This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Local Voices

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO NOW OPEN IN FRANKLIN VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER

For dance enthusiasts of all ages looking for a chance to escape reality into a world of elegance, Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios (FADS) is now open and accepting ballroom dance students at their new location in the Franklin Village Shopping Center (475 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin). The studio offers a friendly, no-pressure environment where students can learn the basics of ballroom dance – either with or without a partner – under the tutelage of world-class champion dancers. 

With two ballrooms, a lounge area and dance store, and state-of-the art flooring, sound and lighting, the new 2,000 sq. ft. studio welcomes dancers of all ages and skills – from beginners wishing to learn a few steps for a special occasion to more experienced dancers interested in competing.  Classes are available in all the Ballroom Dance styles, which include Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Swing. Every Friday night, the studio hosts a “practice party” event where students can hone their skills and meet other students. Every Thursday night, students may bring a friend to the studio’s “share the experience” party. New classes and events are added to the studio’s website on an ongoing basis (www.fredastairefranklin.com).


Co-founded by the legendary Fred Astaire, the Franklin, Mass. studio is owned by professional dance educators who are active in world-class competitions and have passed rigorous exams given by the Imperial Society of the Teachers of Dance, as well as Fred Astaire’s own time-tested Curriculum Certification. 

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Olaf Pries, Owner/Director of the Franklin, Mass. studio, is originally from Germany where he was a successful dancer in the Latin and Standard styles of ballroom dance. He competed at the highest levels in Germany before he went on to become a judge. He also taught at his own dance school in Hamburg, and is also a successful celebrity coach and has recently been coaching Sarah Connor, one of Germany’s biggest pop stars. A consummate professional, Pries is one of the region’s most sought after teachers, known for his grace, breadth of knowledge, and patience. He is currently competing in the Professional American Smooth category with his dance partner, Mona, and they were recently awarded 2012 Open American Smooth Champion and are World Finalists, and he was recently recognized with a Fred Astaire Dance Studios New England Top Teacher Award.

According to Pries, “Ballroom is back, thanks to popular television dance shows. We welcome Franklin area dancers to come on in and learn about all the benefits of ballroom dance, from relaxation, fitness and socializing in a sophisticated setting.”

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In private lessons, students are free to learn at their own pace and in their own comfort level as they experience increased wellness, self-confidence, musicality, grace/coordination and confidence at events requiring social dance skills. Pries added, “We have so many stories of couples of all ages first introduced on Fred Astaire Dance Studio dance floors. Dancing is an easy way to meet new, fascinating people who enjoy a similar interest… or simply an easy way to rekindle a romance.”

Dance instructor Mona Hofmann is no stranger to those popular TV dance shows. In addition to teaching in Franklin at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Hofmann is a working professional dancer who starred on Germany’s version of “So You Think You Can Dance” TV show. She moved to the U.S. in 2007 to be an instructor with Fred Astaire and still competes in American Rhythm and Cabaret Show dance, as well as Professional American Smooth with Olaf, achieving the distinction of 2012 Open American Smooth Champion and World Finalists.

To celebrate the September 3rd opening, students may take advantage of a special introductory offer of two 45-minute private lessons for $49, and is offering specials for brides and grooms preparing for upcoming weddings. 

For more information, gift certificates, or to book lessons, please call (508) 528-6200 or email dance@fredastairefranklin.com

The studio is online at www.fredastairefranklin.com, and on Facebook as well.

###

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Wrentham