Co-Owner
Fred joined Fred Astaire Franklin in 2015 from my New Jersey hometown, where he had been teaching American Smooth and Rhythm from a young age. Having trained under the careful tutelage of an old timer in the dance industry, Fred moved to Massachusetts to expand his teaching career and pursue further training in both competitive dancing and social dance instruction. Fred brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and true love for dancing. He founded the Ballroom program at Fordham University, where he holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish Language and Literature.
Fred competes regularly with his students and with professional partners in both American Smooth, Rhythm, and International Standard. He has placed 1st in New England’s mixed professional division, and has earned high honors in his professional certifications as an instructor with Fred Astaire.
Fred purchased the Fred Astaire Dance studio of Franklin in 2023 with his business partner James (Jamie) Merz where they are continuing to create a community of warmth and camaraderie through the mutual passion of dance! Fred takes particular pride in teaching his students and he loves to hear stories of their dancing ventures in and out of the studio. Nothing makes him happier than seeing his students fall in love with dance and honing a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives.
