Richmond’s favorite ballroom dance studio, Fred Astaire Dance Studio Short Pump, recently held our biannual showcase performance!
The evening opened with swaths of silver streamers and gold and black balloons, as the Fred Astaire studio space had been transformed into an enchanting ballroom. Music played as guests and performers alike were invited in for food and champagne. The space held a pleasant hum of activity; dancers strapping on their ballroom heels and unleashing clouds of hairspray, guests clinking champagne glasses in celebration, and a few students taking advantage of the empty dance floor to whirl through a rumba or foxtrot. At the heart of the activity were the ballroom dance instructors: Vlad, Nika, Daria, and Yaroslav from the local studio in Henrico, and Kyla and Braden from their partner studio in Charlottesville. Students and guests alike conceded these talented pinnacles of the community felt more like family than just dance teachers. They greeted newcomers with warm hugs, helped their dancers warm up (and calm down), and set the perfect level of excited energy for the evening.
The showcases were incredible and displayed enormous talent from the local Richmond and Charlottesville community. Each performance was powerful in its own way; elegant waltzes in floor length gowns, sassy foxtrots, spicy Latin mambos and sambas. There were so many different ballroom dance styles, the audience was able to get a taste of the flavor of each dance. It was clear the amount of hard work put in by dance students and their instructors, and the pride from friends and family was palpable. For a special treat, instructors Yaroslav and Daria performed some stunning professional dances that had the audience gasping and applauding. And between sets, performers and audience members claimed the dance floor for social dancing and line dancing. The evening was truly packed with fun.
Why would someone want to participate in such an event? Ballroom dancing in itself is a great challenge. One must learn the dance steps, work on technique, and practice leading or following a partner. But showcase dancing adds extra elements. The student has to learn even more skills – memorizing a routine, learning showmanship and how to perform to an audience, storytelling, and figuring out how to show emotions through dancing. It is rare for a hobby to be so physically and mentally involved, which is why learning how to ballroom dance is such a unique experience. It is also just as fun to be an audience member, watching beautiful dances and being an engaged member of the Richmond, Virginia community. No matter how someone gets involved, they are immediately taken in as part of the Fred Astaire Short Pump family.
Fred Astaire Short Pump offers more than just showcase performances, of course. Students can take private lessons, group classes, and monthly social dances. There’s ballroom dance competitions, special guest workshops, and so much more. Richmond is a big city with many things to do, but it’s wonderfully convenient to have an epicenter of fun and community in the Henrico and Short Pump area.
Are you ready to learn how to ballroom dance, and join us in our next showcase? Contact us and get involved!