You won't believe what dancing can do... until it happens to you!
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 ~ Lisa
10/11/11
When I walked through the doors in September 2010, I really had no idea what to expect. I figured I'd stick around for six months learn all there was to know and be on to my next challenge. Boy, was I wrong! I found in dance a passion for something that seems to grow every day. Dance has challenged me mind,body and soul! I'm a natural competitor and have found dance to give me the challenge that I crave.
I am still amazed at all the positive aspects of dance. Of course, the most obvious benefit of dance is physical benefit. For me, this really wasn't a goal as I'm a long-distance runner and thought I was in fine shape. I quickly learned that there is always opportunity to tone different parts of your body. I'm pleased at how dance has helped me to do this. The most unexpected thing for me was my increased self-confidence. I am not a person that anyone would call shy by a long shot. As a college professor, I need to be poised, self-assured and quick in my thinking if I have a hope of being effective. What dance has done has helped me to become even more confident and even more importantly more creative. I find myself looking at things in ways that I would have never thought of before I started dancing.
But learning to dance is only half of the story. The other, and probably most important piece, is doing it at Fred Astaire. When I decided to take lessons I carefully researched where I was going to spend my time and money. One of the things that struck me was the type of favorable feedback that Fred Astaire South Barrington received on many different fronts. I remember coming to a party as my first experience and being greeted by Isabel who introduced me to the fellow dancers who have since become my good friends. FADS South Barrington has felt like home since the beginning. All of the instructors and staff create a friendly, safe environment where people want to come and dance and sometimes even just "hang-out".
Finally, I want to acknowledge my instructors, Joel and Mark, who are absolute angels! They are so patient with me- a demanding Type A personality. They are technical, personable, professional and passionate about their students learning to dance. I am always amazed after a lesson when I'm driving home and thinking about what these men were able to get my body to do. They gently push me to move to the next level. I know that they are as invested in my success as I am. Thanks to their instruction, I can call myself a dancer. Something I've been waiting a lifetime to say! |
~ Christiane
5/11/11
I love dancing at this studio, with its relaxed, friendly atmosphere created by everyone from co-managers Rikki and Nikki to the teachers. I enjoy the private lessons, as well as the nice variety of group classes, which are a great way to practice basic technique and reinforce what I'm learning in my lessons -- and a fun way to get some exercise. The instructors are obviously experts in an impressive number of dances and teaching techniques. My teachers, Mark and Joel, are also a delight to work with -- so patient, caring, encouraging and inspiring. Their love of dancing and their delight at sharing it with others shines through. It's so much fun to learn from them, and all day at work I look forward to taking the floor with them at night. Having that kind of fun challenge to look forward to makes it so much easier to cheerfully cope with the deadlines at my job. It's such a nice switch to go from focusing on job challenges to the much more fulfilling challenges of Cuban motion, bolero, Argentine tango and Isabel's arm styling or Elena's footwork classes! For me, ballroom dancing is pure joy, and with the right partners/teachers, it's magic. |
 ~ Stephanie
2/25/11
I had the fortunate experience of meeting Rae Josephs in the spring of 2010. She invited me to come and take lessons at her South Barrington dance studio. I walked through the doors for the first time that June with zero dance experience, but with a huge desire to learn. Prior to that, I had shared with Rae that my desire to dance was basically the only thing that I felt passionate about those days. The last two years had been extremely difficult for me. At the time I met Rae we were both grieving the death of our husbands. We shared stories with each other about the great men our spouses were and the wonderful memories we had with them. The way Rae talked about her husband Joe made me wish that I could have met him. My heart broke for her. We were able to understand one another's pain because of what we had both been through. She told me about how grateful she was to the dance community for being there for her during this difficult time.
Rae blessed me with her encouragement, friendship and the opportunity to come learn to dance. She said that I would love the people at the South Barrington studio, and she was right!!! I love them dearly. Everyone there is so friendly and upbeat. The instructors are such talented dancers, and amazing teachers. They are so patient and caring. Every time I come in for a lesson I am greeted with a warm welcome and the best hugs! They have adopted me into their dance family, and I am so thankful for each one of them. They have cheered me up many times made me smile, and even laugh on the saddest of days.
Mark (the instructor that I have most of my lessons with) is such an incredible person! He is so patient with me, even when I ask him to show me a move over, and over, and over again. He has taught me so much. He always gives me his best. 110% I love his enthusiasm, and his passion for dance. Mark is a pleasure to be with. Every time we are together he makes me laugh. He is an excellent teacher, and so very good to me. It is an honor to dance with him.
The gift of dance has been life saving and life changing. It has brought me so much happiness in the midst of a very dark time. My confidence is increasing, my posture is improving, and I am learning a lot about myself through this process. Dancing is good medicine, great exercise and tons of fun. I love it! I am so grateful for this experience and for all the wonderful people I have met at this studio.
If you are contemplating taking dance lessons this is the place to do it. Come and join the Fred Astaire dance family. I promise you will not be disappointed!
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~ Phil
3/9/10
I
t'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. |
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- 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!
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~ 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.
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~ 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. |
~ 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! |
