Our Fall Success Stories!

Brandon Ballroom Dance Studio 1Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brandon so much enjoys being a part of this vital community and doing what we can to help with important causes.

One of our goals this fall was fundraising for breast cancer awareness and support. This is one that hit close to home for us. Joanna Kellogg, a student at the Brandon studio for four years, is a proud breast cancer survivor. Joanna’s doctor recommends that she remain active during her remission, and ballroom dancing is an ideal way to stay in shape! Dancing isn’t just about the steps and music. It’s a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. And the support from the FADS family is also a great source of strength and a confidence boost.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio was thrilled to honor Joanna and others who have courageously battled breast cancer with our “Think Pink” Party, held Friday, Oct.  14 at the Brandon Studio. Every ballroom student and guest was encouraged to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each pink outfit represented a donation to Joanna Kellogg’s charity of choice: Breast Cancer Action.

Joanna expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you FADS Brandon and all the dancers in pink tonight! Your donation to Breast Cancer Action is very much appreciated!”

Studio owner Kelle Chancellor, who is Joanna’s dance instructor, says of her student, “Joanna is one of our advanced dancers and a joy to have in the studio. She and her husband Michael participate in competitions and other activities year-round. She is so talented and generously shares her zeal for life with everyone around her.”

Fred Astaire of Brandon partners with a different charity each fall to give back to the community. With the enthusiastic support of students, we hope to make a difference in the lives of students and their families.

We’ve got some other great news as well.

Brandon Ballroom Dance Studio 3Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brandon earned international recognition this summer at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios World Championships (FAWC).

John Swartz was awarded the honor of Top Bronze Male Competitor at FAWC 2016 in Las Vegas in July. He has been a student at the Brandon studio for four years. His teacher and professional dance partner is Kelle Chancellor, owner of the Brandon studio.

This was John’s second trip to FAWC in Las Vegas, and this time he enjoyed being a finalist in the Closed Championship Division, which is highly competitive. Of these awards he said, “It was great to be rewarded for a lot of hard work. Doing the competition helps your dancing a lot.” As for advice for other ballroom dancers, John says, “Stay relaxed and trust your training. It’s easy to tense up when you’re being judged.”

He hopes to return to FAWC in the future. His favorite smooth dance is waltz and the rhythm dances he most enjoys are cha-cha and bolero.

Brandon Ballroom Dance Studio 4Studio owner Kelle Chancellor was honored for her work as well, bringing even more acclaim to Fred Astaire Brandon. Kelle was the 3rd place Top Pro Rhythm Teacher and the 4th place Top Overall Teacher, awards generally dominated by men.

Taking first place at a world competition requires a lot of time, dedication, practice and determination, not to mention a wonderful teacher. Fred Astaire of Brandon is so proud of all John’s hard work!

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to get some exercise, a way to win big at world championships or just an opportunity for fun, dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brandon can help you reach your personal goals. This is the place for the finest instruction in ballroom dance, whether you prefer group dance classes or private dance instruction.