Fred Astaire Madison Ballroom Dance Lessons

Gala Detkina was born in Siberia. She has danced successfully around the world and is the winner of many international competitions in Germany, Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, Canada, and the United States. She arrived in New York in 1997 to study acting. She continued studying dancing and acting in Russia, and she has recently returned to New York. Gala holds the distinguished Fred Astaire Dance Studios Top Female Teacher Award for 2007, 2008 and 2009. The award is given for extraordinary skill and performance in teaching dance within the Fred Astaire Organization. Together with her professional dance partner, Misha Zharinov, they are Fred Astaire National Professional American Smooth Champions, United States National Professional American Smooth Finalists, Ohio Star Ball Professional American Smooth Finalists and Ohio Star Ball Professional American Smooth Show dance Winners. They were also featured at PBS’ “America’s Ballroom Challenge”.

Stephen Knight started in the dance business in 1976. Chicago being his home, he still managed to move to Wisconsin for more growth and opportunity. Over the years Stephen became one of the Top Teachers in the United States, winning many Top Teacher awards both regionally and nationally. He has also had many top ranking students in the competitive ballroom world. He and his partner Rae Josephs were the Fred Astaire undefeated American Rhythm Champions and United State finalists. Being a U.S. Finalist in the Smooth, Rhythm, and Theatrical Divisions has made Stephen one of the most in-demand teachers in America! Stephen is on the Fred Astaire Dance Board and is certified in A+B+C+D+T+. Stephen is the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Assistant National Dance Director. He is known as one of the top business trainers in the country due to his astounding work with the Fred Astaire Franchise. His work as a dancer and a business owner is recognized throughout the United States, and he is known as one of the Top Choreographers in America.

Kimberley Mitchellcomes from a ballroom family, with both of her parents still teaching dancing in London, Englend. At the age of 5, she started to compete in both Standard and Latin competitions in England, and it wasn’t long befor she was taking title after title. Kimberley is a former British, International, United Kingdom, Closed British Champion, and has won many more championship titles along the way, in all age groups and in both Standard and Latin American dance. At the age of 18, Kimberley moved to the USA to turn professional, dancing with Bill Sparks. Together they were two time United States International Latin Champions, British Professional Rising Star Champions, 5^th in the World Championships, and 3 times Ohio Star Ball Champions. Kimberley moved back to the UK a few years ago to be closer to family, spending her time coaching and judging in English and European competitions. Kimberley is excited to have once again moved back to the USA, based in Columbus, Ohio.