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Fred Astaire Dance Studio Franklin welcomes Medfield ballroom fans

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO WELCOMES MEDFIELD BALLROOM DANCE FANS

New Fred Astaire Dance Studio Brings the Beauty of Ballroom to Medfield Dance Enthusiasts 

For dance enthusiasts of all ages looking for a chance to escape reality into a world of elegance, Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios (FADS) is now accepting ballroom dance students at their new location in the Franklin Village Shopping Center on Route 140 in Franklin (475 Franklin Village Drive, next to Sally’s Alley). The studio offers a friendly, no-pressure environment where students can learn the basics of ballroom dance – either with or without a partner – under the tutelage of world-class champion dancers. 

With two ballrooms, a lounge area and dance store, and state-of-the art flooring, sound and lighting, the new 2,000 sq. ft. studio welcomes dancers of all ages and skills – from beginners wishing to learn a few steps for a special occasion to more experienced dancers interested in competing.  Classes will be offered in all the Ballroom Dance styles, which include Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Swing. Every Friday night, the studio hosts a popular “practice party” event where students can kick back and practice their skills with new friends, and every Thursday night students may bring a friend to the studio’s “share the experience” party. New classes and events will be added to the studio’s website on an ongoing basis (www.fredastairefranklin.com).

Co-founded by the legendary Fred Astaire, the Franklin, Mass. studio is owned by professional dance educators who are active in world-class competitions and have passed rigorous exams given by the Imperial Society of the Teachers of Dance, as well as Fred Astaire’s own time-tested Curriculum Certification.

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Olaf Pries, Owner/Director of the Franklin, Mass. studio, is originally from Germany where he was a successful dancer in the Latin and Standard styles of ballroom dance. He competed at the highest levels in Germany before he went on to become a judge. He also taught at his own dance school in Hamburg, and is also a successful celebrity coach and has recently been coaching Sarah Connor, one of Germany’s biggest pop stars. A consummate professional, Pries is one of the region’s most sought after teachers, known for his grace, breadth of knowledge, and patience. He is currently competing in the Professional American Smooth category with his dance partner, Mona, and they were recently awarded 2012 Open American Smooth Champion and are World Finalists, and he was recently recognized with a Fred Astaire Dance Studios New England Top Teacher Award.

According to Pries, “Thanks to popular television dance shows, ballroom is booming. We are pleased to share our love of dance with the Franklin area dancers, a community already known for as tremendous supporters of the arts. Ballroom dance is a great way for both men and women to relax, have fun and keep fit while meeting other like-minded adults in a refined  setting.” Free of pressure and filled with laughter, students work at their own pace and in their own comfort level as they experience all the benefits of dance: health, self-confidence, expression, musicality, grace/coordination, and acquiring the skill of social dance for future events. Pries added, “We have so many stories of couples of all ages first introduced on Fred Astaire Dance Studio dance floors. Dancing is an easy way to meet new, fascinating people who enjoy a similar interest… or simply an easy way to rekindle a romance.”

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Mona Hofmann, Dance Instructor, is no stranger to those popular TV dance shows. In addition to teaching in Franklin at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Hofmann is a working professional dancer who starred on Germany’s version of “So You Think You Can Dance” TV show. She moved to the U.S. in 2007 to be an instructor with Fred Astaire and still competes in American Rhythm and Cabaret Show dance, as well as Professional American Smooth with Olaf, achieving the distinction of 2012 Open American Smooth Champion and World Finalists.

To celebrate the new studio’s September opening, students may take advantage of a special introductory offer of two 45-minute private lessons for $49, and is offering specials for brides and grooms preparing for upcoming weddings. 

For more information, gift certificates, or to book lessons, please call (508) 528-6200 or email dance@fredastairefranklin.com


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