Fred Astaire Dance Studios Wexford Finds Its Rhythm
Dancing is everywhere these days, from stage performances to social media posts to popular TV shows like Dancing with the Stars. So it’s no surprise that people are starting to wonder if they could develop the skills it takes to become a talented dancer — and the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
According to Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ instructors Ivan Sovetov and Valeria Mkrtchian, anyone can learn to dance, even if they’ve never taken to the floor before. For the past three years, the pair have been teaching students to dance at their studio in Cranberry, Pa., and interest in the art form has grown so much that they recently opened a second studio in Wexford.
“People walk in all the time saying that they have two left feet, but we can teach anyone to dance,” said Sovetov, who estimates that 95 percent of first-time customers have never tried dance lessons before. “The hardest part of learning to dance is just opening that door.”
“We have a friendly, open atmosphere, and our instructors are very supportive — they are not pushy at all,” added Mkrtchian. “We start with baby steps and meet people where they are.”
Taking That First Step
There are many different reasons why people want to learn to dance. Some couples want to prepare for their wedding day; others just want to have fun. More serious dancers may want to perform at a competitive level — and all of them can expand their skills at Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
“Prospective dancers don’t even have to show up in a couple; individual students are more than welcome and will be paired with an instructor to learn how to dance,” said Mkrtchian.
Students can choose what type of dancing they want to learn; instructors teach 27 different dances ranging from smooth dances like the Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, Foxtrot, American Waltz and Quickstep to rhythm dances including the Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, East and West Coast Swing, Merengue, Rumba, Samba, Bachata and more.
Students can also choose the type of package they want, depending on their needs. Beginner and Social Foundation Programs teach newer students the step patterns and techniques to move comfortably around the dance floor, and from there dancers can advance to the popular Bronze Trophy Program, which enables them to dance on any size dance floor, to any music, with any partner, and feel comfortable and confident. More advanced students can continue to the Silver Program and the Gold Program if they so desire.
“One of the most unique things about Fred Astaire Dance Studios is the trophy system, which is designed for people who have never danced before,” said Sovetov. “All of our instructors teach the same steps with the same styles and techniques, so no matter which instructor is teaching the class, the dance stays the same. A dancer who learns at our studio in Wexford can go to Fred Astaire Dance Studios in New York or Florida, and the dance will be the same.”
Learning From the Pros
Another unique facet of Fred Astaire Dance Studios is that it only employs certified instructors, who are required to recertify every six months. Many of them are also competitive dancers who spend their weekends and days off competing at national and international levels.
Both Sovetov and Mkrtchian are prime examples of this expertise. Sovetov began dancing in St. Petersburg, Russia at age 5 and was a finalist in the highly competitive Russian Championship, both in the Latin and 10-dance programs, as well as in other international competitions. He earned the coveted title of Master of Sport of the Russian Federation, and since moving to the U.S. 10 years ago, he has continued to excel.
“It is both a sport and an art together,” said Sovetov, who was also awarded the World Cup Series for Top Teacher out of 2,500 Fred Astaire Dance Studios instructors.
Mkrtchian also started dancing in Russia at age 5 and earned the title of Master of Sport of the Russian Federation. She was a finalist at the Austrian Open Championship in the demanding Latin program, and she was a finalist in the Russian Open Championship in three programs: Ballroom, Latin and 10-dance. Now dancing as partners, Sovetov and Mkrtchian still compete professionally and are two-time U.S. National Champions, having represented the United States three times at the World Championships. They are also seven-time Fred Astaire National Champions.
“We also count four national championship winners among our students, who were amateurs when they started with us at our Cranberry location,” said Mkrtchian.
It’s Never Too Late to Dance
By opening a second studio, Sovetov and Mkrtchian hope that it provides students in Pittsburgh’s northern suburbs with even more opportunities to dance. Their Cranberry studio already welcomes people from Fox Chapel, Sewickley, downtown Pittsburgh and South Side, and the new 2,000-square-foot Wexford location will make the art even more accessible.
“Our students were asking for more places to dance, and having two studios gives them a different place to dance and build community,” said Sovetov, who notes that there are 350 Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the world, including three in Western Pennsylvania. “We’re hoping to create a global dance family.”
In addition to learning a new skill, students are also able to take advantage of the benefits of dance, which include fat-burning, weight loss, increased metabolism, increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and endurance. And, of course, fun.
“Some of our wedding dance customers come back to us for date night because dancing is better than hanging out at a bar or restaurant,” said Mkrtchian. “It’s an activity they can do together, and they find themselves missing it once they’ve stopped.”
Fred Astaire Dance Studios are located at 128 Graham Park Drive in Cranberry and 2630 Brandt School Road in Wexford. For more information, visit www.fredastaire.com/wexford.
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