Fred Astaire Cleveland Dance Studios

Wedding Dance Trends

2010-09-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

The 7th-grade sway just doesn't cut it anymore. Today's bride and groom want a first dance that has meaning to them and that reflects their personalities. That's why more and more couples are taking dance lessons before their weddings.

Traditional? You might want to choose a song by Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble or Etta James to name a few.

Contemporary? Think about songs that are popular right now. They can be a lot of fun, and reflect the wonderful year you got married.

Got your own style? Go for something that really shows off your personality: Offbeat songs, choreography with a lift or a dip. There is so much you can do right now to make your first dance uniquely yours, and create a memory to last a lifetime. Fast and fun, slow and romantic...it's your day and your dance. Have a great time with it!

Salsa Nite Out, Friday, July 30, 2010

2010-06-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Sizzling Salsa night with Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby! Join us for a fantastic nite out at The View, Friday, July 30 from 9-midnight. We'll start the night with a Salsa Group Class, then hit the floor for salsa, merengue and bachata.

Cost is $25 per person. Call 440-516-7837 to sign up!

24-Hour Dance Marathon Sept. 17-18

2010-06-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Dance -- and give kids a chance! You can win great prizes, dance the night (and day) away and bring the joy, respect and teamwork of dance into our schools. Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby is partnering with Dancing Classrooms of Northeast Ohio to raise funds for the coming school year. Dancing Classrooms' mission is to build social awareness, confidence and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance.

Look for more details to come and don't miss our Kick Off Party, Friday, July 23 at 8 p.m. at Fred Astaire Willoughby. Learn more about Dancing Classrooms at www.dancingclassroomsneo.org.

Valentine's Gift Certificates

2010-01-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Surprise your sweetheart with a Valentine's Day gift certificate to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby. We have certificates beginning at $25. It's a wonderful, romantic way to celebrate. Call us at 440-516-7837 or stop by the studio.

Salsa Night Out Jan. 22

2010-01-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

The weather maybe cold, but the salsa's never been hotter. It's time for another Salsa Night Out, 10:30pm-12:30am, Friday, Jan. 22 at the View. We always have a blast -- from dancing salsa, merengue and bachata to hanging out in the VIP section. Sign up today! Cost is $25 per person.

FREE New Year's Open House Jan. 16, 2010

2010-01-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

Kick off theNew Year by doing something wonderful for your body and soul. Join the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby for a free open house, Saturday, Jan. 16. You'll enjoy mini group classes in salsa, swing, rumba and merengue, along with refreshments and more. The open house runs from 2-4 p.m. You can call to register at 440-516-7837 or just show up on Saturday. Come and see just how fun and easy ballroom dancing can be! New year, new you!

FREE Open House Saturday, Sept. 19

2009-09-16T09:15:00.001-07:00

Bring your friends and see what Fred Astaire Dance Studio is all about. We're holding a FREE open house this Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5-7 pm. Enjoy mini group classes in swing, salsa, rumba and merengue plus refreshments. To sign up, call us at 440-516-7837 or stop by on Saturday!

Beginner Hip-Hop Series Oct. 7-28

2009-09-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand! Hip-Hop Series with Angie, every Wednesday in October (Oct. 7-28) from 8-8:45 p.m. $40 for the 4-class series. To register, call 440-516-7837.

Congratulations to our competitors!

2009-09-03T12:19:00.001-07:00

Our students impressed spectators and judges alike at the Buckeye Ball regional competition held in Columbus August 24. Kelly Amundsen won "Top Newcomers Lady" and Tim and Sherry Niederkorn took home a "Top Amateur Couple" award. Our other competitors picked up plenty of first place prizes. Congratulations to them all -- Dawn Marcellino, Molly Snavely, Kelly and Sherry and Tim!

Beginner Social Dancing Class Sept. 3-30

2009-09-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

Enjoy the basics of dancing you can use at weddings, reunions, parties, cruises and more. Our Basic Social Dancing group class features swing, slow dancing and more. The group class is from 8-8:45 pm every Thursday, Sept. 3-30. Cost is $10 per person per class. To register, simply call us at 440-516-7837 -- or stop in!

Cardio Kick Butt continues in July!

2009-06-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fantastic workout? Then try Cardio Kick Butt, a fantastic class that combines martial arts and dance steps. You'll get a major total body workout, and killer abs. The class runs every Thursday in July at 8 p.m. and is $10 per session. Call to register at 440-516-7837.

Beginner Hip Hop Series Starts June 16

2009-06-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hip-Hop is one of the greatest ways to improve body movement, and it's a lot of fun, too. Learn some great new freestyle moves and gain even more confidence on the dance floor. Our very talented Miss Angie will be teaching the class. The series runs from 8-8:45 p.m. every Tuesday, June 16-July 7. Cost is $40 per person. Sign up today by calling 440-516-7837.

Fairy Tale Festival Party was a hit!

2009-06-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Our Fairy Tale Party last night (June 5) was a blast. The students went all out with costumes including Little Red Riding Hood, The Big Bad Wolf, Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, The Pied Piper, Cinderella and a lot more. Terry Weddleton won best costume with his fantastic Frog Prince outfit. Check out the pictures on our picture gallery. You'll find the link on our website www.dancecleveland.com. Then get ready, because next week's party is BROADWAY. Can't wait to see what our students will come up with next.

Congratulations Stephanie Lee!

2009-04-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Stephanie recently competed at the Fred Astaire Cross-Country DanceSport Championships in Las Vegas. She was awesome! Her solo (a cha cha/swing medley) earned her a 93 and a first place. She also earned plenty of other great scores in competition, plus had a blast seeing the sights with her mom Kathleen (another great dancer!) and instructor Raymond. This year's CCDC had more than 8,000 entries, an amazing pro show, an appearance by Tony Dovolani and much more.

Guest Open House May 16

2009-04-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

You're invited to a FREE Open House featuring mini group classes, student demonstrations, refreshments and more. It's all happening from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 16. No partner necessary. Come see what the Fred Astaire Dance Studios have to offer -- and find out just how fun and easy it is to learn how to dance! Pre-registration is NOT necessary, but feel free to call us with any questions. 440-516-7837. See you there.

Take A Class With Tony Dovolani June 6

2009-04-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

World champion, Dancing With The Stars pro (see him this season dancing with Melissa) and amazing instructor. That's Tony Dovolani, and he's going to be at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby on Saturday, June 6.

Sign up for one of his group classes today! The Ballroom (Smooth) Class is 12:30 p.m. and the Latin class is at 1:15 p.m. Classes are for all levels, so don't be shy. Tuition is $40 per person per class or $70 per person for both. Call us at 440-516-7837 to register. Don't forget your camera!

DWTS Cleveland Filming Here April 5!

2009-03-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

We need a live studio audience and you're invited! The Cleveland version of Dancing With The Stars is filming right here at Fred Astaire Willoughby so come and cheer us on. It's all happening at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 5.

Channel 5 (WEWS-ABC) is holding the DWTS contest, which has featured two of our instructors. Lisa was dancing with Al Bubba Baker and Raymond is dancing with Dr. Elena Rossi. Don't miss your chance to see it all live.

And don't forget to vote for your favorites on http://www.newsnet5.com/.

Mini Match April 4 with Jesse DeSoto

2009-03-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

It's time for a little friendly competition, right here at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby. We're holding Mini Match, Saturday, April 4 and we can't wait.
Students will dance to all their favorites while judge Jesse DeSoto gives them scores and feedback. Jesse is one of our favorite coaches and a champion dancer, and we're all excited to have him back again.
Spectators are welcome! Enjoy great dancing, lunch and a pro show all for just $25.
Sign up for Mini Match TODAY! The deadline is March 23.

Congratulations Regional Competitors!

2009-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

We're so proud of our competitors who danced in the Fred Astaire Ohio Regional Competition, March 15. Domenick Catanese won Top Gentleman A and Igor Kantorovich and Elena Furman won Top Amateur Couple A.
Tina Slivka, Molly Snavely, Pat Valenza, Carlos Sucharetza, Marlene Waller and Stephanie Lee all did incredibly well -- and so did the instructors. Matt and Lisa placed 5th in Bronze/Silver Closed Rhythm and Smooth divisions while Raymond and Katie placed 2nd in Open American Rhythm and Closed American Rhythm.
Pictures will be coming soon on our photo gallery!

Celebrate Our 4th Anniversary Feb. 20

2009-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

We're celebrating four wonderful years at Fred Astaire of Willoughby and you're invited to the party! We'll have shows, shrimp, champagne -- and a whole lot of fun. What's more, you can bring your friends!

The evening starts with a free group lesson at 7:15 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, followed by the party from 8-10 p.m. You'll dance, sip champagne punch and enjoy several pro numbers, along with performances by some of our long-time students.

It's going to be a wonderful evening -- so mark your calendar now. We'd love to see you there!

West Coast Swing Seminar Feb. 6

2009-01-16T14:26:00.001-08:00

Looking for some new tricks in West Coast Swing? Then come to this 90-minute intensive seminar with the incredible Michael Raisch. Michael is one of our favorite coaches, with a special knack for making every dance easy.

The seminar will be from 8-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 (in place of our regular dance party). The cost is just $45. Students are signing up fast, so be sure to reserve your place.

Tyler wins DWTS local challenge!

2009-01-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

When the Dancing With The Stars tour landed in Cleveland January 13, they found another star in Tyler Mausser, a 16-year-old student at the Willoughby Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Tyler and his 17-year-old partner Laura Klenz beat out nine other couples in a local dance challenge held during the show. The other competitors included several pro-am couples.

Tyler and Laura wowed the audience and judges Kym Johnson and Fabian Sanchez with their cha cha and jive. They did a fantastic job, winning 88% of the texted-in votes. Even more amazing, Tyler and Laura had never danced together until a few days before the show, when they decided to audition for the dance challenge. The challenge was sponsored by Samsung Eternity, and both dancers won the newest phone from Samsung along with a special trophy.

Tyler has been dancing at the Willoughby studio since he was 14. In that time, he's entered numerous competitions and won the Ohio Regional Top Youth award. His instructor is Katie Bronshteyn.

Tony Dovolani -- Back By Popular Demand Jan. 17!

2008-12-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Tony's back and our students can't wait! He's holding both private and group classes on Saturday, Jan. 17 right here at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby, OH. The group classes are open to the public and you can sign up by calling us at 440-516-7837.

Tony is a world champion ballroom dancer and one of the amazing pros on Dancing With The Stars. He's danced with Susan Lucci, Jane Seymour and Stacy Keibler to name a few.

You can attend his group classes even if you're just a beginner. He'll be holding a 45-minute class on "smooth" dancing -- waltz, tango, foxtrot -- at 12:30 p.m. and a Latin class at 1:15 p.m. The cost is just $40 per class or $70 if you take both.

Bring your camera so you can snap a picture! You'll have a blast learning from one of TVs famous dancers!

The Holiday Showcase Was A Stunning Success!

2008-12-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Students wowed their friends and family with terrific performances at our fourth annual Holiday Showcase held at Pine Ridge Country Club. We started with a fabulous dinner, then moved onto dancing and the show.

Congratulations to all our student performers, many of whom were in the spotlight for the very first time. Judith Gruber was a hit with her flirty foxtrot; Dannielle LaFaye danced a sizzling hot rumba; Matt Fleming was fantastic with lifts, dips and drops in his tango; Pat Valenza shined in her swing -- you can tell she's always having a blast.

Then Francina Doyle cracked us up when she "drove" onstage for a West Coast Swing to Santa Drives a Hot Rod. Carlos Sucharetza and Marlene Waller performed a gorgeous bolero filled with emotion; Tim and Kristine Snell were awesome in their mambo; Tim and Sherry Niederkorn (Tim in full Santa gear) looked fantastic in their swing and Karen Wiese was wonderfully graceful in a lovely waltz.

In the final numbers of the evening, Al Kovacik and Loretta Fraser were so entertaining with their Lindy Hop and Michelle Blanchard brought the house down with a sexy cha cha (check out the red striped stockings). David and Sandi Fink were so much fun to watch in their Argentine Tango; Melissa Barone was amazing with her mambo and Igor Kantorovich and Elena Furman showed plenty of style in their samba. The evening ended with pro performances by Andrea, Matt, Katie, Raymond, Lisa and special guest Rob. It was a great way to start the holidays! See all the pictures by clicking on our photo gallery.

Trophy Ball was a blast!

2008-11-18T15:02:00.001-08:00

Our students shined at Trophy Ball! They danced for the audience, received certificates and plaques and spent as much time laughing as they did dancing. Congratulations to all our graduates!

Tamara's Benefit Raised $2,000!

2008-11-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in Tamara Norris' benefit dinner at the Patrician Party Center. It was a wonderful evening of dinner, dancing and performances by the Fred Astaire instructors. The silent auction raised $2,000 to help Tamara in her fight with cancer. Thanks again!

Thanksgiving Potluck Nov. 21

2008-10-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

We'll cook the turkey...you provide the sides. This is one of our favorite events! We have a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner, then we dance it all off. The sign up sheet is at the front desk. Be sure to get your name on it soon.

Guest Party Nov. 7

2008-10-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's another chance to show us off to your friends and family. We're opening our doors for a free party and group class and everyone's invited! Come enjoy a free swing lesson, dancing, refreshments, student performances and a pro show. The fun starts at 7:15 p.m.

Team Match Rocks!

2008-10-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the pictures on our website...our students did an amazing job at Team Match, Oct. 5 at La Malfa. With all the dancing, cheering, eating and making new friends from other studios, we all had a blast.

Mambo Intensive with George Hendricks Sept. 13

2008-08-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Don't miss your chance to learn from one of the best! George Hendricks -- US champion, longtime coach and respected adjudicator -- will give tips and techniques so you can mambo like never before. The mambo intensive runs from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13. Cost is $60 per person. Sign up today!

Guest Party Sept. 12!

2008-08-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Friends, family, co-workers -- or anyone who's reading this blog -- come to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby for another spectacular guest party. It all starts with a FREE group class at 7:15 p.m. followed by the party from 8-9:30 p.m. Enjoy tons of dancing, student exhibitions and fabulous performances by our pros! These parties are always a hit, so come enjoy the fun!

Team Match Sunday, Oct. 5

2008-07-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

We want that trophy back! Join us for another battle between the Northern Ohio and Southern Ohio schools. This time it's on our turf -- at LaMalfa in Mentor! Team Match is a great way to improve your dancing -- fast! You'll enjoy a fabulous day of competition, lunch, dinner, and a terrific pro show. Early bird deadline is August 9. See your instructor for details.

Coaching With Jesse DeSoto Aug. 12-13

2008-07-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

One of our most popular coaches is back! Jesse is choreographing our Holiday Showcase (Dec. 7) along with regular coaching. Sign up now...time slots are filling up fast!

Guest Party July 18

2008-07-03T15:39:00.001-07:00

Invite your friends and family, co-workers and anyone else you can think of for a fantastic evening of dancing and performances. It's our July Guest Party on the 18th. We'll start with a SALSA GROUP CLASS at 7:15 p.m. that's open to everyone. Then at 8 p.m. we'll start the party with student performances and a pro show. See you there!

The North Wins Team Match!

2008-06-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Willoughby team fought hard. Carlos and Marlene nearly set the floor on fire with their bolero, Domenick scored honors in just about every dance and Tyler won Top Youth in the region. Plus we were the rowdiest, most spirited school.

All our students were great! Tim and Sherrie, Christy, Carlos and Marlene, Molly, Vadim, Igor and Elena, James and Susanna, Francina, Melissa, Tyler, Dannielle, Dawn, Annette, Matt and Toyomi, Charlie, Sandy, Domenick, Stephanie, and Tim and Kristine -- we're so proud of you! We didn't keep the trophy, but we'll get it back at the next competition in October!

Check out all the pictures in our photo gallery on the website, www.dancecleveland.com

Summer Youth Dance Camps

2008-06-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Get your kids out of the house and on the dance floor! They'll have a blast learning the basics of social dancing -- including swing, salsa and a whole lot more. Dance camps are 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, with 8-12 year olds attending July 21-24 and teens attending July 28-31. The cost is $80 per person. Call today to register!

Our Incredible Weekend With Tony Dovolani

2008-06-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

He gave us three rules for great dancing...he spilled secrets from Dancing With The Stars...he took pictures, signed autographs and challenged every one of us to reach further and work harder. Now we know why Tony Dovolani is a world champion ballroom dancer. Best of all, he told us we're awesome and he wants to come back! (I'll keep you posted.)

He also showed an incredibly generous side when he donated two VIP tickets to next season's Dancing With The Stars so we could raise funds for our co-worker who's been stricken with cancer. We were thrilled to have him here, and we can't wait to dance with him again!

Summer Salsa Series

2008-06-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Cool salsa for hot summer nights! Join us for six sessions with Raymond Cedeño, Cleveland's Viva La Salsa champion. Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 22-August 7. $99 per person. Minimum six people.

Tony Dovolani Coming To Willoughby

2008-06-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

You can dance like a star with Tony Dovolani from Dancing With The Stars! Tony will be holding group classes this Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21 right here at our studio. All levels are welcome!