What’s Happening in Retail: Fred Astaire Dance Studio

The new owners of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, located at 15 Ethan Allen Highway across from the Branchville station, came to the United States with a long history of dance in their home countries.

Mira Cherkezova began dancing at age 9 in Bulgaria, where she competed professionally and in 2005 ranked third among all dancers. Morten Schnedler-Jensen, who grew up in Denmark, started dancing at age 5 and received training from internationally renowned professionals.  He came to the US in 2010 and she in 2007.  Both continue to compete professionally.

They met while working for Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios and in 2013 became owners of the Ridgefield location.  “By having our own studio, we get the opportunity to create an atmosphere where people can escape their busy lives and set their watches on dance time,” says Mr. Schnedler-Jensen.

The studio offers classes in all popular Ballroom dances through private and group lessons and dance parties on Friday, complete with light refreshments (these parties are open to the public one Friday each month). It also provides theater arts dance instruction.  Students range from children age 5 to adults of any age.

“Dancing is one of the best ways to exercise,” according to Mr. Schnedler-Jensen. Adds Ms. Cherkezova: “You don’t have to dance like a star to get out on the floor and have fun.”