed up initially with Jesse, and it is really great to work with him. We have a good time while he guides me with proper technique. His patience continually shines no matter how many times he has to go over something with me. He definitely is one of the reasons I decided to continue after my introductory lesson.
Elena, Isabel and Yuliana are fascinating to watch dance and lead nightly group lessons in addition to teaching individual lessons. They are patient dance “gurus” that guide you along the way. Group lessons are a wonderful way to hone your skills and are complementary while you are receiving individual lessons. I try to go every night that I can. Andre supervises the studio, teachers and is an award-winning instructor in his own right. It is wonderful to have his expertise available.
If you’re interested at all in pursuing dance, now is the time to start! Even my husband has shown interest and is attending lessons with me! But while he’s running, I’ll be dancing!
~ Denise
2/28/10
I am about to celebrate my 1st year anniversary as a student at the South Barrington Fred Astaire Dance Studio. It has been a great year and my dancing experience has exceeded my expectations. Dancing has been a wonderful addition to my fitness program improving my balance, coordination and posture. It is also a great stress releaser – it is hard to worry about the day’s events when you are concentrating on your form, the flow of your dance steps and arms movements and of course remembering to smile (except when doing the Tango!!!).
As with any organization, it’s the people, both the instructors and other students, who really make the difference. My instructors have been great – pushing me outside of my comfort zone to improve my dance form. They provide positive feedback and celebrate my accomplishments, no matter has small. Students support each other – providing encouragement and assistance especially to newcomers.
Dancing is a wonderful addiction that I hope to continue to participate in for many years to come. I credit my passion for this sport to my experience at the South Barrington Fred Astaire Studio.
~ Lena 2/23/10 All my life, I have had a passion for dancing. I started my first classes at Fred Astaire, South Barrington just over a year ago. Dancing there has given me much joy. When I am at the studio it is like a meditation and I forget the outside world. I like the way my body and mind feels when I am at the studio. The teachers and other dancers I have met have become my extended family, some of which I know will be lasting dancing friends.
Lena Falco
Top Amateur Couple, Holiday Ball 2009.
~Patty
3/5/09
I would like to share with everyone how wonderful an experience it has been for me since joining the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in South Barrington.
I have danced on and off, for about 22 years of my adult life, stepped away from my passion for 5 years and came to realize my life was missing something without dance. So, I researched my options and decided this was a nice way to bring dance back into my life, try something new and go with the flow and wouldn't you know......my first lesson......I was hooked.
I walked through the doors and was privileged enough to have Andre give me my first ever ballroom dance lesson. It was much different from my previous dance experience and it somehow intrigued me. It was challenging and uplifting at the same time. Not only was it the perfect creative outlet for me but I also became part of a wonderful dance community and extended family.
I now have 2 wonderful teachers in Andre and Eugene. They inspire and push you beyond where you think you can go at times, always encouraging you along the way, which I love. They inspire and teach all of their students on an individual level, being able to tap into your unique gifts and help you to excel and bring forth the dancer within. My teachers can see what is hidden inside and draw it out like a buried treasure which you can proudly put on display.
We are all gems just waiting for a little polishing and Fred Astaire Dance Studios knows how to make everyone shine!
So, if you are looking for a loving community to be a part of, do yourself a favor, put on your dance shoes and see yourself shine!
~ Robin & Bob
12/10/08
Bob and I have been married almost thirty years and every year I have begged and tried to convince him to take dance lessons with me. “It will be fun,” I’d say or “Don’t worry, we won’t have to tell anyone if you’re embarrassed.”
I even tried to convince him that since our kids were getting older, weddings would be coming up and wouldn’t it be nice to be able to dance and know what we were doing at our children’s weddings? (We have two girls and two boys, ages 28, 25, 21, and 19 respectively and within the last 6 months, both of our daughters have gotten engaged.) Well, almost a year ago, he finally agreed and now we are obsessed!
To give you some background on us in our normal realm of everyday: Bob is the Equipment Manager for Lake County Grading Company in Libertyville, Illinois. He rides a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, shaves his head, and dons multiple tattoos. He does not fit into the ballroom dancer category as far as stereotypes go. I have been driving a school bus for Wauconda School District 118 for over 15 years and I too ride a Harley and don multiple tattoos; also not the typical poster child for the typical ballroom dancing genre. However, when one of Bob’s bosses asked if he and I would be interested in taking a complimentary dance lesson with him and his wife, to my surprise, Bob agreed. This was in February and we have not looked back since.
Neither of us had any dancing experience whatsoever when this process started. It was a bumpy beginning, but the instructors have been patient and relentless in their quest to teach us the steps and give us the tools to put together a decent dance number. Bob has learned to hear the rhythm in the music and move those hips and I have learned to recognize the particular dances that can fit with the everyday music we hear. I have even managed to let my husband “take the lead”, (difficult as this was). We practice in our garage between lessons so that we know we will be ready to move on to the next level. It has been very hard work and quite a challenge, but so worth the effort and investment. Together, we have lost over 40 pounds and our overall health has improved how we feel day in and day out. This is the most fun we have ever had. We were given the opportunity to dance in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago and will now be competing in December! These were two things that we never even dreamed would be a reality when we took our first lesson and signed our first contract. Everyone we know and love is envious of our new found talent – there is no embarrassment here!
We have learned so much since we have started dancing with Fred Astaire; not only about the dance steps, the music, and the rhythm, but about each other which has taken our relationship to a higher level. We now have a passion of dance that has brought us closer together and it has given us something to brag about to our kids. We have also made a vast number of new friends with the other students and are grateful to each of the ever caring and patient instructors, especially Andre and Elena whom we started with in Vernon Hills, and followed to Hoffman Estates when they moved to this new facility.
Our entire dancing experience has been the most fun we have ever had and we recommend this to all of our family and friends. Each lesson is filled with sweat, lots of laughter and fun!
ASPCA Week!!!
Attention:
~ Denise 
I would like to share with everyone how wonderful an experience it has been for me since joining the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in South Barrington.
him to take dance lessons with me. “It will be fun,” I’d say or “Don’t worry, we won’t have to tell anyone if you’re embarrassed.”
Neither of us had any dancing experience whatsoever when this process started. It was a bumpy beginning, but the instructors have been patient and relentless in their quest to teach us the steps and give us the tools to put together a decent dance number. Bob has learned to hear the rhythm in the music and move those hips and I have learned to recognize the particular dances that can fit with the everyday music we hear. I have even managed to let my husband “take the lead”, (difficult as this was). We practice in our garage between lessons so that we know we will be ready to move on to the next level. It has been very hard work and quite a challenge, but so worth the effort and investment. Together, we have lost over 40 pounds and our overall health has improved how we feel day in and day out. This is the most fun we have ever had. We were given the opportunity to dance in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago and will now be competing in December! These were two things that we never even dreamed would be a reality when we took our first lesson and signed our first contract. Everyone we know and love is envious of our new found talent – there is no embarrassment here!