Dancing Resumes At Fred Astaire Dance Studio In Brandon

BRANDON, FL — Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Brandon has reopened its physical location after its temporary closure that began on March 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kelle Chancellor and her husband, David Chancellor, originally opened their franchise dance studio in 2011. The Chancellors felt devastated about closing their doors even though they knew the safety of their staff and students mattered most.

"This was the most terrifying experience we had endured as small-business owners, especially with no reopening guarantee," said Kelle Chancellor. "Not only did we have staff we felt responsible for, but three children at home."

The co-owners didn't want to cut any of their staff members so they used money from their savings to keep them paid and employed.

"We were extremely blessed that we had students purchase additional (online) lessons as show of support during the shutdown," she said. "We also finally received the Paycheck Protection Program loan, which was a huge relief."

To get beyond the feelings of fear, agitation and sadness with unknowing if or when the doors to their business would reopen, the Chancellors stayed engaged with their students through the online dance lesson platform Fred Astaire Dance Studios launched for all franchisees.

"Along with this amazing resource, we began online group lessons through Zoom, and set up private dance groups on Facebook for all our different levels of dancers, and we recorded tutorials weekly for them to access and enjoy dancing in their homes."

The studio is grateful for the constant connection social media offers because that's how they stayed connected to their students as they ran their business virtually. They're also continuing Zoom lessons for students that want to hold off on returning to the studio as Florida's coronavirus cases continue to rise according to the Florida Department of Health.

Safety precautions are in place at Fred Astaire Brandon. They are keeping the number of people in the studio at 10 or less. They removed tables in the ballroom area, and all students are reminded to keep social distancing and aren't allowed to linger at the studio after their lesson.

All instructors are required to wear a mask, and every person that enters the studio must sign a healthy checklist, and have their temperature taken. Signs are posted around the studio that have the recommended Center for Disease Control guidelines about social distancing and hand washing.

"Dance is a way to express oneself through movement and music," said Kelle Chancellor. "A body in motion will stay in motion, so getting up and dancing has so many health benefits and stress relieving qualities. Dancing provides a new challenge and goal to fulfill, enhances poise and posture, builds confidence and allows people to shine in a way that otherwise they may never feel like they can."

She shared that sitting at home for weeks can cause a lot of anxiety, especially for social people, so she believes that getting on the dance floor helps improve and overcome feelings of loneliness and provides a social hobby and outlet.

For more information about studio and online lessons, visit Fred Astaire Dance Studios Brandon website.