Daniel Rutherford, began attending Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the beginning of 2016. It was completely out of the box for Dan – but such a great decision.
“My wife passed away and I was reaching out for new activities as a single person,” he says. “I never had any dance lessons before, but I was looking to find something outside my comfort zone, and dance was totally outside my comfort zone.”
Fred Astaire provided Dan an exceptionally warm and welcoming environment that continues to draw him back time and time again. He finds community here, from when he walks through the doors until he leaves the studio, everyone in the studio providing encouragement and support.
“Dance is an intimate activity that you can’t help get to know someone,” he says. “My confidence has greatly improved and I always find myself smiling when I’m dancing or watching others dance.”
There are many health benefits associated with dancing. Many new dancers find that their fitness, body language, and confidence improve as they progress. Dan has been practicing tango, waltz, rumba, and cha-cha. Because he shows up on a regular basis to private and group lessons, Dan has developed new friendships and what he calls an addictive hobby.