Doylestown Business Spotlight: Fred Astaire Dance Studio

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 a trying year for local businesses, with shutdowns and tightened restrictions on occupancy rates forcing entrepreneurs to get creative.

We recently asked readers to help us shine a spotlight on local businesses that have gone the extra mile during the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, we've received over 65 submissions, with overwhelming support for the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Doylestown, which has received eight nomination letters.

The studio on Oakland Avenue opened in 2015 and is offering both online and in-person dance classes. Its owners, Igori Bogatiriov and Yuliya Jung, are lifelong award-winning dancers.

Check out some of our favorite reviews:

Nancy S. said:

The outstanding, caring professional instructors have kept my husband and I sane, moving and in shape during the quarantine. Through both studio and online lessons, the hours spent dancing erase all dreary thoughts, leaving us rejuvenated each time.

Grace R. said:

This studio is so welcoming. The instructors are friendly and really adjust their teaching style to the way you learn. This is a place where you can come and let loose, leaving all your worries at the door. You are guaranteed to smile and laugh when coming for a lesson. No matter what your skill level is or any physical limitations you have, the instructors work with you and support you no matter what. When this studio opened 5 years ago, I was nervous that I wouldn't be a good dancer because of medical issues. Today, I believe in myself, I gained more confidence and I have overcome my fear of not being able to dance. This is my favorite place. Stress-free and inviting. There are so many different styles of dance to learn too! Waltz, tango, salsa, swing, they have it all and so much more. There is no limit to what this studio can do for you. Learning to dance has been a blessing and I am so grateful I found this wonderful dance family!

Debra L. said:

The owner and instructors are always so invested in their clients and the surrounding community. Whether an individual or couple comes to the studio for a one time event (like a wedding dance), to gain confidence when dancing socially or with the intention to compete, everyone is made to feel welcome and part of a large family. As the pandemic became evident and restrictions were put in place prohibiting in person instruction, they seamlessly transitioned to online instruction, bringing joy, exercise and distraction from worries directly into our homes. Instructors went “above and beyond,” creating dance videos to amuse and connect all of their clients. Since the studio reopened for in-person instruction, everyone feels protocols are being followed according to state guidelines, providing a safe environment for dancing. They have provided a needed healthy and creative way to manage stress during the challenges of 2020.

This story is part of our Doylestown Business Of The Year 2020 series, where we ask readers to tell us about a local business in their community. If you are a local business owner who would like to share more information about your services and offerings, sign up to be included in Patch's free Local Business Information Center.