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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, January 15, 2010 · 28 Artificial STUDENT SHOW: T.A. Blakelock High School Grade 12 art students, top row left to right: Ji Eun Lim, Aisling McGeagh (top), Katelyn Luff, Georgina Green, second row: Sany Guest, Ji Young Yeon, bottom row: Soomin Shin and Chris Smith prepare for the class's annual art show, entitled Artificial, which runs in the studio theatre at T.A. Blakelock High School, 1160 Rebecca St. Opening night is Thursday, Jan. 21 from 6:308:30 p.m. The show continues on Friday, Jan. 22 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Add some waltz to your life Watching such TV shows as Dancing with the Stars and wishing to be one of those professional dancers doesn't have to be such a farfetched idea. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio can make Ballroom or Latin dance a part of your life right in the comfort in your own community while turning you from a beginner dancer to a professional. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers classes in such styles as Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, ChaCha, Merengue, Rumba, Samba, Salsa and many more. The studio offers beginner and advanced classes for dancers of all ages. Students who progress in the beginner program, have the opportunity to advance to the trophy course program once they are more comfortable. Both beginner and advanced level students have the opportunity to compete in competitions. Dancing at Fred Astaire is a great opportunity to socialize, to meet new people and is great exercise according to Mira Inger, an instructor at the Oakville location who has been teaching dance for 10 years. "It's just a great hobby," said Inger. "It's a great activity for some couples to do together and as a single individual, it's a great way to meet other people, to get out in the community and to be active." The Fred Astaire Dance Studio was first opened in 1947 in New York City's famous Park Avenue by retired motion picture executive Charles Casanave Sr. and by the legendary dancer and instructor Fred Astaire himself who was a famous movie icon, singer and composer who worked with such stars as Gene Kelly, Judy Garland and Clark Gable. With the studio's instant success, the company opened up franchises throughout the world. In 1975, the first studio in Canada was opened in London, Ontario. Fred Astaire's memorable choreography and technique has continued on today with people being trained in locations now in Oakville, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, and Ottawa and in locations throughout the world including the U.S. and Australia. For those who need help with their first dance, the studio offers a wedding program where the couple along with their family and wedding party can learn the basics for their dance during the reception or honeymoon so they can shine on their big day. For those going on vacation, the studio offers a cruise and wedding programs, which teaches dance styles specific to their destination that they will be introduced to. Unique to the studio is a training program, which prepares beginner dancers to become instructors for those who are interested in teaching dance at the studio. Apprentice instructors go through an intensive training program, before they are allowed to teach any student. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio prides itself on its quality of service according to Inger. "We always try to teach our students to the best of their ability and our ability and give them what they're looking for in their dancing," said Inger. "So all of our programs are very specifically tailored and designed towards them." So add some dance to your life and contact Oakville's Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 905-8153237, any location at 1-877-97Dance or visit www.fredastaire.ca.