Stonington-Mystic Small Business Spotlight: Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Fred Astaire Dance Studio
• Address: 12 Roosevelt Ave. Mystic, Conn. (860) 245-0037
• Website: www.fadsmystic.com

How did you come up with the name ?

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios is an international organization, based on the inspiration and talent of the legendary Fred Astaire. I first learned about it when I was dancing in Russia and I wanted to be a part of it. I was recruited as an instructor by the studio in West Hartford, and after seven years there, I wanted to start my own studio with them.

Why start a business in this town?

Once I was settled in the States, I began to explore the area and fell in love with Connecticut’s shoreline. It is so beautiful! When I was looking for a place to open my own studio, I immediately thought of Mystic, and since there was no other Fred Astaire studio nearby, it was the perfect choice.

What business are you in?

Obviously, we teach ballroom dance – which includes all forms of American smooth and rhythm styles, as well as International Standard and Latin, which are the most common styles in European countries. But we also teach dances which are popular here in America; country-western, hustle, salsa, contemporary, etc. And we love to choreograph unique dances to music which our students bring to us. One of my favorite things to do is choreograph the wedding dance for a couple about to be married and make it special and just right for them. Recently, we have added children’s classes, too in ballet, jazz and hip hop so that young people have a chance to develop and enjoy expressing themselves through dance.

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Time! There are so many things I love to do and want to do with the studio and there just isn’t enough time to do everything. I am the owner and manager of Mystic FADS but I am also a principal instructor, so I sometimes get pulled between teaching, which is what I love, and taking care of the administrative responsibilities to keep the business going.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Professionally, the Mystic FADS has earned top studio honors in New England Regional competitions several times in the past few years, an award based on student performance, participation, and school spirit. I am very proud of all my students and staff for their dedication and incredible effort to make that happen. But on a more personal level, I am so proud of the sense of family that the Mystic studio has developed. Our students come together as a true community, supporting each other, enjoying each other, helping each other, and you can feel that joyful welcoming feeling when you come through the doors. It is really a happy place to be!

How does your business give back to the community ?

We are always looking for ways to share the joy of dance that we experience every day and to show our appreciation to others in the community where we live. Our instructors have voluntarily served as judges, mentors, and instructors for numerous local groups, including a Dancing With the Stars fundraiser at Stonington High school, teaching lessons at Ledyard High School and the East Lyme Community Center USA Dance, partnering with veterans and their families for three years in a row for Dancing With Our Heroes to raise money for the Fisher House, performing and teaching swing dance for a recent Frank Olean Center fundraiser at the Knickerbocker in Westerly. In all of these activities, our instructors donate their time and expertise. In addition, we have provided gift certificates for free dance lessons to fundraisers for many local schools, the WARM Shelter, Easter Seals, Mystic Ambulance Association, Noank Group Homes, Groton Elks, just to name a few. Our family at Mystic FADS is very special and we always look for ways to reach out to our larger community family.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.