Information About our Fred Astaire Dance Studios Instructors JAVIER BUENTELLO While growing up in Texas, Javier learned to dance from his parents at various family and community events.  He moved to the Washington, DC area in 1998 and decided to pursue a career in dance. He is a certified Fred Astaire dance instructor and has taught all forms of social dance for over 10 years.  Javier has competed in numerous Fred Astaire Regional and National Events across the United States.  Currently the Assistant Manager, Javier has been with Fred Astaire DC since the studio's opening in the spring of 2007. Fun facts:  Javier's wife, Kumi, is also a dancer.  They have placed as finalists when competing together at Fred Astaire national events.  He and Kumi have a 4-year-old son.  Foxtrot is Javier's favorite dance for its suave and timeless style! MELISSA BELAN Born in Cumberland, Maryland, Melissa's love of dance goes back to her early childhood.  She has 16 years of ballet experience, including an additional two years as a ballet instructor.  She is a certifed Fred Astaire dance instructor and has taught all forms of social dance for over 5 years.  She has been with Fred Astaire DC since the studio's opening in the spring of 2007 and is currently the studio's Advanced Department Supervisor.  In addition to teaching, Melissa has competed at Fred Astaire National Competitions. Fun Facts: When she is not teaching or competing, Melissa enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and rock climbing. She grew up locally and was a member of the Oakton High School Dance Team.  Melissa's favorite dance is Swing because it is fun and energetic! SINISA VASIC & NATASHA FRIDMANOVICH Sini & Natasha -- Congratulations! Sinisa was born on July 2, 1982 in Vienna, Austria.  He started to dance competitively at the age of 10.  He was the Austrian Junior Latin Champion and the Austrian Youth Latin Champion.  Now as a professional dancer he is successful on an international level with his dance partner and wife Natasha.  They have been dancing as a professional couple together for three years and working with some of the best coaches in the world.  Fun Facts:  Sini enjoys reading and sleeping. His favorite food is anything Italian, and his favorite dance is the Paso Doble!   Natasha was born on October 31, 1983 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.  She began dancing competitively at the age of 12.  Since then she has competed in many areas of dancing.  She was introduced to dancing by her father who is a professional dance coach in Russia. Fun Facts:  Natasha enjoys eating one of her favorite foods, cheesecake, and going to clubs to dance.  Her favorite dance is the Rumba, and in her free time she enjoys reading pyschology books! They joined the Fred Astaire DC staff in December 2007 and have competed in the Fred Astaire National Events located in Las Vegas, Chicago and Orlando.  Come dance with them!  MISSY NILSON Resume information coming soon! DAN HOWARD Resume information coming soon! BRIAN LE Brian was born on March 17, 1982 in Philadelphia, PA.  He attended Shrewsbury High School in Shrewsbury, MA, where he  was on the track and football team.  He then attended Farmingham State College, where he was on the Hip Hop dance team, Quinsigamond Community College (located in Farmingham, MA) and Northern VA Community College. He is a certified Fred Astaire Dance Instructor and started his dance experience at the Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studio in Worchester MA, where taught for a year, before coming to Fred Astaire DC in the summer of 2008. Fun Facts: Brian loves the beach, art and traveling to new places.  His favorite dances are salsa & hip hop! DOUG MATHES Doug was born on April 23, 1982 in Anchorage, Alaska.  He attended High School at Falls Christian Academy, in Post Falls, Idaho, where he was a long distance runner.   Most recently he was in the US Marine Corps, where he served in the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense and Embassy Security details!   He is a certified Fred Astaire Instructor at Fred Astaire DC and joined the staff in the summer of 2008. Fun Facts:  Doug enjoys the outdoors, including camping and fishing, playing the guitar, and traveling!  Rumba and Waltz are his favorite dances!

Fred Astaire Washington DC 8315 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031 Next to the Merrifield Post Office Phone:703-876-1773 Fax: 703-876-1887 Email Our Studio