Guest Coaches

The World’s Best Dancers and Coaches, in Our Studio!

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mokena offers and delivers the finest in group and private ballroom dance classes, but we also bring you a great variety in our professional coaching. Broaden your knowledge and skills by meeting and working with some true standouts. You’ll be glad you did. These professionals have helped shape the dance industry and continue to inspire the teaching methods used throughout the dance community. We encourage you to enroll today with one (or better, both!) of these special guest coaches.

Coaching Day
October 5
Jim Carter

  • International Dance Council Member
  • With Fred Astaire Dance Studios since 1984

BIO

Jim has proudly been part of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios family since 1984.  For decades Jim has been the Choreographer and creative genius of many of the industry’s iconic and award-winning best Solos, Novelties, Showcases and Professional Showdances.  His choreography consistently wins top awards at Regional and National Fred Astaire competitions.  Because of Jim’s many years of experience and wisdom he of course excels in all aspects of sales and enrollments, motivational business training, and student and professional coaching and choreography.  Jim has been a longtime favorite Fred Astaire Coach to have in studios across the country, because he offers fresh and exciting coaching and choreography lessons, and he adds an infectious spark of fun and enthusiasm to the studio atmosphere like no other.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • National Fred Astaire Theatrical and Cabaret Champion
  • National Fred Astaire Rising Star Rhythm Champion
  • National Fred Astaire Open Rhythm Finalist
  • USDC Rising Star Theatrical Champion
  • USDC Open to the World Cabaret Finalist
  • Texas Challenge Grand Championship Winner
  • Featured on PBS Night of Championship Ballroom Dancing
  • Choreographed and Produced Several Fred Astaire National Pro Shows

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • American Smooth
  • American Rhythm
  • Theater Arts
  • Choreography
  • Business Training
  • Show Dance
  • Enrollment
  • Master of Ceremonies

Master Class Coaching Day
October 21
Iryna DeSoto.

Iryna is originally from Ukraine. Her dance journey began in her hometown of Ternopil with hip hop and disco dance. She quickly rose to become the Ukrainian and European champion in these styles. Upon moving to the United States, she discovered a passion for Ballroom Dance and began competing with her husband Aaron Desoto, achieving finalist status in numerous prestigious competitions worldwide representing Fred Astaire Dance Studios®. Not only successful in her professional career, Iryna is also a highly acclaimed dance instructor with multiple top teacher awards at regional and national levels. Teaching dance since the age of 14, she finds joy in witnessing her students’ growth and the positive impact dance has on their lives.

Achievements  

  • 2-Time United States Rhythm Finalist
  • 2-Time World Rhythm Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® National ShowDance Champion
  • Blackpool Rhythtm Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Vice Rhythm Champion
  • Ohio Star Ball Finalist
  • USDC Mambo Finalist
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Undefeated RS Rhythm Champion
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios® IL Rhythm Champion

Areas of Expertise

  • Rhythm
  • Smooth
  • Choreography
  • Theater Arts
  • Enrollment Department
  • Advanced Teaching Department

Roles at Fred Astaire Dance Studios®

  • International Dance Council Member
  • Studio Dance Director