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Marylynn Benitez represented the US in countless competitions in the International Latin division all around the world, including the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival. Her many titles earned her a spot on the Fred Astaire Dance Board, where she serves as a coach and adjudicator on the Regional and National Competition circuits. Marylynn’s choreography is known for being filled with beautiful, flowing movement, and she consistently brings out the best in students. |
Jim Carter is a member of the National Dance Council and the owner of a Fred Astaire Dance Studio. He is a highly accomplished dancer in the Theater Arts and Cabaret division. As well as being a choreographer for Smooth and Rhythm Exhibitions, he is also the master mind behind many of the country’s best Solos, Novelties, and Showcases. Jim has been an important part of the Fred Astaire Company for many years as a ProAm Teacher and Competitor, Coach, and Judge |
Ginette Cournoyer is a highly accomplished competitor in the International Latin division, and has also been an adjudicator at the most prestigious competition in the world, Blackpool Dance Festival. Ginette resides in Montreal, Canada, and has the most delightful French Canadian accent. She is highly skilled in all forms of ballroom dance. |
Jack Davy is the Dance Director for the Fred Astaire Chicago Region, and is responsible for coaching some of Chicago’s best students and professionals. As a highly decorated Smooth dancer, Jack took part in creating Fred Astaire’s Bronze syllabus. Jack can be seen as a judge at all of the Fred Astaire National competitions and several independent competitions throughout the year.
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Jesse DeSoto started in the dance industry in the Milwaukee Region of Fred Astaire Dance Studios under the leadership of Rae and Joe Josephs. While in Milwaukee, he began his professional career with Jackie Josephs. They competed in the American Rhythm division and took their partnership to the top by placing 2nd in the World in Mambo and 3rd in the US in Rhythm. Jesse is now the owner of the Chicago Downtown Fred Astaire and Co-owner of the Fred Astaire in Buffalo Grove. Under Jesse's leadership, Fred Astaire Buffalo Grove has been the top studio in the country since 2007. |
Tony Dovolani has become one of the most recognized faces of Fred Astaire Dance Studios and of Ballroom Dancing. Tony began his ballroom career as an instructor with Fred Astaire and has since become a World Champion American Rhythm Dancer with his partner, Elena Grinenko. Having a coaching with Tony gives you bragging rights, as he has been a cast member of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars every year since Season 2! |
With nearly every title in the International Latin division, Ilya Ifraimov is one of the most recognizable faces in ballroom dancing. He can also be seen dancing Pro-Am with his students at Fred Astaire National Events. Ilya and his partner, Nadia, also own and operate a quickly growing studio in New Jersey. With his honest approach, and trend setting choreography, Ilya has become a favorite coach for Chicago North and its Professionals. |
Martin Lamb is a United Kingdom and World Professional Ten dance Champion. His choreography, technical precision, and sharp wit have made him a favorite at the Fred Astaire Chicago North Studio. Martin can also be seen judging at all the Fred Astaire National Competitions and countless Independent competitions throughout the year. |
Dan Messenger is one of the friendliest coaches to visit our studio. As the organizer of the Wisconsin State DanceSport Championships, he is a familiar face to students and professionals alike. Dan and his wife, Becky have been an important part of the Ballroom Dance Community for many years, and we are thrilled to have him become a part of our family as well. |
Charlie Penatello is the other voice you hear at the Fred Astaire National Competitions. Charlie and his wife and partner, Jeanne, have become known for their larger than life personalities on the dance floor. As a Fred Astaire National American Style Champion, Charlie excels in both Smooth and Rhythm. He is a wonderful choreographer for either an open routine or an attention-grabbing Solo. Charlie is unstoppable, and by far one of the wildest partners you will ever share a dance with! |
LuAnn Pulliam is one of the most decorated ballroom dancers in the Theater Arts and Cabaret divisions, including several Undefeated World titles. She and her husband and partner, Bruno Collins, have been with Fred Astaire for many years, and are currently owners of one of the top studios in the company. LuAnn is an expert at coaxing out a sensual side of dancers, and creating routines that highlight their best attributes. |
Pat Treymore is an international adjudicator, coach and teacher. She is one of the more respected dance educators and studio former studio owner in the world. She has performed on numerous television variety shows and has written numerous training manuals. However her passion is working with students to help them reach their full potential. |
