Celebrate Our 4th Anniversary Feb. 20

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!