Knight's Take

Do You Have the Competitor's Edge?

by Stephen Knight

Stephen Knight,
Co-National Dance Director,
Fred Astaire Dance Studios

In October, I was at the Fred Astaire National Dance Championships in Orlando, Florida, with three very exciting nights of professional competition to look forward to! 

One of the most amazing things I noticed while I was watching all the swirling, smiling competitors is that there are many up-and-coming talented new couples hitting the dance floor. Since the West Coast Dance Championships in sunny San Diego are just around the corner (January 16-18) and CCDC (in Atlanta for the first time) will be here before we know it (April 22-26) this is probably a perfect time to educate our new competitors and, perhaps, even some of our seasoned ones, on what it really takes to be really good at competition.

Really good at competition, like these people
(if you so choose)! 

1. It starts with rehearsals – good ones.

 “Rehearsal“ means a minimum of practice 2 hours a day at least 6 days a week. “Good” means working with your partner as a member of a team, and not arguing about what he or she or you might have done wrong. Remember, your dance partner does not make mistakes on purpose; that’s the reason why we practice and rehearse! Try treating your partner like you expect to be treated, and you will find you’ll get to your goals a lot faster without the wasteful setbacks that arguing causes.

We all put on our dance shoes one foot
at a time...

2. The next most important thing you need is a super support team. 

That may consist of your management team at the studio, coaches you have chosen to work with, the people who design and create your costumes and anyone else you feel you need to help you get to your desired goal. At times, you may need a personal trainer to help keep you at the physical level that your sport requires, so don’t hesitate if this is the case. I had a trainer most of my career because it kept me physically and mentally stronger, which allowed me to be more prepared and capable when I competed. It paid off, believe me!

A support team like the folks at FADS (these wonderful people are from
 our Madison, WI, studio) can make a huge difference in your
dancing career -- and your life's happiness!

3. Now I'm going to address the never-ending battle of grooming. 

This is so important because of the impression it makes on the judges. Costuming can make or break any couple in a competition. So, if you are going to invest the time and finances it takes to rehearse, be coached, cover entry fees, buy airline tickets, and pay for hotels, let's make sure that grooming is the very last problem we could possibly have! “Properly groomed” simply means we’re in costumes that enhance our bodies, with makeup and hair done correctly. There are plenty of professionals in these areas who are at your disposal, and they will love to help make you look like a champion, so invest just that little bit more for their services, then watch it pay off in a grand way!

"You are so pahfect, my dahling!"

4. The last qualification for being a great professional competitor is good sportsmanship. 

Obviously, in any competition there will be winners and losers. It is so important to lose gracefully!  But I have seen far too many times when couples act unprofessionally due to a particular result and I'm here to tell you FOR SURE that it does not fare well with the judges. That impression of you will stay with them for a long time. So, do yourself a favor when you don’t like what you’ve heard: go up to your room and have your pity party there, out of sight of anyone who could form a bad image of you!! The players and the results will change all the time, so just learn from your mistakes and move on. Remember, this is not just about being a good dancer; you must also be a good winner and a good loser — to put it in a nutshell, a good person! That alone, my friends, will take you a long way in this industry and help assure you a long and prosperous career.

You? A sore loser? No way! You'd better just
get over yourself, now, y'hear me? 

So keep dancing, everybody, pay attention to the words of wise dancers (like Fred here), and no matter where you are in your ride right now, enjoy your trip to the top!!

He's Not Just Dedicated -- He's 'Fred"icated!

Ron (Cuddles) Bailey's 'Fred Tat'

My name is Ron "Cuddles" Bailey. I first walked into the Youngstown Fred Astaire Dance Studio Sept 29th, 2011, with my future daughter in law, Anna. I wanted her and me to have a special dance for their June 2012 wedding. Kristin Dobson was our instructor. From that moment  to now, my life has had the wonder of dance in it. 

My wife, Chub, had been sick, in and out of hospitals and nursing homes a lot. In February of 2012, I completed in my first mini match. Chub was attending. She and Anna arrived, and Travis Manero [Youngstown's owner] personally escorted Chub in, making sure she had a very good seat. I completed 22 dances with Kristin and Chelsea Cherie. Later, Anna told me that Chub was in awe. She said, “Ronnie is always happy, but now he is in a complete new world.” She loved watching me dance.

March of 2012 was not a good month for Chub. She was in ICU most of the time and on a ventilator. In between working and visiting her, I would spend time at the studio. By now the studio had become more of a chapel to me. By now the instructors and fellow student had become very special to me. My love for dance and their support was getting me through a difficult time. Plus, I was having my own health issues with pulmonary fibrosis.   

On October 1, 2012, I lost my loving Chub. Almost 400 people attended her calling hours. Among them were Travis and Kristin, plus several of my fellow Fred Astaire students.

The following month, I was in my first Regional competition. Kristin and I preformed my first solo dedicated to Chub and me. That same month, the studio held a Zumba Thon benefit for pulmonary fibrosis.

I have now attended several Regionals. I not only had a wonderful time dancing, but through them, have now met more wonderful Fred Astaire instructors and fellow students. I am truly blessed to have so many fellow dancers as friends. 

Cuddles, having a blast at a Competition

I have never had a tattoo. I never got one until I was 60 years old. I have four now, and each one has a very special meaning. I got my first in 2010 when I lost my dad. In 2012, I got one for my beloved state of Iowa. My third was for my dear Chub, who was also a veteran of the USAF. My fourth I got in February of 2013. This I call my Fred Astaire Tat. I am proud of each of my tattoos. Each one holds a special place in my heart.

Travis Manero, the owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studios,Youngstown, first contacted inStep about Cuddles' tattoo. At that time, Travis said of Cuddles: "Wait until you talk to this gentleman. Everyone at the studio absolutely loves him."  Well, Travis, we talked with him and it's clear why you said that. And his story about what everyone at your studio has done for him, and what dancing has done for him...well, it made our day!

Bid for "You'll Never Get Rich" shoes mirrors Fred's priceless dancing

Want Fred's Shoes? You'll Need to Tap into a Half a Million! 

Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire in "You'll Never Get Rich," 1941

Beginning tomorrow, you can bid on Fred’s shoes from “You’ll Never Get Rich” through Heritage Auctions’ Entertainment Signature auction in Dallas. Be forewarned – unless you happen to have a cool $500,000 burning a hole in your pocket, you’ll have to smash a pretty big piggy bank.

"Fred Astaire is a peerless figure in the entertainment world and these shoes are an important part of Hollywood history," said Margaret Barrett, Director of Entertainment & Music Memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, "not so much because of what they are, but because of who wore them and what was done in them! The film You'll Never Get Rich gave Astaire the ideal platform to showcase his mind blowing dance moves that still impress 72 years later!”

“You’ll Never Get Rich” was Astaire’s 14^th musical film out of a total of 33.

The bidding for Fred Astaire’s 1940 brown leather tap shoes, autographed by the man himself, opens up at more than 58 times the price for a vest worn by John Wayne in ‘The Cowboys.’ Fred’s shoes were the highest priced items we found in the auction. We saw no other Fred Astaire, or even period or ballroom, dance items in this auction, but there are hundreds of other star-owned pieces. Plenty of them are mainstream, but others are bit more bizarre. We listed a few opening bids here, just for fun and price comparison:

A photograph of Michael Jackson holding his pet monkey, Bubbles, signed by Kenny Rogers ($1,000)

A Hard Day’s Night souvenir program signed by the Beatles ($13,000)

A Marilyn Monroe Gifted Sterling Silver Money Clip ($3,500)

A brown plastic Valium prescription bottle that Elvis Presley owned ($2,600)

See the story (and the shoes) here – scroll down to Today’s News to link to the auction site.

Day Four: Here's More!

FAWC dancers work on getting their fill!

Friday afternoon and evening - absolutely incredible, right? The thunderous applause of the audience when the competitors took to the floor, the elegance of the swooping, floating gowns, the total focus and energy each dancer maintained - it was marvelous. The audience lined the floor with their chairs for the pro show and the dancers came within inches. Everyone had a such great evening - and we simply can't wait for tomorrow's International Divisions!  

The crowd at Friday's pro show

Standing ovation

First place winners in American Smooth Silver Closed Championships
(B category) were Janet Nadile and her pro-partner,
Dimitryy Saykovskyy from Tarrytown, NY. 

Lydia Haynes and Morten Schnedler-Jensen, her pro-partner, were the
American Smooth Silver Closed Scholarship (Jr.) winners.
They are from Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner Chris Germain, Chicago North, are all smiles after
placing first in American Smooth Silver Closed Championship (A).

Winners of American Smooth Silver Closed Championship (C) were
Gail Sermershein and her pro-partner Sergh Aliev from FADS Jupiter.

From Chicago North, Brianna Yadgir and  pro-partner Aaron DeSoto took
first place in Silver Closed American Smooth Scholarship (A).  

Janet Nadile and pro-partner Dimitryy Saykovskyy from Tarrytown
took first in Silver Closed American Smooth Scholarship (B). 

Ingrid Totten and Elmar Schmidt, pro-partner, from FADS Brookfield CT,
 were the first place winners in Silver Closed American Smooth Scholarship (C).

And then there was dinner! What a dinner and what a VIEW!

Jack Rothweiler, FADS President and CEO, looking great in
turquoise and having a marvelous time.

A perfect afternoon . . . .

Other winners in the Championship, Scholarship and Pro divisions:
American Smooth Open Championship (Heat 825): Sharon Gridley-Pelkie and Igori Bogatinov (Syracuse, NY)
American Smooth Open Championship (Heat 825): Brianna Yadgir and Chris Germain (Chicago North, IL)
American Smooth Open Championship (Heat 826): Lydia Haynes and Morten Jensen (Ridgefield, CT)
American Open Smooth 4-Dance: Misha Zharinov and Galina Zharinov (Miami Beach, FL)
Open Smooth Scholarship (Heat 827): Janet Nadile and Dimitriy Saykovsky (Tarrytown, NY)
Open Smooth Scholarship (Heat 828): Brianna Yadgir and Chris Germain (Chicago North, IL)
Open Smooth Scholarship (Heat 829): Lydia Haynes and Morten Jensen, (Ridgefield, CT)
Professional Open Cabaret: Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad (Ft. Walton Beach, FL)
American Closed Novice: Jordon Cowan and Talia Barrington (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
American Open Rhythm 5-Dance: Hayk Arshakian and Emilia Goldberg (Milwaukee Central, WI)
Open International Latin 5-Dance: Hayk Balasanyan and Emilia Poghasyan (Hartsdale, NY)
Open International Ballroom 5-Dance: Vladimir Triazin and Alicia Gruttadauria (Rochester, NY)

Day Two: Energy Levels at All-Time Highs!

Fred Astaire (Dance Studios) World Championships,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 

Wednesday was amazing, with the dancers displaying energy levels that carried them far into the night. Compliments flew for the competition's organizers and teachers who collaborated on a  fast-paced,efficient system that kept everyone moving and smoothly filled, emptied, and re-filled the dance floor at an unprecedented pace. Wednesday's watchword, though, was definitely 'camaraderie' as everyone by this time had been touched by the warm, all-inclusive spirit of every FADS family member in attendance. 

And a special shout out to Bonnie Schoenberg (Chicago North) who finished 78 heats today and still felt sad that the dancing was over! 

Susan Curling and and pro-partner, Kevin Prothro of Houston, won the American Rhythm Bronze Closed Division (B).

Jupiter's Maria Romano and  pro-partner, Sergh Aliev, won the American Rhythm Bronze Closed Championships (C).

Cattleya-Anne Veluz and pro-partner, Brandon Barranco, of FADS Birmingham, placed first in the American Rhythm Bronze Closed Championships (A).

First in the American Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (A) went to Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner, Aaron DeSoto,  from FADS Chicago North.

The American Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (C) winners were Cyndi Olivia and pro-partner, Chris Germain, from FADS Chicago North.

Tom Kremer and pro-partner Julia Emil from FADS Chicago West Loop took first in the American Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (AC-AMA).

Annette Monks and pro-partner Ben Seifert from FADS Houston-Woodlands won first in the American  Rhythm Silver Closed Championships (B).

FADS Chicago North's Brianna Yadgir and pro-partner Aaron DeSoto won first in the American  Rhythm Open Championships (A). FADS Corporate is sponsoring this category and the winner will represent the organization at USBC. FADS President and CEO Jack Rothweiler stands third from left.

Vicki Barbera and pro-partner Jonah Schneider, FADS Indianapolis, took first place in the American Rhythm Open Silver  Championships (B) and will be sponsored by FADS Corporate in this category for USBC participation. Jack Rothweiler also appears in this photo (back row, third from left).

The American Rhythm Open Championships (C) first place winners were Pam Olsen and pro-partner Vadim Gazda of FADS Pewaukee.

Maria Romano and pro-partner Sergh Aliev of FADS Jupiter, took first in the Bronze Closed Rhythm Scholarships (C). In front, far right, are FADS VP and Franchising Director, Al King and his wife, Debbie.

Cattleya-Anne Veluz and her pro-partner Brandon Barranco, both from Birmingham, won the Bronze Closed Rhythm Scholarship (A). 

FADS Chicago North's Bonnie Schoenberg and pro-partner Chris Germain placed first in the Bronze Closed Rhythm Scholarships (B).

Annette Monks with pro-partner Ben Seifert, Houston Woodlands, won the the Silver Closed American Rhythm Scholarship (B). 

Ashley Quibilan and pro-partner Ryan Lockhart, Oceanside, winners of the Open Rhythm Scholarship (A)

Bob Koehler and Kristen Dobson, his pro-partner, are from Youngstown. They took first place in
the Open Rhythm Scholarship (C)

From Indianapolis, Vicki Barbera and Jonah Schneider, pro-partner, won the Open Rhythm Scholarship (B). 

Cyndi Oliva and her pro-partner Chris Germain of Chicago North, first in Silver Closed Rhythm Scholarship (C). 

When Life Hands Us Lemons . . . Watch What FADS Folks Can Do!

On November 9, 2012, the inspirational message on the left appeared on the facebook page belonging to Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Beirut, owned by Marwan Jammal. And the message isn’t just lip service. When it comes to positive thinking (as is the case with so many other FADS folks), Marwan and his staff are notably, remarkably upbeat.

 
Well, we’ve had Marwan and his staff on our minds quite a bit during the past 3 days as they’ve endured the worst storm in their region in a decade (some reports say the worst of all time). Like Hurricane Sandy’s devastating effects on FADS folks elsewhere, this weather event has been highly destructive, resulting in widespread power outages, traffic nightmares, over-flown rivers, and saddest of all, fatalities, throughout major portions of the Middle East.

Now that the storm is finally loosening its grip on the area of his studio, Marwan has been able to send us these photos to share with you. We’ve also included a link to news about the storm. 

We wish Marwan and his staff, as well as all who are affected, a rapid recovery. And we’re pretty sure it won’t be long before FADS, Beirut, makes something positive come from it all, like teaching students how to dance in the snow. . . .

Read more about the Storm at The Daily Star

FADS West Hartford part of Pink Party to support Breast Cancer Awareness

~by Carmen Champagne

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and FADS West Hartford is more than aware … they’re taking part in a local fundraiser, in conjunction with Hartford Magazine and other area business, to help support the cause.  "Pink Party", an outdoor street fair, which includes a fashion show, fabulous food, live music and a dance exhibition by FADS instructors, will be held at Blue Back Square in West Hartford Center tomorrow, October 5^th.

Jessica Lengenfelder, owner of FADS West Hartford, had the opportunity to speak about why the cause was so important to her on Fox News this morning.  View her interview below.

The party runs from 5-8 p.m. and will be emceed by a Fox on-air talent.  Swag bags and raffle tickets will be available to purchase with a portion of the event proceeds going towards breast cancer research and local breast cancer programs through Komen Connecticut.  For a full schedule of events, visit Hartford Magazine.

Houston FADS Showcased by ABC News

~ by Suzanne Carter & Nancy LaPierre

The gazillions of Dancing with the Stars viewers in the Houston, Texas, area recently received an extra-special dancing treat on Tuesday, September 25, 2012! The BEST Ballroom Dance Studios -- Fred Astaire Dance Studios, of course! -- were proudly represented by the Houston Memorial studio on the local ABC newscast following the premiere episode of the Dancing with the Stars results show.

Mr. Pahjmon Lipsey, Texas Area Developer, welcomed ABC News anchor, Sharron Melton, and a host of cameras to the beautiful Houston Memorial Fred Astaire Dance Studio.  There, Ms. Melton experienced for herself the reason why ballroom dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studios is so hip and popular with Houstonians of all ages.

FADS Houston Franchisee, Mr. Philip Gutierrez, also interviewed in the show, is shown twirling the anchor around the ballroom floor packed with fabulous dancers from all 9 Houston Fred Astaire Dance Studios.

Though the piece highlights the trendiness and mass appeal of ballroom dance, it (thankfully) also addresses what we in the dance business have been saying all along:  ballroom offers opportunities for people to connect at meaningful levels, for couples to rekindle the spark in their marriages, for learning something new and fun, for improving posture, balance and poise, and for experiencing higher levels of confidence than ever before.

Beyond the exposure afforded by popular TV shows, the ‘celebrity service’ everyone receives, as well as the many incredible health and social benefits dancing offers, are why people are flocking to Fred Astaire Dance Studios.  Not only in Houston, but also all over the country and even overseas, the "Dance Revolution" that Fred Astaire himself brought to the world continues at each studio bearing his name — and it’s definitely here to stay!

Click here to enjoy the ABC news clip.

Many thanks to Suzanne Carter, the Texas Regional Manager, for providing the information in this article! 

It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swag

It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swag

by Nancy LaPierre

The online Top Ten list at the-top-tens.com begins like an assortment of 2000’s-decade Billboard artist nominees: ‘Michael Jackson’. . ., ‘Jennifer Lopez’. . ., ‘Chris Brown’. . .,

‘Shakira’. . . .

An unexpected twist then occurs, making the list a potential roster for this year’s Big STAR Entertainment Awards – ‘Prabhu Deva’. . ., ‘Allu Arjun Arjun’. . ., ‘Hrithik Roshen’. . . .

Scrolling down, it gets stranger still, for in the Number 9 slot is (drum roll, please) ————— Fred Astaire?

It’s a weird but pleasant surprise to find our namesake on this quirky, seemingly-random list, honored as one of the Top Ten Best Dancers of All Time!

It feels like nothing proves the timelessness of Fred Astaire’s talent and appeal better than the appearance of his name here, the sole ‘old-timer’ among some of today’s most popular, youthful, and well-known artists reflecting an eclectic mix of styles, backgrounds and nationalities.

Of course, No. 9 isn’t the place I and TMOTC (uh, that’s Too Many Others To Count) would assign Fred Astaire. For example, check out this list by the highly reputable Observer. But ‘nuff said.  He’s there. 

How fabulous that Fred Astaire is recognized as ‘a big name in lights’ to today’s youth, as drawn as they may be to alternative choices that they may perceive to exist, as well as the inevitable differences between generations that result from the sheer passage of time.  Think, for a moment, of everything that has happened between the introduction of the ‘talkies’ and the unveiling of the I-Phone.  Folks – we’re talking more than a hundred years!

The man who was ‘the bee’s knees’ to World War One’s Lost Generation would, in today’s lingo, be credited with ‘swag:’  that’s swag capable of surmounting more than a century to live large in so many hearts, including those of the young group some people credit with ‘digital DNA’ that is collectively known as the Internet Generation.

Fred gets 'Made'

Brandon FADS Makes MTV’s ‘Made’

by Nancy Lapierre

Wow!  Is Brandon studio owner Kelle Pierce Chancellor excited – and so were we when we heard why!  Her Florida studio has earned FADS a fantastic new opportunity — to be featured on MTV’s reality show, ‘Made,’ on June 14!

With the motto “Spinning dreams into reality one hour at a time,” ‘Made’ is a highly popular reality television series now in its 12^th season. Showcasing teens with goals that they could never fulfill on their own, the teens are offered a little help from MTV and their MADE coach (and, we happily note, Fred Astaire Dance Studios!) to become the people they dream of:  from singers and film directors to athletes and dancers.

The FADS episode will feature the magic of dance lessons in improving the confidence of an awkward teen-aged boy. What will happen?  Will the lessons help?  Will he gain the self-assurance that he seeks? Or will he hit the skids on the dance floor?  Will our dancer turn famous, like Branden Naccarato, the Pennsylvania teen couch potato-turned-tri-athlete who gained national attention after his appearance on ‘Made’? 

The mystery will remain until show-time, and we sure do want to know what happens!

 

This exciting honor was bestowed upon the studio because of its enticing, comprehensive website (do check it out here!) and "the friendly, upbeat way" MTV’s initial call was handled.
Kelle writes, “We are so proud that they chose us amid several independent competitors!” 

Kelle runs the studio with her husband, David. The pair makes a supreme effort to reach the younger age group, and Kelle knows that “this is an awesome way to get the FADS name out to the teenage demographic.” 

Kelle and David Chancellor

A favorite teacher at her own studio, Kelle was also recently hired to be the local high school’s dance program choreographer for the 2012-2013 year. “We will have a FADS ad in all their programs and on the school’s website,” she notes, “which will reach hundreds of students and their families.”

“The Brandon Team is SO proud to be a part of the great FADS family,” writes Kelle, who is thankful for “everyone's support of the newbies on the block!”

Congratulations to the Team for this great opportunity, the result of great work!