NEW STUDENT SPECIAL 
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.
Frankfort woman learns to dance to help GACS
By DENISE M. BARAN–UNLAND, The Herald News
March 31, 2019
On April 6, Lyndean Brick of Frankfort will show off a routine she’s currently working very hard to perfect.
Brick is one of eight “local stars” who will show off dance moves to raise money for Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet through the “Angelica: Dancing With Our Local Stars Gala” in Woodridge.
Along with Brick, this year’s dance lineup features Jenna Crago (Strata Decision Technology), Sean Egglesfield (Southwest Airlines), Debyjo Ericksen (Bella Fiori Flower Shop), Al Roechner (Joliet Police chief), Martin J.Shanahan (interim city manager of Joliet), Lauren Staley Ferry (Will County clerk), and Anthony Storcz (Landmark Construction).
Brick, the founder and CEO of The Advis Group, a health care management consulting company in Mokena, had never really danced when Guardian Angel asked her to be part of the gala, she said.
“I’ve attended this event in the past and its [GACS] is such an amazing organization,” Brick said. “I was honored that they asked.”
Brick said she felt honored because she supports the GACS mission. According to a news release from GACS, Guardian Angel serves thousands of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault every year.
GACS also offers protective services for youth in foster care and vulnerable adults with disabilities. GACS also provides partner abuse intervention, parenting/education-based programming for at-risk individuals and families and prevention and community outreach services
In preparation, Brick began taking lessons last summer at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Mokena. Granted, Brick could have simply concentrated on her routine and perhaps more experienced dancers do just that, she said.
But because Brick wanted to produce a polished routine, she felt the need for a good foundation in ballroom dances, such as the waltz and the foxtrot, she said. She goes nearly every day after work for about 90 minutes, she said.
“I’m way better than when I started,” Brick said.
Dance studio makes Sweetest Day even sweeter
The Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studio in Mokena was one of three in the Chicagoland area to host the Sweetest Day Bowtie Bash the night of Friday, Oct. 14.
The evening included a group dance lesson and a party with general dancing and student performances.
Although FADS, located at 19840 South La Grange Road in Mokena, hosts events nearly every Friday night, the Sweetest Day Bowtie Bash offered an opportunity for non-student couples to enjoy an evening dancing together.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Park Ridge
WGN’s “Around Town” Valentine’s Day spot on Wednesday morning (Feb. 10) with Ana Belaval featured many Fred Astaire Illinois student couples at the Fred Astaire of Park Ridge Dance Studio. We like to say that dancing isn’t just about the steps and music. It’s a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction and mental stimulation. Check us out on “Around Town” and you will agree!
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…
Visit Learn to Dance with Fred for News Articles about Fred Astaire of Mokena
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