The World’s Best Dancers and Coaches, in Our Studio!

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Burr Ridge offers and delivers the finest in group and private ballroom dance classes, but we also bring you a great variety in our professional coaching. Broaden your knowledge and skills by meeting and working with some true standouts. You’ll be glad you did. These professionals have helped shape the dance industry and continue to inspire the teaching methods used throughout the dance community. We encourage you to enroll today with one (or better, both!) of these special guest coaches.

Coaching Day
October 6
Jim Carter

  • International Dance Council Member
  • With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 1984

BIO

Jim has proudly been part of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios family since 1984.  For decades Jim has been the Choreographer and creative genius of many of the industry’s iconic and award-winning best Solos, Novelties, Showcases and Professional Showdances.  His choreography consistently wins top awards at Regional and National Fred Astaire competitions.  Because of Jim’s many years of experience and wisdom he of course excels in all aspects of sales and enrollments, motivational business training, and student and professional coaching and choreography.  Jim has been a longtime favorite Fred Astaire Coach to have in studios across the country, because he offers fresh and exciting coaching and choreography lessons, and he adds an infectious spark of fun and enthusiasm to the studio atmosphere like no other.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • National Fred Astaire Theatrical and Cabaret Champion
  • National Fred Astaire Rising Star Rhythm Champion
  • National Fred Astaire Open Rhythm Finalist
  • USDC Rising Star Theatrical Champion
  • USDC Open to the World Cabaret Finalist
  • Texas Challenge Grand Championship Winner
  • Featured on PBS Night of Championship Ballroom Dancing
  • Choreographed and Produced Several Fred Astaire National Pro Shows

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • American Smooth
  • American Rhythm
  • Theater Arts
  • Choreography
  • Business Training
  • Show Dance
  • Enrollment
  • Master of Ceremonies

Coaching Day
October 22
Aaron DeSoto

Aaron Desoto, a Wisconsin native with a lifelong passion for sports, achieved a notable milestone by securing the college World Series Championship in Division 3 baseball. Transitioning to Chicago, he swiftly rose to become a top instructor at regional, national, and international levels and was awarded the overall Top Instructor in the entire Fred Astaire Dance Studios® industry for 3-separate years.  Eventually Aaron took on ownership of the esteemed Fred Astaire Dance Studios® of Buffalo Grove, now thriving in Long Grove alongside his brother, Jesse Desoto. Aaron’s athletic prowess seamlessly translated into his ballroom dance career, where he mentored students from novice to United States Champions. Together with his wife Iryna Desoto, they competed professionally worldwide, proudly representing Fred Astaire Dance Studios® and clinching numerous prestigious titles. Aaron is widely regarded as a revered instructor and accomplished dancer in the industry, and his success as a business owner further solidifies his expertise and influence in the dance community.

Achievements

  • 2-Time United States Rhythm Finalist
  • 2-Time World Rhythm Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® National ShowDance Champion
  • Blackpool Rhythtm Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Vice Rhythm Champion
  • Ohio Star Ball Finalist
  • USDC Mambo Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Undefeated RS Rhythm Champion
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® IL Rhythm Champion
  • USDC 9-Dance Finalist
  • Ohio Star Ball RS Rhythm Champion

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Rhythm
  • Smooth
  • Theater Art/ Exhibition
  • Choreography
  • Enrollment Teaching Department
  • Advanced Teaching Department
  • Business/ Business Development
  • Instructor Training

 

Roles at Fred Astaire Dance Studios® (include all that apply)

  • International Dance Council Member
  • Studio Owner
  • Studio Manager