- International Dance Council Member
- Company Stockholder
- Area Director
- With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 1977
BIO
Rae Josephs was born in Chicago, Illinois and began her Ballroom career at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, on June 7, 1977, in Oak Park, IL. She was one of the Top Enrollment Teachers in the United States, consistently for 4 years. Along with teaching, she competed in The Theatre Arts division and won numerous awards. In 1981, she married Joe Josephs, and together, they moved to Wisconsin to start a dynasty! They opened the Milwaukee North studio in September, 1981, and on the 4th of July, 1984, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jackie Josephs. Then in 1985, they became the Area Directors for the state of Wisconsin. They built the fastest-growing Region in Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ history. Together, Rae & Joe trained some of the trend-setters & trail-blazers of our company – teachers, owners, Dance Board members, and students alike. Rae always had a passion for training, mainly in the New Student Department as well as in Customer Service. Her dance accomplishments were mainly in the American Rhythm, partnered with Stephen Knight. She is proudest of: United Stated Open Rhythm Finalists, Fred Astaire Undefeated Open Rhythm Champions, Ohio Star Ball Rhythm Finalists, recipient of the John Monte Award for Professional American Style, choreographed numerous Showcases, and performed in shows across America. Rae has been on the Fred Astaire Dance Board since 1996. Not only does she enjoy inspiring students and teachers through dance, but is blessed to be one of the most sought-after Motivational Speakers in the industry. She has mentored many FADS team members throughout the United States. In 2005, Rae & Joe moved “home” and became the Area Directors for the state of Illinois. It was there that the fastest & highest-grossing studio in the history of Fred Astaire Dance Studios was accomplished. With 8 Illinois studios in full “swing”, she is excited about #9 & #10, opening in 2017. As the Illinois Area Director, it is so much fun to bring the Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ mission statement of “enriching the lives of others” to reality for so many people, through dance. Rae has been a stockholder of the company since 1993 and was on the FADS Board of Directors in 2014 & 2015. With deep loyalty to the Fred Astaire Dance Studios company, Rae is a pillar of knowledge in various subjects and finds complete enjoyment in contributing to the growth of students & teachers, not only in dance, but in life.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Fred Astaire Undefeated Open American Rhythm Champion
- US Open Rhythm Finalist
- Showcase Choreographer
- Choreographer for Student Routines
- Coach (mainly American style) for Professionals
- Many Independent Competition Champion Titles
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- American Smooth
- American Rhythm
- Theater Arts
- Choreography
- Business Training
- Motivational Speaking – not just about business, but lifestyles for young people
Rae Josephs 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. For more information on the Fred Astaire International Dance Council or any of its members, please contact us.