Ever watch your favorite dance show and think, “I wish I could do that!”? You don’t need to know how to dance before you show up at a dance studio, which is a common misconception. Their whole purpose is to teach and have fun. Nestled in the I-5 corridor, bordering on Tualatin, is such a place – the vivacious Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
While the franchise is popular throughout the south and east coast, the Lake Oswego Fred Astaire Dance Studio is the only one in the Pacific Northwest. Proprietors and married couple, Alex and Jessi Aillon, purchased franchise rights, making them Oregon Area Representatives for the studio in the state of Oregon this past July. This means we’ll be seeing a lot more happy feet around here in the coming years. Additionally, ABC’S Dancing with The Stars Champion, Tony Dovolani, just became National Co-Dance Director for Fred Astaire Dance Studios and will be making an appearance at the studio sometime in the coming year. The visit will coincide with a charity dance competition which will bring dancers from all over the country.
The Aillons first setup shop on NW 23rd in Portland. The studio made its home there for five years before moving to Lake Oswego three years ago. The couple specializes in what’s called American Smooth, which is comprised of four dances: Slow Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. The pair also have two small children, ages two and a half and fifteen months old. Dancing is in these kids’ genes! Between studio and family, the Aillons never stop moving!
The studio has many special things happening during the holiday season. They just had a special Halloween performance, which they alternate yearly with a Christmas show. The Aillons will also be participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with thirty-seven other couples representing Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
Friday nights beginning November 30 until December 21, the studio will host dance parties. These parties are holiday themed (the ugly sweater party being a favorite) and absolutely free to come check out the studio. In fact, your first visit to the studio is always free. You don’t even need to bring a partner – as you’ll be accompanied by an instructor. Sounds like a great idea for a girls night out or a date night! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and shake your holiday stress away on the dance floor! It’s never too late to try something new.
Visit fredastaire.com/portland and their Facebook page (Fred Astaire Dance Studio Portland) for more information on exciting future events and lessons.