Friday, January 19, 2007

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Celebrate 60th Anniversary!



LONGMEADOW, MA – January 19, 2007 – Fred Astaire Dance Studios proudly announce the celebration of its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in 1947 by legendary dancer Mr. Fred Astaire, Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc. is a well-known franchised dance studio chain with over 120 studios open throughout the country. Although Mr. Astaire retired from the business in 1953, the curriculum used today in all Fred Astaire Dance Studios is still based on the concepts that he perfected.

Upon opening, the original studio on Park Avenue in the heart of Manhattan was visited by a swarm of celebrities, including Vera Ellen, Red Buttons, Shirley Booth, and Alan Hale. Fred Astaire worked with many young teachers to establish the foundation of the famed Fred Astaire method of ballroom dance instruction. Many of these teachers went on to become executives in the Fred Astaire organization and experts in the dance industry.

“We are very proud,” says Jack Rothweiler, CEO and President, “of maintaining the highest standards of excellence for 60 years. With our National Dance Board, comprehensive training program, Conceptual Method of Teaching, and a unique Trophy style of learning, Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer the finest dance instruction in the country.”

Evolving from a social past-time into a darling of television, ballroom dancing has changed significantly since Fred Astaire’s time. With the advent of hit TV shows and movies like Dancing With The Stars, Mad Hot Ballroom, Take The Lead, and Shall We Dance, young people and couples are now interested in learning how to ballroom dance. Since its debut in 2005, Dancing With The Stars has attracted a young adult audience, ranking among the highest rated TV show with adults ages 18-49. Over 27.7 million viewers watched the last season’s finale. There is also a growing awareness of the general benefits that can be derived from dancing. Learning how to dance provides a fun way to exercise, improve coordination, relieve stress, and meet new people.

“We’ve had a 32% increase in our new student enrollments from 2005-2006,” Mr. Rothweiler adds, “And 8 new studios are planning to open within the next 2 months. All this is a dramatic increase due to the newfound popularity of ballroom dancing no doubt coming from the immense exposure of this delightful art that is being embraced by millions and millions of new people. Although we’ve grown so much in the past 60 years, Fred Astaire’s grace, style, and elegance are still an integral part of every one of our studios.”

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer all types of dance instruction through private, group, and practice lessons in all the social dances such as Swing, Fox Trot, Slow Dancing, Salsa, Tango, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Polka, Samba, and Mambo. Visit http://www.fredastaire.com/ for more information.

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