Prepare to embark on a whimsical journey where the elegance of ballroom dance meets the enchantment of a fantastical realm. The Fred Astaire Dance Studios MD/DC Regional Competition invites dancers and spectators alike to experience a world turned delightfully upside down.

Date: November 8–9, 2025

Location: Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Frederick:
5500 Buckeystown Pike, Ste 615, Frederick, MD 21703

Theme: Through the Looking Glass

Event Highlights

-Dazzling Performances: Witness dancers showcase their skills in a variety of styles, each adding their unique flair to the theme.

-Night Club Session Themed Attire Encouraged: Embrace the magic by donning costumes inspired by the whimsical world beyond the looking glass.

-Social Dancing: Connect with fellow dance enthusiasts during our competition as well as at our Saturday Night Banquet

-Awards & Recognition: Celebrate the achievements of participants in a grand awards ceremony

This exciting event will feature talented dancers from:
•FADS East Maryland •FADS Greater DC •FADS West Maryland

Step through the looking glass and into a world where dance defies expectations. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meet the Judges

ALEX ARMAOS

• International Dance Council Member
• International Examiner
• Multi-Studio Owner
• With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 2009

BIO
Alexandros started with Fred Astaire Dance Studios® in 2009 when he first came to the United States from Greece. He started dancing at the age of 13 years old and now has over 20 years of teaching experience with any level of student and Pro-Am couple as it is shown from his international accomplishments in Europe with his own students. When he moved to the United States, the nuances of the Academic Syllabi became his passion – training for professional examinations and the benefits that this academic education can bring to each Professional in his/her career. Alexandros also has had Para Dance Sport training by the Para-Olympic Committee.
Currently, he owns his own Fred Astaire Dance Studios® in Lake Houston & Houston Heights, TX, and has successfully progressed over the years with his personal goals through perseverance and self-determination.

MARTIN LAMB

Executive Dance Board Member
With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 1999

BIO

Martin is an experienced Technique Specialist, Competitive Trainer and Mind Coach for Professionals, Amateurs and Students, in addition to being a Lecturer, Choreographer and world-class Adjudicator. Martin has competed and taught all over the world, at every level of dance. He has officiated in National and Open Championships of New Zealand, Sweden, Italy, South Africa, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, British Open, USA Open, Austrian Open, International, European and World Cups, Japan International and Icelandic Open. He has demonstrated in UK, USA, Germany, France, Holland, Belgium Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Iceland, China, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, Indonesia, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Canada, and Singapore.

RONALD GUILLEN

Ronald is originally from Lima, Peru. He grew up learning Latin and Folk Dancing. In 2005, he moved to the United States and joined the Fred Astaire family as an instructor and professional competitor. He taught at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and was trained in all styles of Ballroom and Latin dancing. Ronald has consistently been recognized as one of the top instructors in Florida and has also won many national top teacher awards. He was a Rhythm & Showdance Champion and a Mambo professional competitor. Currently, he co-owns the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, with his wife, Katie, and most recently they opened their first international studio, the Fred Astaire Dance Studios – San Isidro, Lima, Peru.

KATIE GUILLEN

Katie was only 3 years old when she took her first dance class in Bradenton, Florida. She learned Ballet, Tap, and Jazz at Georgene’s School of Dance. While studying Elementary Education at Florida State University, she continued to dance Jazz, Hip Hop, and Pom as a teammate on the Golden Girls dance team. Katie also graduated from the University of Florida with a Law degree. However, her heart still belonged to dance. Luckily, she found Fred Astaire in the fall of 2007 and started taking lessons as a student. In less than a year she became an instructor at the Fred Astaire in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Since then, she has received the highest awards as a teacher in Florida and many of her students have won top solo and showcase awards nationally.