Andrey Gergel-Owner
Temporary Management: 3% of the studio’s gross revenue during the period of management, plus any direct out-of-pocket costs and expenses. Indemnification: Amount of the franchisor’s liabilities, fines, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees). Enforcement Expenses. The Fred Astaire Curriculum Certification includes hundreds of hours of training for beginning instructors. New recruits are enrolled in a studio training class, where they learn the same dances that are taught to students of Fred Astaire dance studios. When they master the basic steps, they are taught advanced techniques.
Andrey Gergel began his dancing career at the age of 12 in the Ukraine and holds several titles, including: Ukranian National Champion, European Cup Finalist, and US National Champion. Andrey moved to the United States to join Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Charleston in 2001. In 2006, Andrey established International Ballroom, Inc. and has been the owner/operator of 2 very successful dance studios in West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant. In 2016, upon the 10th anniversary of International Ballroom, Inc., his two studio locations have evolved into International Ballroom Dance Studios of Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, continuing to provide the best dance instruction in the Low Country.
Lacey Bramblett-Director
Lacey Bramblett has been professionally teaching ballroom dance in Charleston since graduating from Salve Regina University in 2004.She is currently the Director of International Ballroom Dance Studios of Charleston and Mt. Pleasant. She began her dancing career with Charleston’s own Robert Ivey Ballet Company, where she grew up dancing for 15 years. Her passion for ballroom dancing began with Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Charleston in 2004, and she has been a part of the International Ballroom family since 2006.Lacey has competed professionally in both the Smooth and Rhythm categories, is a 4-time FADS National Champion, a 2-time World Mambo Championship finalist, as well as a Freddy Award winner. She is also the Writer, Director, and Formation choreographer for their annual Sottile Theater Showcase Production.
Blake Beardsley
Born in East Lyme, Connecticut, Blake began his journey into dance at the same time he was working on his Chemistry degree. An offer to go to medical school, and his first professional dance contract came literally 2 weeks apart. He finished his Chemistry degree, but the first stage of his journey was that of a ballet dancer, for which he danced 15 years professionally.
As his career in ballet began to wind down, he had the opportunity to attend a ballroom competition in Vancouver, Canada. The energy, enthusiasm, technique, and beauty of the dancers participating, won him over. 2 years later, he made his way to Fred Astaire studio in Westerville, Ohio, and began the second part of his life’s journey in dance. As a professional ballroom dancer & instructor, it is his sincerest hope to share the laughter, the creativity, and the magic that is dance with all of his students.
Jesica Carden
Charleston native, Jesica Carden, discovered her love of performing arts at the young age of five while participating in a local church’s plays and attending tap, jazz and ballet classes. Several years later she joined her school’s cheerleading team gaining eight years of gymnastics, sideline and competitive cheer experience – she went on to coach small-fry cheerleading after graduating from Wando High School in 2010. Jesica is a Hospitality and Tourism Management Major at the Culinary Institute of Charleston and found her passions for hospitality, event planning and dance colliding upon joining the team here at International Ballroom. Jesica’s favorite part of working at the studio is being able to watch students grow as dancers and individuals. She is the Front Desk Manager for both studio locations and a DVIDA Bronze Certified instructor.
Raymond Cancel
Raymond Cancel has loved music and dance since he was a child dancing salsa, merengue, and bachata with his Puerto Rican family. As he grew, so did his love for dance…experimenting with breakdancing and hip hop styles. In 2003, his journey into the wonderful world of ballroom dance began when he joined Arthur Murray in Danbury, CT. Since then, Raymond has enjoyed teaching ballroom dance to all ages and helping his students achieve high-level goals, whether beginner or advanced. He loves seeing his students grow and gaining the many different benefits that ballroom dance provides. He has trained many Pro/Am competitors in the American Smooth, Rhythm, and Theater Arts categories who have placed as “Top Student” in the Bronze & Silver levels, as well as earning the “Top Teacher” title at many competitions. Professionally, Raymond has competed in both the American Smooth & Rhythm categories. He has also won multiple teaching awards, including: FADS highest honors (2015 & 2016), the Double Freddy Award, the Regional Star Award and the Customer Service Star Award. He looks forward to sharing his excitement and passion for ballroom dance with everyone on the dance floor!
Madelaine Hallman-Kenner
Madelaine Hallman-Kenner grew up in a family of dancers; her parents being world masters in the United Country Western Dance Circuit and her grandmother still currently taking lessons at the studio. She has been dancing herself since she was 5 years old and started as a student with Andrey at the age of 12. At the age of 18, she started as an instructor with the team at IBDS. She is an active professional competitor who is also a DVIDA certified silver instructor, competes in both the American Smooth & Rhythm categories, as well as in the Pro-Am divisions with her students. Her main drive in her work is to inspire her students to reach their highest potential and to help them get the most out of their dancing. Needless to say, dance is a passion of hers. “I get to turn people into living, breathing art…it’s an amazing thing to be a part of!” When Maddy is not dancing she is maintaining the social media accounts of the studio to make sure our dance family knows what is going on at IBDS!
Anna Marie Imbordino
Anna Marie Imbordino has been passionate about the performing arts since childhood. As a child she studied and competed in jazz dance, hip hop, lyrical and theatre dance in addition to studying voice performance, flute, percussion and other musical instruments. Mixing her love of dance and music, Anna Marie attended North Central College graduating with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music Performance and Entertainment Communication. She went on to study ballroom dance recreationally as a student through Arthur Murray and DeSarge Danceport in Illinois falling in love with the ballroom world and inspiring her to become a certified instructor. In 2013, Anna joined the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Illinois region as an American Rhythm and Smooth instructor, competing Pro-Am and professionally throughout the Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance network. Anna Marie is new to Charleston, and has been a member of the International Ballroom family since 2020.
James Meek
James Meek has been professionally teaching and competing in the ballroom community for nearly two decades. He joined Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Charleston in 1999 as a student then teacher, and has been a member of the International Ballroom family since 2006.He is both a Regional and National Champion in the professional smooth and rhythm divisions. Introducing new people to the joy that he found through dance is the best part of his career as a teacher.
Scott Tucker
Instructor Scott Tucker was introduced to ballroom dance in college at the start of 2014, with no prior experience in dance, theater, or music, at the University of Tennessee. Scott’s inner performer was released that day and he went on to compete throughout college, eventually becoming a USA Dance National Championship finalist as well as competing in such prestigious competitions as the Ohio Star Ball. After college in June 2018, he moved to Charleston and began teaching at International Ballroom Dance Studios of Charleston where he quickly became a DVIDA Silver Certified Instructor. Scott continues to improve his own dancing abilities, and he loves all of the perks that dancing has to offer. “I come for the dance, but stay for the people. I’ve made such great friends through the dance community, and everyone is extremely supportive and encouraging.”
About
Want to be part of a successful 60+ year tradition with worldwide name recognition identified with dance excellence?
Then join our unsurpassed family of Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios. Our franchise system is always expanding with over 150 studios nationwide.
Wisconsin is one of the top regions in the country and are under the guidance of John Gates and Stephen Knight.
Becoming part of the Fred Astaire Franchise Dance Studios is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who wants to enhance their income while improving lives through the joy of dancing!
- Weekly Regional and National Reports
- Web-based studio/ desk and management program
- Weekly Regional Owners Meetings
- Weekly Manager Training
- Regional Seminars Quarterly- w/ financial bonus opportunities to the staff, awards, speakers, etc.
- Training We will provide thorough training in all aspects of operating a successful Fred Astaire Dance Studio—both business and dancing.
- Starter Kit this kit includes all of the necessary supplies to begin operating a Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
- National Seminars on various subjects (Example: Conceptual Methods of Teaching, Financial Seminar, Competitions, etc.)
- Regional Dance Director Eddie Apolonolov
- Coaches Our coaches offer both dance knowledge and aid with growth in business sales and the cost is shared
- Dance Apparel Available from the Regional and Corporate Office
- Marketing Alliance A program that assists in the graphic artwork and verbiage of National ads for yellow pages, newspaper, and television
- Regional Web Site All information regarding both National and Local events for easy access.
- Regional Web Designer Individual studio web site development
- Fred Astaire Organization Has approved exclusive vendors for Video Taping, Photography, Dance Shoes and Dance Apparel (which includes costumes)
- 3 National Competitions Cross Country held in Las Vegas (April), Astaire Awards Ball held in Chicago (July) and National Dance Championships held in Orlando (October)—there are constant flyers and brochures that come from the Corporate Office to promote these competitions
- Regional Advertising Campaign Able to share the costs with the other studios in the area
- $35,000.00 Franchise Fee This allows you to operate your studio within a specified, protected radius.
- Regional Competitions This is an avenue to create revenue and excitement within your studio and the Region
- Competitors Support Pro/am and Professional support from the other studios and a high-powered dance board. This support is both throughout the Fred Astaire Chain as well as the Independent Circuit.
- Fred Astaire National Council of Dance This board is made up of United States and World finalists and Champions. They test the professionals to keep them properly certified.
- A Regional Bookkeeper To guide us in the proper way for things such as payroll, bills, reports, advertising, trade shows, etc.
- An Exclusive Dance Curriculum That is approved by all boards, such as NDCA, etc.
- A “family” of over 150 other studios, managers, and owners to converse with on a daily basis. This allows a licensee to never feel alone and has a plethora of others to soundboard and network.
- Regional parties and festivals A great way to show camaraderie and assist with growth, both financially and student volume.
- Various promotions of attracting new clients Such as guest parties, benefits, etc.
- Training and tools are provided to help individual studio owners achieve their maximum growth potential.
- The Fred Astaire Name Adds an enormous value to the purchase price of each location.
There’s no better time than today to join the exciting, rewarding dance industry! Fred Astaire Dance Studios are always looking for more outgoing, enthusiastic instructors to add to our winning team!
Because of our thorough and comprehensive training program, teaching experience is not required.
Fred Astaire Studio Management Program Online
Nationwide, our studios offer the possibility of unlimited opportunities to grow. Currently, over 90 of our studio owners began as teachers. The right person with the necessary skills and abilities can open a franchise in no time at all. With some of the best trainers in the industry at your every day exposure, the Wisconsin instructors are constantly learning all of the skills required to open a studio.
Fred Astaire Studio Locator
Fred Astaire Wisconsin benefits:
Recording Studio Management
- Competitive Salary
- 401K
- Health/Dental Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Travel Opportunities
- Free Dance Training
- Free Management Training
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Regional Staff Training
- Regional Management Training
- Regional Coaches