The fall season brings new opportunities to express your creativity, enhance your social skills, release a little stress, and unknowingly get a substantial workout while learning new dance-floor skills at East Mesa’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio.Don’t miss the grand opening event scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 6 from 4 to 10 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
Explore the new facility located at 6655 E. McDowell Road, Suite 109, and engage in festivities, including a silent auction with all proceeds going to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, a live band performance from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and a photo booth to capture some of the evening’s most enjoyable moments.
Consider this your chance to explore the possibilities of the motivating world of dance. If you’ve ever wanted to learn something new in a safe and happy environment, this grand opening sets the stage for you. Attendees will have the opportunity to enroll in two dance lessons for just $49, a way of saying thank you to those who attend the evening’s celebration of events. Best of all, you don’t need a dance partner to attend any of the lessons at the studio — an instructor partner will always be available.
Alexander Zarek and Sasha Kharchenko are community neighbors and the studio directors at the newest Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The two have turned their passion for dancing into their dream, by opening a local venue where others can articulate dance moves confidently — as Fred Astaire himself exhibited during his career as the widely considered greatest dancer in film (1904-1981).
Alex and Sasha combine more than 25 years of dance experience into their desire to help others obtain the selfconfidence and self-expression that they have come to love. In fact, their own love story began as dance instructors in separate studio locations, eventually collaborating as partners.
Together they have been partners on the dance floor and in marriage for the past five years.
A native of Ukraine, Sasha has been teaching creative movement through dance for the past 20 years. Her husband Alex considers dance a beautiful way to obtain health benefits and added that, “Dance is a way of exercising without feeling like you’re exercising at all.”
When you step inside the doors of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, you leave behind the stresses and obligations of everyday life and enter a safe, happy environment. Your imagination and creativity will be challenged with a buffet of International and/or American Ballroom dance styles.
“Come in with an open mind,” suggests Alex. “It’s our job to help you explore the types of dances that you’ve never even tried, and don’t realize you’ll like.” Maybe you’d like to learn an elegant wedding dance or a spicy rhythmic Salsa dance.
Classes are organized into 40-minute sessions. The non-judgmental platform will have you dancing with confidence in no time. Best of all, you can come in with your favorite dance partner or all on your own. The instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio are always on-hand to act as your partner if needed.
You’ll want to wear casual, yet comfortable clothing as you participate in your lesson. Sundresses for the ladies and golf-type attire (that is, polo shirt and movable slacks) for gentlemen are recommended. The goal is to feel engaged in the dance, so dressing the part is beneficial. “You can’t overdress for dancing,” said the studio director.
Regardless of your age or ability level, there is something for everyone at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Check out the possibilities for private lessons, group lessons, and even competitive dancing options on their website www.fredastaire.com/las-sendas.