We’re proud that Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brandon is the place to go for the best in ballroom dance instruction. Being a FADS dance instructor involves constant training and evaluation to raise the dance standard in our studio. One of the most effective ways for both students AND instructors to take their dancing to new heights is through professional coaching.
We have some of the BEST coaches headed to our studio throughout the rest of the summer!
We start with Marylynn Benitez on Wednesday, July 17. Marylynn has been a part of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios family since 1993 as a Competitor, Instructor, Studio Owner, Coach, National Adjudicator and National Examiner. Some of her achievements include:
- Blackpool Rising Star Latin Finalist
- United States Latin Finalist
- United States Rising Star Latin Champion
- Ohio Star Ball Finalist
- Fred Astaire International Latin Champion
- Assistant Choreographer and featured dancer in the films Salsa and Dance With Me
Marylynn Benitez is part of the prestigious Fred Astaire Dance Studios International Dance Council, which oversees Dance Instructor training and certification, judges (Professional, Amateur, Pro/Am) at Regional, National & International Fred Astaire Dance Studio Dance Competition events, actively coaches our Students & Instructors in dance studio locations across our network, and continuously reviews our proprietary dance curriculum to ensure only the finest, most up-to-date programs for our Students.
Next up is Lynn Kawamoto, our Regional Dance Director on Wednesday, July 
Being with Fred Astaire Dance Studios for over 25 years, Lynn has experience in almost all aspects of the dance business. Some of her great achievements include:
- 3-Time undefeated Fred Astaire Southeastern Rhythm Champion
- 2003 Florida State Rhythm Champion
- United States R.S. Rhythm Finalist
- Fred Astaire National Rhythm Finalist
Lynn is currently the Regional Dance Director of the Tampa Bay Area and enjoys traveling, coaching, choreographing, adjudicating, and helping people to achieve their goals!
Next month, we’ll enjoy the return of Manuel Favilla on Thursday, August 8.
Manuel and his partner Natalia Maidiuk are professional ballroom dancers, specializing in Latin. They began dancing together in 2012 and have since competed all over the world, earning a #20 ranking today in the world, #6 in the U.S. in the professional Latin category and #1 in Open Professional Latin Final at The Windy City Open in April of 2018. Other achievements in the United States alone, (not to mention their competing all over the world), include:
- Pro Latin Champions Embassy Ball 2013
- First Runner Up Pro Latin Manhattan Dance Championship 2014
- Pro Latin Champions Capital DanceSport Championship 2015
- Pro Latin Champions Empire Dance Championship 2015
- 1st Runner Up USDC Open to the World Pro Latin 2015
Manuel will be with us for a day of coaching, as well as an exclusive Latin master class the same night, Aug. 8 at 7pm. Talk to your instructor for special pricing on this amazing group experience!
Right before the official end of the summer season, we’ll welcome back the incomparable Christina Penatello Hansen on Thursday, September 12.
As a member of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios International Dance Council and a well-recognized coach within the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Organization, Christina enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge of dance and business with professionals and amateurs of all ages. She excels in bringing out each individual’s personal style and emotion. Some of her achievements include:
- 3-Time USDC American Rhythm Finalist
- 3-Time Ohio Star Ball American Rhythm Finalist
- Multiple-Time Finalist in Embassy Ball Championship, Millennium Dancesport Championship, Manhattan Dancesport Championship
- 2006 World Mambo Championship
In addition to Christina’s day of coaching with us, she will be giving an exclusive master class that same day: Sept. 12 at 7:45pm, followed by a Pot 
The following day, Friday, September 13, Christina will join us for our Regional Mini-Match – a one day competitive event at the St. Pete Central Studio.
Contact your instructor to lock in your time with any (or all) of these fabulous guest coaches. You’ll have a great time working with dancers who have excelled at the highest levels of competitive dance.
Some original content taken from https://www.fredastaire.com/bloomfield-hills/blog/high-kicks-for-our-training/ and https://www.fredastaire.com/fred-astaire-dance-studios-dance-council