Fred Astaire Dance Studio East Side

02/11/2008 Posted by galny

We started taking dance lessons not even a month ago (with no prior experience mind you) and ELENA and MICHAEL have taken us under their swinging arms and taught us great moves! We are now waltzing, swinging, tango-ing, chacha-ing, salsaing, etc.... Their professional yet friendly ways are so enjoyable to be around. They are fantastic teachers with quite a bit of bragging material under their belts - tons of awards!!!

01/08/2008 Posted by nathan_linda

This is a remarkable place. As complete novices we came to just try 7 lessons assuming that it would end as a pleasant experience and that would be it. However from the very first lesson we became mesmerized with the process and our two spectacular regular teachers, Elena and Tina and our occasional and much appreciated instructor Vega. Their approach is an unbelievable mixture of serious instruction in the most constructive manner and an amazing degree of fun and laughter. We usually come to our lessons tired from a day of work and always leave refreshed and smiling. It is hard to understand, before first coming here, why people keep taking lessons. Once you have expereinced it yourself, you realize what an unusual blend of exercise, enjoyment of music and mental stimulation that dancing lessons here are. Linda Donald and Nathan Levin

01/02/2008 Posted by dancinglady

As a little girl watching Fred Astaire and GingerRoger movies,, my dream was to dance like Ginger Rogers. In 2007, I joined Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and my wonderful instructor Misha has made my dream come true, ----- because when i dance with Misha, he makes me feel like Ginger Rogers. I feel like a little girl again. He not only puts a smile on my face but in my heart. This March I will be dancing in a competiton in Atlantic City. Thank you so very much, my wonderful Misha, From Fran Levine a grandmother 0f 6.

12/26/2007 Posted by ebodread

I started taking lessons at the Fred Astaire New York East Side Studio almost 18 months ago after years of toying with the idea of learning ballroom dancing. The experience has exceeded all my expectations. I chose the East Side Studio because of its proximity to my office, but in retrospect, I should have traveled to this studio even if I lived in another state. The studio’s warm, friendly, yet professional atmosphere sets the stage for an intensely fun-filled journey of overcoming the handicap of two left feet. When I made use of the two complimentary introductory lessons the studio offered, I was assigned to instructor Gala (Galina Detkina) – and I could not have been more pleased. Gala’s love for dancing and for teaching the dance was immediately apparent, and it did not wane after I signed up for the first and subsequent batches of lessons. She is still my primary instructor. Gala has high expectations for her students; however, she is patient, understanding and encouraging. Gala’s enthusiasm, joy and passion for dancing are contagious, and have served to temper my frustrations for not getting the steps just right, my fears about performing, and the jitters associated with my first competition (last August). Gala is an actively competing professional dancer. She is indeed an inspiration to watch -- such grace, such passion, such artistry…She’s exceptional! I could not have been assigned a better instructor. In fact, neither could you!

Pros: Exceptional Staff, Great Service

12/15/2007 Posted by nypisces2006

Misha is a luminary of dance. He is well deserving of his reputation as the most outstanding dancer and teacher in the studio and perhaps among the best in NYC. It is a thrill to learn from such a virtuoso. Stellar in all ways. A perfectionist of the highest professional excellence, yet warm, fun, approachable; and simply a nice, great person to be around. Vega is another highly skilled, marvelous dancer and teacher. Along with Misha, both are masterful in their craft of both dance and teaching. Vega has enriched my overall dance experience through his engaging, fun personality, excellence as a teacher, and ability to motivate me to reach new performance levels. Both Misha and Vega have brought both my interest and skill in the art of dance to the next level. Both are Zen Masters of dance in different kinds of ways. It's truly a delight and privilege to have both as my teachers! Aside from the wonderful teachers, the staff are warm and caring. Everything about the studio is simply the best...

Pros: Wonderful teachers

Cons: Expensive

12/07/2007 Posted by princepessa11

After attending a ballroom dance competition I realized my own passion for dancing. I signed up with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio (East Side) a year ago and have loved every minute of it. My instructor, Misha Zharinov, is a wonderful teacher but also an extremely talented dance competitor. Quite frankly, having competed with him twice (regionally and nationally) I find that he is the best dancer of the lot. Not only do I learn new movements and steps we also laugh and have a good time. His perfectionism and attention to detail translate into a beautiful dance. Most importantly, Misha loves the music as do I, which makes for a great combination for dancing.The adage, it is never too late holds true for me. If you have the desire and passion anything is possible. Misha's professionalism, talent and passion all contribute to this wonderful dancing experience.

11/30/2007 Posted by msep

I've told ALL my friends, family and anyone else that would listen about my greatest find EVER, dance instructor Misha Zharinov. I joined Fred Astaire a year ago and I've been going religiously twice a week. From the minute I get on that dance floor to the minute I get off, I feel like a million bucks with a smile on my face! The credit goes to Misha. He knows what to say and explains in a way that I can absorb and put it in motion. He's helped me do things I never thought I would be capable of doing before. Most importantly, he just makes it fun. Misha can lift, dip and swirl me any day!!!

07/12/2007 Posted by jc978

I fell in love with Fred Astaire East Studio from the moment I set foot in the door. Dessi Iakova, the office manager is very efficient, professional and welcoming. Misha Zharinov is one of the Studio’s best instructors. He is an incredibly talented dancer and a dedicated teacher who shows a true sense of caring and respect for each of his students. His professionalism, his optimism, his sense of humor, his patience and his enthusiasm make an hour and 30 minute lessons go by in a flash. Misha inspires me to move above and beyond my expectations; I look forward to our lessons every time!

Pros: very good dance teacher

Cons: expensive

03/01/2007 Posted by dsbg33

Request instructor ELENA SHABANOVA- she is the best!!! She is professional and patient, and she tailored a dance for our wedding reception based on our skills and song choice. In fact, we have had so much fun working with ELENA that we plan to continue lessons after our wedding is over.

05/25/2006 Posted by jag123

Instructor Elena Shabanova is very professional, patient and knowledgeable. Manager Desii Iakova does a very good job as wel.