How to Work the Stripes off a Detroit Tiger at FADS Bloomfield Hills!

Benefit for Autism Non-profit Draws Star-studded Sports Crowd

Teachers at FADS Bloomfield Hills have been working the stripes off a group of Detroit Tigers to get them in shape for “Dancing With the All-Stars,” a huge benefit for Jack's Place for Autism, a non-profit based in Southfield, MI. Despite Miguel Cabrera coming up lame, the show went on, as it always must, at Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit last night. 

Left to right: Lada Reschikova, Ramon Santiago, Miguel Cabrera and Talia Barrington.
Lada and Talia are pro dancers at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Photo taken July 10, 2013

Baseball stars including Ramon Santiago and Andy Dirks whirled across the stage with their pro-partners, competing with each other to earn the most donations from the crowd. The pair that raised the most money for Jack's Place, Lada Reschikova and Ramon Santiago, were crowned ‘The Ultimate Dancing Detroit All-Stars.’

This is the second year of this event and of the Bloomfield Hills studio’s participation. Evan Mountain, studio owner and Lada’s husband, estimates that $250,000 was raised last night to benefit Jack’s Place, an increase of $100,000 over the previous show.  The show sold out at 450 tickets ($300 each). “A fun time to be a studio owner and a Detroit Tigers fan!” Evan said. “And it was great to see the players just relax.” And those players also included audience members from the Detroit Red Wings hockey and Detroit Lions football teams.

Unfortunately, Miguel Cabrera’s injury prevented him from dancing at the last minute. Fortunately, though, Bloomfield Hills teacher Jordan Cowan was there to take his place (this probably wouldn’t have worked so well in a baseball game!), so Miguel walked on the stage, handed Jordan his jersey, and left Jordan and his regular pro-partner, Talia Barrington (the pair won American Closed Novice at FAWC) to their own devices. Jordan was thrilled with Miguel’s jersey, as well the ‘go get ‘em, Tiger’ pat he gave Jordan’s behind! Since he couldn’t dance, Miguel pulled out his wallet instead and donated generously to the cause through his purchase of $4,000 Dancing With The Stars tickets and a few other pricey items!

The benefit was emceed by Bernie Smilovitz, a local sports announcer, and Torii Hunter, right fielder for Detroit. Special performances were given by Jonathan Roberts & Chelsie Hightower of DWTS fame.  Here’s last night’s competition line up and the link to read more:

Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers Third Baseman

Ana Sanchez - Wife of Anibal Sanchez - Detroit Tigers Pitcher

Andy Dirks - Detroit Tigers Outfielder

Erica May - Fiancé of Max Scherzer - Detroit Tigers Starting Pitcher

Shannon Hogan - Fox Sports Detroit - Reporter and Host

Kelly Hall - Girlfriend of Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions Quarterback

Ramon Santiago - Detroit Tigers Second Baseman

Mary Elizabeth Broyles - Wife of Ryan Broyles - Detroit Lions Wide Receiver

Diana Larionov - Daughter of Igor Larionov - Detroit Red Wings 3x Stanley Cup Champion

Read the Detroit Press article here.

Day One Results: Back in San Juan!

Opening Day: Fred Astaire (Dance Studios) World Championships, San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

The first day of competitions for students (and professionals) from Fred Astaire Dance Studios across the U.S. was both exhilarating and emotional. The four hour Showcase Extravaganza at the Caribe Hilton which included Bronze, Silver and Gold Solo, Novelty and Bronze, Silver, Gold Showcase performances was the kick-off to the annual four day event that's been held in San Juan since 2009. Veterans of this premiere competition event no doubt have fond recollections of past years, but will also sadly note that this is the final event in Puerto Rico.

 This is Jamie Rivera's (FADS Houston) first national competition. He and his pro-partner, Tarin Smith, feel great competing tonight.

Pierrette Quintiliani and her pro-partner, Heiko Leyhausen, from FADS Old Saybrook, CT, enjoy the atmosphere and all the other accomplished dancers on the floor.

Jim Oberman from FADS Chicago South Mokena savors his top Bronze Showcase Male award.

Margaret Law from FADS Belmont took top Bronze Showcase Female.

Aidan Boutin from FADS Middletown took top Junior Showcase.

Ingrid Totten from FADS Brookfield (CT) took top Silver Showcase Female.

Bob Koehler from FADS Youngstown receives an award for top Novelty Male.

Lois Davis from FADS Willoughby takes top Novelty Female.

Other winners in the Solo Division tonight:

Top Bronze Solo Male: Larry Markowitz (Tarrytown, NY)
Top Bronze Solo Female: Christine Coulter (Pewaukee, WI)
Top Silver Solo Female: Pam Olsen (Pewaukee, WI)
Top Gold Solo Male: Dennis Baer (Milwaukee North)

Ballroom Dance: Powerful Steps Beyond Autism

~by Nancy LaPierre

(Adapted from the letter ‘He Danced His Way from Disability to Ability’ by Victoria Marin)

“Ballroom dancing proved to be the ideal activity for my child.  It provided the opportunity to develop social and communication skills as well as more fluid and coordinated movements . . . . . a sense of self awareness as well as self esteem.” ~ Victoria Marin, mother of Aiden and author of Aiden’s Waltz

Autism rates have shot up 78% in the last decade, announces CNN’s headline, a disturbing footnote to March’s report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that 1 of every 88 American children is now affected by the disorder.  

Therefore, Victoria Marin, a dedicated Fred Astaire dance student at the Westwood, New Jersey studio, couldn’t have picked a better time to write her book, Aiden’s Waltz. At once a sensitive and inspiring children’s story and a tribute to our field,  Marin’s words testify to the power of ballroom dance to free her own son from many of the physical, emotional and social challenges of his disability. 

Marin, who holds a degree in Occupational Therapy and is the mother of five children, published this chronicle of her “out of the box approach to raising a child with special needs” in February this year. “These misunderstood children have suffered from difficulty in making friends and handling relationships with peers,” she wrote in her recent letter to us. Aiden’s mother is amazed by just how far her son has come through his dancing journey.  From a boy who used to do nothing but watch as other children played soccer, she reports, “Aiden rose from the shackles of autism to dance with the grace and elegance of a swan across the ballroom dance floor.”

Marin is convinced of the benefits of ballroom dance, especially when it comes to helping kids like Aiden, who are, her book teaches, “like every other child who needs love, care and respect.”  She credits ballroom dance with “a holistic approach to dealing with the challenges of autism,” and attests that the benefits to Aiden have been multi-dimensional and inspiring, reflecting physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth.

Prior to his dance lessons, she says, Aiden, like other autistic children, experienced great difficulty with recreational activities, such as being on a sports team and any other situations where initiating and maintaining peer relationships is necessary.  However, through dance, “my son’s communication skills developed to where he could initiate a conversation with his dance partner.  After continued participation, his communication skills blossomed to where he could approach other dancers and ask them to dance.”

FADS instructor, Larisa with Aiden and his sister, Laura

Autistic students gain confidence in themselves and others through ballroom dance, for it requires that “the child learns to let go of their fears and anxieties and trust the movements of their partner,” Marin explains.  The constant contact with a partner it demands also helps overcome the distrust of physical closeness that often comes with autism. “In addition to learning the steps,” she explains, “dancing requires the participants to respect physical boundaries, maintain position and posturing and conform to the social rules of the ballroom,” all lessons that strengthen areas of weakness most autistic children face.

“Another fascinating component to ballroom dancing is the classical music,” she reports.  “New research has noted the role of music in facilitating self-expression, creativity and sociability in children.  Classical music appears to reduce stress while increasing the ability to concentrate.  Muscle tone relaxes and the heart rate slows which causes the mind to be receptive to learning.  A positive outlook or increased self esteem often leads to improvements in the creative thinking process.” And, she adds, the effect classical music has on the anatomy of the ear actually “stimulates brain activity.”

“The dance can be viewed as a dynamic conversation between partners where eye contact is necessary, external sensory stimuli is processed, gross and fine motor movements are coordinated and a relationship between partners is developed,” says Marin. To her great joy, Aiden overcame the seemingly-insurmountable hurdles autism erects in each of these areas through learning ballroom dance.

“In my experience, ballroom dancing helped my son to emerge as a young boy who no longer felt ‘different’ from the other children.  The world of ballroom dancing opened the door to a fresh and innovative sport.  Aiden beamed with self confidence which he gained from being a leading partner on the dance floor.  In time, his coordination improved which helped build his self esteem.” 

“While Aiden still is not considered a social butterfly,” she adds, “his beautiful ocean blue eyes look right at you when he speaks,” a directness that autism usually inhibits. “Ballroom dancing provided the necessary tools for my son to emerge from his own darkness and dance before the entire student body.”

Marin’s experience has made her faith in ballroom dance unshakeable:   “Given the support and opportunities,” she now knows, “all individuals with special needs possess talents as well as the ability to achieve!”

Thank you to Renata Sowul, Manager at FADS Westwood, N.J., for introducing us to Aiden, Ms. Marin, and her book.  Ms. Marin and two of her children are warmly welcomed students of Renata’s studio.

FAWC 2012 Theme Night

HOT! HOT! HOT!
"EL FUEGO"

FAWC Saturday Night Theme

The 'fire' will be burning with the hottest dancers from all over the U.S. at the 2012 FAWC in San Juan, Puerto Rico! You won't want to miss this year's World Championship event complete with fabulous Pro/Am and professional dancing, and many more highlights throughout the week.  

 

 

The El San Juan Casino and Resort and the FADS family welcomes you to our World Championship with open arms. The moment you arrive at the Fred Astaire registration desk, you'll know that this event will be the one you'll never forget. For four straight days, the beach will be hot with the sun and the ballroom will be even hotter with some of the best dancers in the U.S.!

The event will end with a fiery professional show, "El Fuego!" Attire for the evening is casual chic white; so, pull out your linen, Tommy Bahama, gauze, or cotton white shirts, pants and dresses and watch the ballroom come aglow! 

   

Your FADS family will be waiting for your arrival!

"EL FUEGO" = THE FIRE!!!

FADS opens in Cape Town, South Africa

The corporate office of Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios is pleased to announce the opening of the Cape Town, South Africa dance studio.

CEO and President Jack Rothweiler called the opening "an exciting chapter for both the company and Cape Towners." As the second most populous city in South Africa, Cape Town is an indelible symbol of the beauty and promise of post-apartheid South Africa. Its logo - an outline of the majestic Table Mountain superimposed over a rainbow - suggests its historic mix of races and cultures. A popular tourist attraction, located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town is a health-oriented city which takes social dancing seriously.

New franchisee Chris Sauer, along with wife, Gail, both South African natives, will run the daily operations of the studio. Gail has over 15 years experience teaching social and Latin American style dancing having previously worked at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Sandton, while Chris has administrative experience working there as well. As the newest franchisees in the FADS organization, the Sauer's already knew about FADS' philosophy, teaching methods, and naturally - its iconic namesake.

The new studio's website is:  

www.fadstygervalley.co.za

FADS in Beirut, Lebanon!

The corporate office of Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Beirut, Lebanon franchise.

CEO and President Jack Rothweiler says the opening “is an important milestone for both the company and Beirut.” As the capitol and cultural center of Lebanon, the city has a thriving night life and a vibrant social and ballroom dance scene (as evidenced by the numerous independent ballroom dance studios) which is something the organization wants to tap into.

Marwan Jammal, a native of Beirut, will run the daily operations of the studio along with his business partner, Guitta Dabdab. A competitive ballroom dancer for over a decade, Jammal taught dance for a number of years and has an extensive background in fashion retailing. As the newest studio owner and franchisee in the FADS organization, Jammal initially was attracted to the company’s philosophy, teaching methods, and naturally — its iconic namesake.

The new studio’s website is: www.fredastairelebanon.com

Cross Country Dance Championships Schedule of Events

2012 CCDC
Schedule of Events
April 11 – 15, 2012

WEDNESDAY April 11, 2012

#1 Wednesday Afternoon

12:00 PM Proficiency International Ballroom Grading Divisions
12:15 PM International Ballroom Single Dance Divisions
1:15 PM International Ballroom Open Championship Divisions
1:30 PM Fred Astaire Dance Alliance Scholarship Divisions
2:05 PM Proficiency International Latin Grading Divisions
2:12 PM International Latin Single Dance Divisions
3:12 PM International Latin Open Championship Divisions
3:36 PM International Latin Multi-Dance Championship Division
3:45 PM Fred Astaire Dance Alliance Scholarship Divisions
4:30 PM Solo Exhibition Division
5:54 PM Novelty Division
6:21 PM Showcase Production Division
7:15 PM Pro/Am Cabaret
7:45 PM Argentine Tango Divisions
8:50 PM Proficiency Smooth Grading Divisions
10:10 PM Proficiency Rhythm Grading Divisions

THURSDAY April 12, 2012

Thursday Matinee

8:00 AM American Rhythm Bronze Single Dance Divisions

Thursday Evening

6:00 PM American Rhythm Silver & Above Single Dance Divisions
9:10 PM American Rhythm Bronze Open Single Dance Divisions

FRIDAY April 13, 2012

Friday Matinee

8:00 AM American Smooth Bronze Single Dance Divisions
1:00 PM American Smooth Silver and Above Smooth Divisions
2:55 PM American Smooth Open Single Dance Divisions
5:52 PM American Smooth Open Championship Divisions

Friday Evening

8:00 PM Professional Championship Divisions

SATURDAY April 14, 2012

Saturday Matinee

8:30 AM Smooth Multi-Dance Championship Divisions
9:58 AM Fred Astaire Dance Alliance Scholarship Divisions
11:10 AM American Rhythm Open Single Dance Divisions
12:45 PM American Rhythm Open Championship Divisions
2:45 PM Rhythm Multi-Dance Championship Divisions
4:07 PM Fred Astaire Dance Alliance Scholarship Divisions

Saturday Evening

7:15-8 PM Cocktail Party - St. Croix and Patio
8-9:30 PM Gala Banquet and "Cirque D'Astaire" themed dance show

Champagne Social - Episode 6

Strictly Dancing

~by Carmen Champagne


I have a free Friday night!

What to do, what to do?

Stay home and watch a movie with Ben & Jerry?

No.

Go out for drinks at a bar where the sports announcers on the multiple TVs do battle with the music piping through the overhead speakers?

I don’t think so.

No, tonight I’m going dancing.

It never dawned on me that regularly scheduled social dance parties would be the norm at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. But in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. If you are learning how to dance, you want the opportunity to practice…and not just to the radio in your kitchen. The intuitive instructors at Fred Astaire know this and provide the perfect setting to dance the night away…

Off is the fluorescent lighting in the studio this evening. Instead, festive, clear twinkle lights line the walls and small spot lights are strategically placed creating a warm and festive vibe. Music is playing, refreshments are laid out and the waiting area is filled with students, the teachers welcoming and greeting all. I am not sure how the evening is going to go, but I slip into my sandals and make my way towards the group. I feel a tap on my shoulder just then and turn around to find Tobi asking if he might have a dance. Of course!



The evening passed in a delightful whirlwind. Cha-chas, tangos, rumbas and waltzes. I danced with Tobi and the other teachers. I danced with students of various skill levels. I danced all night. And as I twirled around from partner to partner, I got to learn a little bit about them. The mood was light and easy. This was not the time for instruction and rules of learning. This was the time to enjoy dance. Purely. And honestly, I had the time of my life.

Stay tuned for the final episode of Champagne Social, Friday February 17th!

Stay up on all things Fred Astaire. Like us on Facebook!

And We Danced

What I noticed first when I entered the studio that evening for my group lesson was that the male students outnumbered the female students. I thought I needed to move to Alaska to get those kind of odds. Who knew all I had to do was head to my local Fred Astaire Dance Studio? The reception area became filled with jovial banter and laughter as students came in, removed their coats and changed into their dance shoes. Though I was new to the group, they welcomed me right into the fold.

The super chic and stellar dance instructor, Nicole Jeurgens, would be leading this evening’s lesson. The dance being taught was the cha-cha. These group lessons were important, Nicole explained, as a way to gain your own sense of balance. So while you want to offer resistance to a dance partner, you do not want to rely on them for balance. You must be able to stand on your own before you can merge with another.

Yeah, I know, I know. I won’t even type it out loud.

Nicole explained and demonstrated the cha-cha as well as a variation on the basic step while the entire class followed along. We spent the remainder of the time going over the newly learned moves in our own space.

After class, staff announced that the following Friday would be a social dance night. What? FADS regularly puts on social dances right at the studio so you can mix, mingle and practice your moves. What a brilliant idea! I’m in.

Hope to see you there!

Tune in for the dance party extravaganza Friday, February 10th on the next episode of Champagne Social

To watch previous episodes of Champagne Social on our Youtube Channel, click here.

Champagne Social - Episode 4

Champagne Social - Episode 3

The First Waltz

~by Carmen Champagne

Just like everyone else, my life is hectic. There is work and errands to run, various appointments to keep, tending to my children’s needs-- all during the week between my first dance lesson and second. Oh, right; and there’s the holidays. I didn’t give much thought to my upcoming session with Tobi until it was time to go again. So, perhaps it wasn’t odd that I found myself more than a little bit nervous driving to the studio that evening.

When I arrived, Tobi was as gracious as ever and informed me of our lesson plan for the evening; a recap of all the dances we had covered on the first lesson, and he also would be introducing a new dance as well. Yikes! Would I remember everything?

After changing into my sandals, we progressed onto the dance floor and started with the Foxtrot. Poised in formation, Tobi gave my right hand that familiar squeeze and immediately my right foot responded accordingly. Tobi started by counting and reiterating the steps we were making and then changed the course of our conversation, asking me about my children. What are their names? How old are they? Were they excited for the upcoming holidays? I answered, all the while we continued to move about the dance floor. When we reached the conclusion of our box step, Tobi pointed out that I had been correctly doing the dance steps while focusing on something else entirely. Well done, Tobi. Well done.

Practice of the Rumba netted the same successful results. Yay, me!

Next, it was time to learn the Waltz. Now, when I hear the word, “Waltz”, I immediately envision white-haired, stodgy old men in black tuxedos and overly-starched shirts (perhaps even a monocle in hand, used to survey the choice of available dance partners), and the women have pointy noses, overdone curls and dour looks. They stand around the floor talking with each other in small circles, pretending to drink punch all the while wondering if they will even be asked to dance at all. In other words, I felt it was a bit outdated and stuffy.

But I paid attention as Tobi explained to me that we would be using the same box steps as we had during the Rumba just performing them in a different order. We would also elongate our stride so as to cover more ground on the dance floor. I followed his lead and absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this dance. Moving backwards, my steps longer, I noticed a definite lilt in my gait as Tobi glided us all over the ballroom floor. I was elegant. I was graceful. It was a straight-up fairy tale moment and I was the beautiful princess dancing with the handsome prince. Had I known how, I would have curtsied at the end of our Waltz.

We ended with a recap of the Swing dance and Tobi added turns to the mix. What fun! The swing is just so enjoyable and more laid back and was a fine way to end the lesson.

The icing on the cake for the evening…Tobi advised me that our next lesson would include my introduction to the Tango.

Anticipation.

Watch Episode 3 HERE

Catch up on the entire series here.

Champagne Social - Episode Two

Begin The Beguine

~by Carmen Champagne

When I walked out of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio after completing my first lesson, my steps were light. I felt truly giddy. And while a far cry from being the next Ginger Rogers, I had begun the beguine.

What a fantastic experience! Charmed by the charisma, good manners and consideration extended to me by Tobi and the other instructors on staff at the studio, I felt as though I had stepped onto the set of a glamorous 1950s Hollywood movie (and not just because there was a camera there either). The studio was brightly lit and elegantly decorated. The hardwood floor sparkled and beckoned to me.

I was taken aback when Tobi extended his arm to guide me onto the dance floor. I believe that was the first time that I was ever properly escorted onto a dance floor. And that gesture alone made me feel like I was in capable hands. Past experiences at social dance usually turned into a battle of wills between dance partners and me as I was reluctant to allow them to lead (surely, they didn’t know what they were doing). This would often result in frustrated and stilted dance moves on both our parts and an exasperated dance partner stomping off the dance floor in a huff. Now that I was here and knew that I was dealing with someone who was professionally trained in dance, I had resolved to forgo the urge to lead. I was here to learn.

What impressed me the most on that first day was the fact that though there were thousands of different dances in existence, with Fred Astaire’s conceptual method of teaching they were able to break down all those dances into just two categories: Smooth and Rhythm. Really? That sure made the task of taking on several new dances a whole lot less daunting.

Over the course of my 40 minute lesson, Tobi introduced me to one smooth dance; the Foxtrot, and two rhythm dances; the Rumba and Swing. His instruction was clear and uncomplicated. I noticed that he would squeeze my right hand whenever we practiced a dance step. This was an excellent signal for me to always start with my right foot, as I was supposed to. This simple, consistent reminder allowed me to keep my attention on what Tobi was actually saying in the moment rather than trying to keep dance patterns running through my head. Interestingly enough, I found that when I kept my eyes and attention on Tobi, I glided across the dance floor. If I turned my focus to my feet, I stumbled. Huh? Who would have thunk?

At the end of the lesson, Tobi and I scheduled my second lesson and he advised me not to practice.

I didn’t.

So it was with a bit of nervous apprehension that I showed up for my second lesson. Why did I listen to Tobi?? I should have practiced! I was going to make a spectacle of myself for all the internet to see.

Did I?

Click here to watch Episode Two now!

(if you missed episode 1, you can watch it here)

Champagne Social - Episode 1

It Don't Mean A Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing

-by Carmen Champagne

I think there area lot of people like me out there who harbor a little secret spot inside them that yearns to learn to dance. The reasons are different for everyone, I’m sure. But for me it was that scene in the movie, Swingers. Mike, the more contemplative friend of the swinging bunch, was so busy hanging onto his old, less than desirable relationship that the art of meeting someone new was proving to be nothing short of disastrous for him. Watching the infamous telephone answering machine scene literally makes me cringe for him, no matter how many times I see it.

But at the end of the film, Mike takes another shot at a relationship by making conversation with a quite fetching young woman named Lorraine whom he meets at a swing dance lounge. An easy conversation develops between them and he accepts her invitation to a slow dance on the dance floor. And no sooner does the couple begin to move than the band finishes playing the slow song and jumps right into a catchy, faster number.

Here it is: Lorraine looks him in the eye and makes no move to get off the dance floor. She wants to keep dancing. You can feel the mental anguish that Mike is going through.

Will he blow it?

Again?

But son of a gun, he can dance! And he proceeds to swing, twirl and move his girl—along with his luck—around. His friends watch in amazement from the sidelines, mouths agape. And finally, the good guy lets go of the past.

The result?

He gets the good girl.

So admittedly, I have a crush on Mike. I’m a sucker for a thinking man, anyway. And if I ever found myself on the dance floor with one such fellow, wouldn’t it be great if Iwas up to speed, too?

I recently started working as a communications specialist here at Fred Astaire headquarters. That’s when it became officially ridiculous that I still had not enrolled in dance lessons. But that all changed last month when I signed on for six lessons at my local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Being a thinking gal, I thought, gosh, if it took me this long to get off my duff and follow through on making my secret desire a reality, how many others are out there not taking the (literal) steps to do so as well? Maybe I should document my lessons somehow; to show everyone else that they should try it, too. And my idea was conceived…

This Friday,January 13^th, Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios proudly presents, Champagne Social; a six-part internet video series following yours truly as I learn to swing, rhumba, tango and cha, cha, cha from the pros.

Stay tuned for my adventures in the world of dance lessons!

I Could Have Danced All Night

Why not host a movie marathon that will inspire your guests to get up and dance? Here's a list of our top ballroom dance movies:

5. Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing and Charm School (2005) - This charming, star-studded movie (including Marisa Tomei, John Goodman, Mary Steenburgen and Danny Devito) unfolds when grieving widow Frank, fulfills a dying man's wish and attends a ballroom dance class where he was supposed to reunite with an old long, lost love.



4. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005) - Mad Hot Ballroom is an inspiring documentary about a ballroom dance program for fifth graders in the New York City Public School system. Told from the students' perspective, this enlightening film culminates with the children participating at the statewide competition.



3. Shall We Dance (1996) - A successful but unhappy Japanese business man finds passion and a meaningful existence through ballroom dance.



2. Strictly Ballroom (1992) - This wonderfully colorful Australian romantic comedy beckons you to follow your heart and be true to yourself.



1. The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939) - This American biographical musical comedy follows the lives of Vernon and Irene Castle who rose to the heights of ballroom dance stardom during the pre-world war one days and stars none other than Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.



What are your favorite dance-themed movies? Post them here. We'd love to hear from you.

Why You Should Get Into Competitive Ballroom Dancing

Over at the Upper Montclair studio's blog, owner Carrie Babcock has a terrific post on why it's important to compete in ballroom dancing.

"We seriously doubt that you decided to pursue ballroom dancing because you needed another activity to fill your dull and boring life," writes Carrie. "Most of us barely have time to watch the Dancing with the Stars episode that we TIVO’d. Competitive dancing is a bonus—an extracurricular activity that will help us enjoy our dancing. It gives us the opportunity to try hard, to practice, to study, and become the kind of dancer we dreamed of being when we started out. If we happen to pick up a blue ribbon in the process, it’s an exciting added bonus."

Carrie finishes her post with a long and impressive list of positives coming from competitive dancing. Check out her story here.

Dancing With The Stars Power Ranking – The FADS Edition: Week 10 - The Finals!

This week - the final week of our Season 12 DWTS Power Rankings - we see Chelsea Kane dropping from her #1 spot all the way down to #3, and by no fault of her own other than not having enough fans. Mirror Ball Trophy winner Hines Ward was a consistent #1 finisher throughout the weeks of this competition, and he was never seriously in jeopardy. Kirstie Alley managed to capture 2nd Place thanks entirely to her fan base.

DWTS POWER RANKING - WEEK TEN

#1 - Hines Ward
Hines danced well all season. As I mentioned above, he was never in serious jeopardy, and Kym knew quite well that his huge fan base meant she could keep him in safe dances that, although oftentimes uninspiring, would nearly always result in him scoring well with the judges, and that in turn would allow the fans to take care of the rest.

#2 - Kirstie Alley
Here's a point that not too many people have bothered to mention: Kirstie Alley made it into the Season 12 Finals almost precisely the same way Bristol Palin made it into the Finals in Season 11 - by way of a huge and loyal fan base voting for her. It certainly wasn't because of her prowess in dancing. But, in the end, DWTS isn't about being the "best" dancer (she's listed below); it's about being the most popular.

#3 - Chelsea Kane
Oh, Cheslea, you performed so well. In a real dance competition you would have won. Alas, just as many predicted, your lack of a fan base eventually did you in.

I was actually pretty surprised at the animosity exhibited towards Chelsea by so many posters over at the DWTS message boards. Many predicted she would win because, after all, she was a Disney/ABC employee and so the ABC show was "setting her up" to win it all. That logic, of course, flew in the face of past DWTS winners (and losers). I think a lot of their dissing had to do with the fact that, deep inside, they knew she was a great dancer and had a great chance to win on her own, so they had to come up with some kind of conspiracy theory to stir the pot, if only to justify their own support for less-talented celebrities.

Oh well, in the end it hardly matters. As Syracuse FADS co-owner Natasha Oreshkina said in her commentary on the Finals show, it's just a show.

Congratulations to Hines Ward and to all of the celebrities who entertained us for the past 10 weeks on Season 12 of Dancing with the Stars.

Season 13 of DWTS is set for September 19, 2011.

See you then!

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