| 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. | ||
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Coming from the small town of Greendale, Wisconsin, Jesse never imagined to be who he is today. He was best known for his athletic and artistic abilities in high school. A musician and artist at heart, he not only excelled in the arts, but was the MVP and Team Captain of both the baseball and football teams of Greendale High School.
By his senior year, he decided to audition for their production of "The Sound of Music". However, once he discovered the audition required dancing, he left the stage believing dancing was not for him. He continued to play his sports, make his music, and create artwork. By 1999, shortly after his high school years, his mom found an ad in the paper calling for dance teachers. She asked him to give it a try for she always felt he had an entertaining personality and that he just might like it in the end. After all, he was in between jobs and basically had nothing to lose. Being a good son, he simply listened to her advice. Low and behold, he went on to become one of the most notable dance figures in the country. A constant top teacher, he became a master at his unexpected craft. He also ventured out as a top competitor by 2003 and shot up to winning 3rd in the United States in the Open Rhythm Category and 2nd in the world in Mambo with his former partner, Jackie Josephs. With his accomplishments, he was asked to join the popular reality TV show, "Dancing with the Stars". He partnered with actress, Shanna Moakler, in season 3. Jesse has retired from the competition world in 2008 and is now a proud owner of two very successful Fred Astaire Dance Studios--Buffalo Grove Chicago North and of course, our very own Michigan Avenue Chicago Downtown. Jesse is a man of many talents who uses his gifts to take care of everyone he knows, hand and foot. His goal is to continue to develop great ballroom professionals, dance instructors, managers, and owners. He truly is a man you can trust to show you the way in anything ballroom dancing. |
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Ria has always loved the art of dance as she felt it was the only sport that epitomized life itself. To her, it was a great representation of two people teaming together to go through the ups and downs of the "dance" we call life. However, being raised in the Philippines with a combo of a strict Syrian father and a protective Filipino mother, she was unable to discover dance growing up. She also had a strong desire to move to America and therefore in the middle of 2003, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to obtain her bachelor's degree in Professional Communications. After living in the U.S. for a couple of years, she decided to take the chance and pursue her dancing dream. She visited the Milwaukee Central Fred Astaire to take some lessons and was quickly asked to join the staff. She accepted the offer and basically worked at the studio and continued her college education both at a full-time basis. In December of 2006, she was honored to have graduated early from college and decided to continue working at the studio. Since then, she has repeatedly won numerous awards such as Top Enrollment Specialist, Top Customer Service, Top Guest Refferals, Top Dance Apparel Consultant, Top Overall Female Teacher, Top Competitive Female Teacher, as well as the honorable Freddy Award. She also obtained the Fred Astaire Rising Star Rhythm Champion title with her former partner. After a very successful teaching career in Milwaukee, Ria took some time off in late 2010 and made a personal decison to move to Chicago, Illinois. Shortly thereafter, she was offered positions at various Fred Astaire studios and in early 2011, she finally decided to join our Downtown Chicago team. Ria is now our proud manager and has quickly obtained the nickname "Tiger Mama". She may be strong and strict, but you can guarantee she will do all she can to get the best out of her staff and students, no matter what. With a naturally caring personality, she is a woman who truly stands behind our motto, "To enrich the lives of everyone who walks through our doors." |
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Hannah's dancing journey began slightly later in life when she became a dancer and choreographer for a hip hop troop in high school. She quickly fell in love with the world of dance and was soon introduced to ballroom. Hannah loved the idea of dancing in a partnership and therefore pursued a professional career with Fred Astaire. She is our senior most staff member at the studio and is known for her fun and energetic personality. You can guarantee a great and upbeat lesson from this bubbly lady! Hannah Fey currently competes with Adrian Dydynski in the American Smooth Division. |
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A proud Chicago native, Alan has been dancing for most of his life. He first discovered his talent for dancing when he became a member of the world renowned Mexican Dance Ensemble. For over 8 years, he travelled to places such as the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, and a number of European countries performing shows with his traditional Mexican folk dancing team. With that, he has obtained folk, jazz, tap, and modern dancing skills. Ballroom dancing became his next choice in the arts and he later became a great addition to our Fred Astaire Chicago team. His charisma and fire on the dance floor has attracted many students to learn from him and teaching those with two left feet are his specialty. So go ahead and take a lesson with Alan. He dares you not to smile! Alan Saucedo currently competes with Idilia Copertino in the American Rhythm Division. |
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From Italy with love comes Idilia—a dancing dietician who graduated Magna Cum Laude of the University of Pisa, Italy. Yes, dietetic was her major and dance was her hobby. In fact, she has 10 years of ballet training underneath her belt, as well as 8 years of figure skating, modern and jazz dancing. Not to mention 10 years of latin dancing, too! She's an all-around, all-knowing dancer and nutritionist who strives to keep a healthy, fun, and active lifestyle. Because of her vast knowledge and desire to share it with others, she had moved to America in 2009 to find a career that would best suit her abilities. Alas! In 2011 she found our studio and officially joined our team in January of 2012. We are so honored to have such a favoloso addition as Idilia! Idilia Copertino currently competes with Alan Saucedo in the American Rhythm Division |
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Andre joins the Michigan Avenue team with some very intensive training. He has been trained from some of the best ballroom dancers in the nation and has a wealth of dance knowledge to share. With his time at the Buffalo Grove, South Barrington, Mt. Prospect and Vernon Hills studios, he became one of the top Pro/Am instructors in the United States. |
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Sometimes we just need to LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE. This is the motto for this wise, young lady born and raised on the southside of Chicago. Janell has always loved dancing and music since she could walk and talk. She has danced in her high school dance and pom-pom teams while being active in the Student Government, Medical Career Academy, and organizations such as the Best Buddies Program. Besides her passion for the arts, Janell has had a true love for dentistry. Opening up a dental practice that offers dental assistance to those who are less fortunate is her ultimate goal in life. She loves knowing she can do something to help another person feel healthier and look better in the process--regardless of cost. Yes, she's got a big heart and she is a true example of a "people person" with a superb personality. Janell joined our studio June of 2011 and is very ecstatic to be part of our team. We are happy to have her along for the journey--she provides that extra zest we all need once in a while! | |