Fred Astaire Dance Studios, An Inspiration, Part II

By Stanley McCalla

Back in the 80’s and through the same Fred Astaire Dance Studio, I met my new dance partner and wife, Jennifer Mc Calla.

What followed was a series of events that took us on the path of winning both the Latin and Standard US Amateur title. Jennifer and I were going to Blackpool, England one year when Vicky Regan, one of our New York friends and teachers, contacted some World Title holders and renowned coaches from England and scheduled some lessons for us.

For the next few years, traveling back and forth to England 3 times annually, we were fortunate to take lessons with Peter Eggleton, the late Benny Tolmeyer, the Laxholms, Kenny and Marion Welsh, the late Sonny Binick, Stephen and Jennifer Hillier (our main standard coaches for the last 20 years), Peter Maxwell, the late Walter Laird, June Mc Murdough, Robert & Helene Ritchie.

Back in the States during the same period of time, I noticed a new couple on the scene while attending the US Championships at Madison Square Garden. They were mesmerizing. It so happened that they represented the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in New York City. The young lady dancer was statuesque and majestic at best with lengthy legs and a fabulous figure. She was partnered with this Cuban-macho looking man, almost like a Mario Dancing with the Stars - type. I remember this vividly. They were dancing Theater Art and he was wearing a white and pink cat – suit; white definitely… pink not quite sure. I don’t recall how they fared but this pair did not pursue their Theater Art career. But during the ensuing year, they took the country by storm -winning just about all the Rising Stars competition there was in Latin and Standard and became United States 10 dance Champions. At just about the same period, Jennifer and I won the US amateur title in both Latin and Standard and became very good friends with—you guessed it—Laura and Armando Martin. Continuing on the success trail, they became owners of a Fred Astaire Dance Studio grossing $ 1 million a year. Wow! What an example of leadership! And they did all that while competing; so you can imagine what was going through our mind:

“Fred Astaire Dance Studios?”

Tune in for the continuation of this article in the next issue.

Stanley McCalla is a FADS Dance Board Member and Coach, former FADS undefeated National Champion, 4 times United States Amateur Standard, Latin and 10 dance Champion, 4 times US representative to World Championships, 7 years principal Dancer of American Ballroom Theater Co (Pierre Dulaine).