‘Fever’ rising in Tallahassee

Mike Dill, franchise owner of the Tallahassee, Fla. Fred Astaire Dance Studio, said his students and staff perform twice a year at the local high school. This fall’s show was based on the 1970s smash hit “Saturday Night Fever.”

“We do it as a benefit for the high school drama department, but it really works out well for both parties,” said Dill.

Drawing 500 to 600 people to each show, Dill said the studio’s bi-annual performances have become very popular with instructors, students and the community at large.

“Last year we did ‘Moulin Rouge,’” he said. “Those who participate have to choose music from the movie for their performances. We didn’t used to do it that way – choose one movie or theme for the show. But we found that we liked the way it came across. Having that theme really tied everything together and made it more like a show and less like a recital.”

The show consists mostly of pro-am dancers, with several group numbers as well as production numbers. Dill said each show includes approximately 25 students and instructors from the studio.