Courtesy Capital Region Chamber
The pandemic brought many challenges to many people, but for Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) in Saratoga, it was an opportunity to relocate and re-open in a bigger and better space.
The Capital Region Chamber and studio owners Elizabeth and Grey Masko celebrated the new location with a ribbon cutting event in September, with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and National Ballroom Dance Champion Joan Regan Hayner.
The new location on Route 9 offers a performance space three times as large as before, fostering even more growth, according to the studio. As people are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, FADS offers a safe environment for dancers of all ages and abilities to learn about the benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing and how it can help improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
“We are so excited about our new location, and everything we’ll be able to offer to the community,” said the Maskos. “We look forward to the children’s classes we’ll be offering in the spring and hope that our current students enjoy the new space for years to come.”
The Maskos also announced a new offering to help share the benefits of dancing with a wider audience. The studio will offer children’s classes beginning next spring.
“Dancing is not an activity just for older generations, and the same benefits that help hone cognitive function, foster respect for a partner, and encourage body positivity, are all elements of growth that can begin at an early age, as well as continue in the golden years,” they said.
“I’m so glad to see this small business in the Saratoga area growing into a larger location and expanding,” said state Sen. Daphne Jordan, who was unable to attend the ribbon cutting but came earlier in the week to deliver a Senate Recognition Certificate. “Even while coming out of a pandemic and seeing the Studio flourish in this way, provides hope to other small businesses in this area.”
“This new offering of children’s classes will help develop important structure and compassion among our young people,” said Woerner. “Dancing can help encourage coordination, precision, cooperation, and confidence in our children.”
“Saratoga County is home to many small businesses who have had ups and downs induced by the pandemic,” said Supervisor Theodore Kusnierz, Jr., Saratoga County Board of Supervisor board chairman. “It’s rewarding and inspiring to see this growth and expansion in the area.”
The ribbon cuttings was sponsored by Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co.