We are proud to offer the best in Ballroom and Latin Dance instruction. Everything from Private Lessons, Group Lessons, as well as Social Dance Parties and Events.Our instructors are all nationally ranked competitors and some of the best instructors in the country. Our high standard of excellence and outstanding customer service make us the best option for all your Ballroom Dancing desires and interests.
Managers
Rikki Lynn is a proud born and raised Chicago girl! In her youth, she danced Tap & Jazz, performing in recitals. Community service was then a big part of her life. Being involved with Habitat for Humanity to PADS, Rikki was always helping individuals somewhere in the country!
She was extremly focused on school and graduated with Honors. Following in her fathers artsy footsteps, she took Ceramics and Jewelry classes throughout High School. Rikki Lynn joined our team in the Spring of 2009 and is happy to be here! Her aspirations are to own a dance studio and bring the gift of dance to others.
Nikki was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. In high school she became best friends with Jackie Josephs, where they spent much of their time around the Fred Astaire Studios. She enjoys sports and was captain of the volleyball team, girl's ice hockey team, and co captain of the dance team. She received her undergraduate degree at Illinois Wesleyan University in Psychology and Business in 2006. She then joined the Fred Astaire team as the Regional Office Manager, assisting the area franchisors with the 4 annual Regional Competitions, assisting the licensees, and doing the bookkeeping for 2 studios. She took a brief hiatus from the dance industry to complete her Masters Degree in Accounting and Financial Management, and has now returned as Co Manager of the South Barrington Studio.
Receptionist
Isabel, born in Guatemala, came to Chicago at age 6. She was introduced to all types of dancing at the age of 8 and has been hooked ever since. From Hip-Hop to Ballet to Contemporary, she has experience and is well versed in all types of dance! Recently, she attended Chicago's Columbia College with a major in Dance Performance. She became a part of the South Barrington team in the Fall of 2009.
As a teacher Isabel specialized in competitIve males and couples for over a year, even winning a top teacher award. Now, you will find her as the "face" of our studio, running our front desk. When you walk through the doors, you will be greeted with her warm smile and enthusiasm!
South Barrington Professionals
Stephanie was born and raised in Hoffman Estates. From the early age of six, she fell in love with dance, participating in Tap, Ballet, and Jazz! All throughout Jr High and High School, she was involved in every facet of dancing she could. An avid animal lover, she has adopted several dogs throughout the years. After High School she discovered Hip Hop and continued dancing throughout college! She graduated from UIC with a degree in Psychology. She then traveled to L.A. to further her dance experience. She comes to us full of knowledge, and cannot wait to share her experience with all of you!
Lucy, originally from St. Louis, MO, has been involved in dance for most of her life. She trained in ballet from elementary school all of the way through high school. She then branched out to modern, hip hop, and ballroom in college, where she was captain of the Collegiate Ballroom Team. She graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Now a part of the Fred Astaire South Barrington team, her extensive dance knowledge shines through on all of her lessons.
As a former competitive athlete, Andre is naturally drawn to the competition floor. His presence on the dance floor is sure to bring energy, insight and inspiration to everyone he meets.
Joel is the eldest of 2 brothers and was proudly raised in Chicago, Illinois. Being of Puerto Rican decent, he is very family oriented and has a great love for music. His High School years found him very active in extracurricular activities. He played football, basketball & wrestled . Although a sports enthusiast on the field, he also enjoyed different aspects of the arts, such as playing drums and trumpet, along with a desire to break dance. He has a natural talent of teaching and along with his passion for the arts, he is inspiring others through ballroom dancing. Joel enjoys watching this magical art of dance, change the lives of so many.
Boris moved to America from Serbia in August of 2010. He enrolled at Harper College and is still pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Boris began ballroom dancing when he was 13 years old, and within a few years was ranked among the top 15 couples in his country in the Latin and Ballroom divisions. Before he began dancing, Boris was heavily involved in long distance running and Capoeira, a Brazilian form of Martial Arts known for its use of Music.
Boris' friendly disposition and technical knowledge of ballroom dance makes him a perfect fit at Fred Astaire South Barrington.