By: Sharron Melton
abc 13 – HOUSTON (KTRK)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012

There’s a new boom in the ballroom dancing business, thanks in part to ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” so we hit the studios to find out why dancing is hip with Houstonians of all ages.

Whether you’re in your 70′s or your 20′s, dancing has never been more popular in Houston.

“It’s just fun,” ballroom dance student Ann Sanders said.

“It’s sort of I think maybe a little bit trendy these days for younger people to get involved in that,” ballroom dance student Courtney Mayo said.

And the proof is in the numbers.

“Seven, eight years ago there was just one and now there’s 11 across Texas,” Fred Astaire Studio director Philip Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez says the huge surge in the ballroom dance business is due to shows, like “Dancing with the Stars.”

On TV, viewers may be connecting with the stars. But in real life, couples are connecting with each other.

One thing instructors say is also interesting is that more couples who may be having problems in their marriages are starting to learn how to dance, because it sometimes improves those relationships.

“Rekindling a spark in your marriage, doing different things to learn something together. So that helps as far as awareness,” Gutierrez said.

And then there’s what dancing does to your body.

Nightclub Cardio has taken Houston by storm. It’s a party that fuses exercise with dance moves.

“It’s fun, easy moves to follow, repetitive moves so that everybody of all ages, all fitness levels can do it,” Nightclub Cardio instructor Kendra Southern said.

Southern has been teaching Nightclub Cardio for three years now.

“Because of the whole dance reality phenomenon that’s been going on, I’ve seen my members numbers increase,” she said.

Southern says dancers can burn up to 800 calories in one hour.

“I love it. Getting my heart rate up,” Nightclub Cardio participant Stephanie Ulbricht said.

“I like the choreography, I like the music,” Nightclub Cardio participant Lynette Drake said.

So whether you’re older, wanting to improve or a novice, willing to give it a try the dance boom may be here to stay.

“Posture, confidence and balance,” Sanders said. If you’re looking to get into the swing of things, several places in Houston are offering dance lessons.

                TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Call the Box Office for Tickets
281-361-7674
Or stop by your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Don’t miss This Popular Annual Events!

National Dance Championships
65th Anniversary Extravaganza!!

• October 24-28, 2012
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
• Orlando, FL

Experience the magic of social dance at the 2012 National Dance Championships in sunny Orlando, Florida. This year marks our company’s 65th anniversary!! On Saturday evening, we will be celebrating in grand style honoring past and present Fred Astaire champions. You don’t want to miss our Saturday evening extravagnaza.

Make everlasting memories at this action-packed event filled with competitive dancing and spectacular professional performances. In addition, you will be just steps away from all of Disney’s most popular attractions.

Mark your calendars now for this extraordinary, unforgettable dance event!

On behalf of Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios and The Competition Committee, we would like to extend our warm gratitude and graciously invite you to this year’s National Dance Competition. Every year, it is our intention to improve our events and it always remains a priority to dispense a warm welcome and VIP treatment to those in attendance. Our goal is to make this experience truly memorable.!

General Information

October 24-28, 2012
Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, FL 32821


Dining Choices At The Hilton

• Harvest Bistro – A family-friendly American Bistro featuring healthy cuisine made from farm-fresh ingredients
• La Luce – Modern Italian cuisine by Napa Valley famed chef Donna Scala
• Zeta Bar – Sophisticated bar with delectable fresh fruit cocktails
• Sena Bar & Lounge – Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This year, we have teamed up with Orlando Convention to help you make the most of your time in Orlando. Available discounts include restaurants, golf, attractions, nightlife, shopping and much more. Each listing offers detailed information and discount coupons that can be printed. They can also make your dinner reservation, book your group dinner party or event. This web site will help you plan your time during your stay in Orlando

Just click on the golden ticket to:

• Purchase, discounted attraction tickets!
• Receive, discounts to fantastic restaurants and make dinner reservations!
• Enjoy complimentary cocktails at some of Orlando’s best nightlife!
• Play great golf at a discount!
• Shop at Orlando’s most exclusive stores and outlets with discounts!
• Rent cars and make use of other great services all with fantastic discounts!

This web site will help you plan your time in Orlando and SAVE MONEY!

Local Attractions

National Dance Championships

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World®
The largest and most visited recreational resort in the world, containing four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation venues.

Universal Studios®
The resort consists of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), and the Universal CityWalk (a night-time entertainment destination)

SeaWorld®
Entertainment complex devoted to oceans and the array of life that inhabits them.

Discovery Cove®
Theme park where guests can interact with a variety of marine animals, including bottlenose dolphins.

Day Trips

Kennedy Space Center
Just east of the Orlando attractions and theme parks, NASA’s launch headquarters is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet a veteran astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.

Daytona and Cocoa Beaches
These pristine Florida beaches are only an hour’s drive away from Orlando!

Vendors

National Dance Championships

Dresses/Clothing

AstaireCollection
AstaireWear
Competition dresses
Contact: Irene Wong
(203) 644-1557

Dore Designs, Inc.
Competition dresses
Contact: Dawn Smart
(239) 542-7708
doredesign@aol.com
www.dore-designs.com

Hair & Make Up
DS Competition Make Up
516.315.8745

Accessories

AstaireWear

SoHoFashion
ginasohofashion@yahoo.com
www.sohostyle.com

Photography/Vidography Services

Park West Photography
Photography services
Contact: Al & Patricia Parker(
480) 577-1799
parkwestphoto@cox.net
www.parkwestphoto.photoreflect.com

Championship VideoVideo taping services
Contact: Tony Pataco
(800) 555-2033
championshipvideo@netzero.net

WEDNESDAY, October 24
#1 Wednesday Matinee

• 12:00 PM – Solos, Novelty and Showcase Divisions
• 3:00 PM – American Rhythm Closed Bronze Divisions

#2 Wednesday Evening

• 7:00 PM – American Rhythm Closed Bronze Rhythm Divisions
• American Rhythm Open Bronze Divisions

THURSDAY, October 25
(We’re celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness. Wear something pink!)

• 7:00 AM Breakfast
• 9:00 AM American Rhythm Closed Bronze Single Dance Divisions
• American Rhythm Closed Bronze Single Dance Divisions
• Solo Exhibition Division
• Novelty Division
• Showcase Production Division

#3 Thursday Matinee

• 7:00 AM – Breakfast
• 8:00 AM - American Rhythm Proficiency Divisions
• American Rhythm Closed Silver & Higher Divisions
• American Rhythm Open Silver & Higher Divisions
• American Rhythm Open Championship Divisions

#4 Thursday Evening

• 5:00 PM - Dinner
• 7:00 PM - American Rhythm Closed & Open Multi Dance Championship Divisions
• American Rhythm Closed & Open Scholarship Divisions
• Professional Mixed Novice Division
• Professional American Bronze and Silver Closed Smooth Division
• Professional American Rising Star Rhythm Division
• Professional Open Cabaret Division
• Professional International Open Latin Division
• Professional American Open Smooth Division

FRIDAY, October 26
#5 Friday Matinee

• 7:00 AM - Breakfast
• 8:00 AM - American Smooth Closed Divisions
• American Smooth Open Divisions
• American Smooth Open
• Championship Divisions

#6 Friday Evening

• 6:00 PM - Dinner
• 7:00 PM - American Smooth Multi Dance Closed & Open Championship Divisions
• American Smooth Closed & Open Scholarship Divisions
• American Closed Novice Division
• Professional American Rising Star Smooth Division
• Professional American Bronze and Silver Closed Rhythm Division
• Professional International Open Ballroom Division
• Professional American Open Rhythm Division

SATURDAY, October 27
#7 Saturday Matinee

• 7:00 AM - Breakfast
• 8:00 AM - American Proficiency Smooth Divisions
• International Ballroom Closed Divisions
• International Ballroom Open Divisions
• International Ballroom Open Championship Divisions
• International Ballroom Multi Dance Championship Divisions
• International Ballroom Scholarship Divisions
• Argentine Tango Division
• Pro/Am Cabaret Division
• International Latin Closed Divisions
• International Latin Open Divisions
• International Latin Open Championship Divisions
• International Latin Multi Dance
• Championship Divisions
• International Latin Scholarship Divisions

#8 Saturday Evening

• 7:00 PM - Cocktail Party
• Banquet Dinner
• 65th Anniversary Extravaganza and Show

SUNDAY, October 28

• 7:00 AM Breakfast

Click here or on the image below to view the printable schedule:

NDC 2012 – Printable Schedule Of Events

View the online brochure below:

In a short amount of time, our qualified instructors can help you learn a few basic steps or choreograph the whole dance for you. Whether you want simple instruction or choreographed dances for the entire wedding party, we’re here for you!

This is a great way to have fun and relax, enjoying time together while learning how to dance. Your first dance is such an everlasting expression of love and commitment. So come to Fred Astaire’s and give everyone a dance to remember.

We’re proud to be able to provide a platform where you, our valued student, can voice your concerns, share comments, and post reviews on the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Champions.

Making this system available here is an essential part of our continued effort to improve and excel in every aspect of our daily functions so that we can provide the Ultimate dance learning Experience for our students at every visit.

To that end, we invite you to participate by posting your own review, sharing your experience with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Champions, making suggestions and more to help us get closer to bringing you the best experience possible on your next visit.

We certainly appreciate all who have taken part in helping us achieve this worthy goal. Please feel free to read reviews posted below and scroll down to the bottom of the page to post your own.

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