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life & style ~ Fred Astaire Dance Studio The Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Plymouth — Walk in and Dance out! by Jen Nonenmacher Photography by Susan Hagstrum In 1947, the American icon, Mr. Fred Astaire, cofounded the first Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Park Avenue in New York City. Since then, over 160 franchised studios have opened around the world, including our local studio in Plymouth which is owned and operated by Catherine (Casey) Baird. As one of the most famous American icons and the quintessential dancer, Fred Astaire was passionate about dancing and committed to making sure his techniques would be passed along to the public. Today in Plymouth, Baird continues this tradition. Baird opened the Plymouth location in Cordage Park in 2008 and just recently moved her Fred Astaire Dance Studio to a brand new location at 9 Aldrin Road in the Plymouth Industrial Park. This new studio not only offers clients a more convenient location, but a much more spacious ballroom in which to dance. A warm inviting foyer is where clients are greeted, questions are answered, and intimidation evaporates. You'll quickly see that this is the dance studio for EVERYONE—regardless of experience, age, or personal goals. Students range in ability across all levels and in ages from 8 to 88. There are two ballrooms with floors specifically designed for dancing and an experienced staff to provide instruction. They'll make sure you are having fun and smiling every step of the way. The primary focus of the studio is on ballroom and partner dancing and students can learn anything from the Argentine Tango to how to dance that first dance as husband and wife. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio also offers students the option to participate in competitions on a local or national level and even facilitates the rental of ballroom gowns and attire. When chatting about the studio, Baird is quick to emphasize that her studio is not solely about competition—it's primarily about setting personal goals and surpassing your own expectations. And, most importantly, about having fun and feeling good about yourself. She explains, "For us, a 32 competition is a tool to really give people something to work towards and to be motivated for…all of a sudden your lessons have so much more meaning because you are working towards something. Plus, our competition events are really fun and you get to dress up in amazing gowns, so who wouldn't want to do it?" Possibilities are endless for the creative mind and adventurous soul. Whether you are experienced and looking to up your game or whether you are a newbie, you'll be inspired. If you are thinking about taking up a new hobby, trying out a new studio or simply brushing up your skills, you can give the studio in Plymouth a try through their Introductory Special. For only $40.00 you will be able to participate in a small group class and then follow up with a private lesson. Baird describes the Intro Special as the "smorgasbord of partner dancing" (students get a little taste of several styles of dance) that it is specifically designed to welcome new dancers into the studio with a lot of fun and without any obligation. The staff at The Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Plymouth is extremely well trained and professionally certified and continuing education is of the utmost importance to Baird and her employees. However, her top priority is making all her students comfortable and creating an environment where people feel free to be themselves, have fun, try new things, and let loose. The intimidation factor here is nonexistent and Baird, along with her staff, make every effort to identify with everyone's learning style on an individual basis. "We're the right people to teach you," says Baird. "This is a very comfortable environment for our students and most importantly, we are having fun all the time." Dancing is an amazingly creative way to express yourself. And let's not forget the health benefits—it's an amazing workout with exceptional stress-relieving benefits. Dancing is a great way to connect with other people and yourself and it's just plain fun, so don't skip a beat and swing into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Plymouth today!