News & Press

The Latest Fred Astaire News and Press

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, it’s always exciting when our talented staff & students, and exciting events & locations are celebrated in the media! From local community stories to national news, our goal is to help share the inspiring examples of how the positive and transforming power of dance enriches lives – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Browse these links, and perhaps discover something new and engaging about dance. Then, step in to Fred Astaire Dance Studios and experience the joy and confidence that dance lessons can bring to your life.

Local dance studio battles breast cancer during National Ballroom Dance Week

September 19, 2019 | Daily Herald

For many of us it takes a nagging partner or an act of God to get us on the dance floor. But with hearts bigger than our pride, even the most uncoordinated among us will bust a move to help locals battling breast cancer.

That’s why local husbands, daughters, wives, sons, grandmas and grandpas will come out for professional dance lessons to raise money and awareness for those battling and surviving breast cancer.

To celebrate National Ballroom Dance Week, Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Long Grove will offer introductory dance lessons for only $1 and introductory dance packages for only $10 to anyone battling or having survived breast cancer. All proceeds raised from the offers will be donated to a local charity focused on breast cancer awareness. The offer begins at the start of National Ballroom Dance Week (September 20) and lasts through October at their studio located at 342 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.

Breast cancer survivor steps into Buffalo Grove dance studio to support cancer patients

By Ronnie Wachter

October 14, 2016 | 2:46 PM

Later this month, a Mount Prospect resident who overcame breast cancer will dance during an area fundraiser and try to show other women dealing with cancer that life can move forward after a diagnosis.

Rochelle Schleser even trained for the occasion at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Buffalo Grove after having never participated in a dance lesson before.

But that’s because for her, the upcoming experience during the Pink Fund’s “Dancing with the Survivors” fundraiser Oct. 22 in Itasca represents an opportunity to show others with breast cancer how rewarding life can be, she said.

“I’m feeling pretty good about it,” Schleser, who now is cancer free, said.

Fred Astaire dancers party for animals in Buffalo Grove

Chicago Tribune | August 5, 2016

Event: Inaugural ‘Dance for a Good Paws’ Fundraiser

Hosted by: Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Buffalo Grove

Benefiting: Wagging Hearts, animal rescue organization in Hainesville

Featuring: professional and amateur performances, raffles for private dance lessons, refreshments

Dance helps seniors age gracefully, with physical and emotional benefits

POSTED 5:45 PM, NOVEMBER 2, 2015, BY AMY RUTLEDGE – WGNTV – Chicago’s Very Own

Ballroom dancing is one of the most important pieces of Lana Kuba’s life. She takes lessons three days a week with longtime instructor Vance Mabry.

Two years ago, Lana temporarily hung up her dancing shoes while recovering from a winter fall and head injury which caused memory loss. She was concerned her dancing days were over.

“If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be dancing or anything else,” she said. “He just worked with me and worked with me and worked with me…”

These days, Lana occasionally searches for words, but when the music starts, she doesn’t forget a move. And experts say aging adults should follow in Lana’s 75 year olds footsteps. Not only does dancing help keep you active, published research shows dancing can help boost memory and prevent dementia.

Dancer Jesse Desoto was once ranked second in the world, shot to fame on Dancing with the Stars, and now owns and operates several Fred Astaire dance studios across the Chicago area. Read More…