FRED ASTAIRE BALLROOM DANCE STUDIO

The Happiest, Friendliest Spot in Town!!

We invite you to walk into our Memphis Studio and waltz out enjoying the great traditions of dance.

 

 

 

Tom Korpitz

Tom Korpitz is originally from Chicago, IL.  He began his dancing career in Austin, TX and was the Texas State Novice Champion in 1979.  After teaching for 4 years he began managing the Austin studio in 1982.  He moved to Memphis in 1988 and opened his own Fred Astaire Dance Studio.  After 22 years in Memphis Mr. Korpitz operates the studio daily.  With the assistance of his highly qualified staff his Memphis Studio is consistently one of the top Fred Astaire Studios in the United States.  Mr. Korpitz philosophy- “We ask our students what they want and we give it to them.  Make it fun and easy, set goals and achieve them!”  Mr. Korpitz loves his work and proudly advertises his studio as the “happiest, friendliest spot in town!”

 

 

Ben Stovall

Benjamin R. Stovall came to the Memphis Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the fall of 2004. Mr. Stovall specializes in working with students of all levels making dancing fun and easy for the student on their first lesson or the student who has danced for years. His credentials include America Style Bronze Diploma and certification as well as an American style teaching certification.

Awards include:

• 2005 South Central Region “Rookie of the Year”
• 2006 South Central Region “Top Male Guest Getter”
• 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 South Central Region “Freddy Award” nominee
• 2005 South Central Region “Freddy Award” Silver Recipient
• 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 South Central Region Gold Award Recipient
• 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 South Central Region “Over 50 Guests” Award
• 2008 Harvest Moon American Closed Smooth Division Champion
• 2009 South Central Dance Championship American Closed Smooth Division Champion

 

 

Stephanie Korpitz

Stephanie Korpitz has been dancing and teaching for FADS for more than 21years.  She is qualified to train new instructors as well as advanced students.  As a professional competitive dancer, Ms. Korpitz has won numerous regional championships throughout the country in Dallas, Houston, Austin, Tucson, Phoenix, and New Orleans to name just a few.  She holds three National titles to her credit in both the Smooth and Rhythm American styles making her a NINE DANCE CHAMPION.  She is a respected choreographer and coach and has worked in this capacity throughout Texas, Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee.  Ms. Korpitz is an Advanced Student Specialist and her passion for dancing and teaching makes her second to none in the FADS organization.

 

 

Jorja Jolly

Miss Jolly began taking dance lessons at the age of three. She started in toddler tumbling then worked her way through Jazz, Tap, and Hip-Hop classes. In Junior High School Miss Jolly was accepted into the Olive Branch High School Varsity Dance Team. She was a member of the team for three years of her career.

Miss Jolly began training with Fred Astaire in November of 2006. As of today, she has received:

• Silver Medal in Fred Astaire Mixed Novice Division
• Bronze Medal in Closed Smooth Division
• "Freddy Award" Qualifier 2009
• Top Female Specialist 2010 (First Quarter)
• Top Overall Female 2010 (First Quarter)

Miss Jolly is certified in Full Social and Advanced Bronze. She specializes in working with both new and advanced students.

 

 

Eric Snyder

Mr. Snyder began in Louisville, KY in 2002. In 2004, he transferred to the Memphis Fred Astaire Dance Studio for advanced dance training and because of the Memphis studio's reputation and success. He is certified in Full Social and Advance Bronze Programs as well as the Full Silver Program; he is a highly advanced instructor. Occasionally Mr. Snyder enjoys instructing the new students. He is exceptional at making the learning process Fun and Easy for his students. He is a fantastic group class teacher for all levels of students.

His competition credits include:

• South Eastern Regional Closed Rhythm Champion
• 3rd place in the Closed Rhythm Division.

Mr. Snyder has also won 2 yearly Freddy Awards; the highest honor an instructor can attain.

 

 

Jessica Hill

Ms. Jessica Hill spent many years as a singer/dancer before completing Fred Astaire Dance Studio's extensive New Teacher Training Program. She teaches as both a specialist, with new students, and as an advanced instructor. Her love of teaching made it possible for her to achieve the highest award in our industry, The Gold Freddy Award for 2009. She is also a former Regional Novice Tango Champion.

Ms. Hill is willing to take on any challenge on the ballroom floor. Whether you are getting ready for an event, want to hit the stage or just want to give it a try, Ms. Hill is ready to have you on her schedule.

 

 

Alyssa Abbas

Ms. Abbas started her dance training at three years old, focusing on Classical Ballet. She has also studied Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater, and modern over the years. At the age of seventeen she started learning International style ballroom and has continued training at Fred Astaire with American Smooth and Rhythm. Alyssa has appeared in many shows throughout Memphis, including, The Nutcracker, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, and Cinderella.

Ms. Abbas has been at the Fred Astaire Memphis Studio for over two years now. Her accomplishments include:

• "Freddy Award" 2009
• Top Enrollment Teacher
• Top Female Guest Getter
• 2nd Place in Novice Division
• 3rd Place in Mixed Novice Division at the 2009 Freddy Ball.

Alyssa loves to teach but has also done choreography for many of the student and professional routines including staff and group numbers.

 

Nate Whitfield

Mr. Whitfield began his teaching career in 2007 with martial arts. In San Antonio, TX, for two years he trained many students and soldiers alike. Although Mr. Whitfield has been dancing his whole life, he began teaching in 2009 when he retired from the United States Air Force. Mr. Whitfield specializes teaching new students and enjoys preparing students with a strong dance foundation they can build on.

Mr. Whitfield has participated in three showcases with the Memphis Fred Astaire Dance Studio and took 4th place in the Mixed Novice Division at the 2010 Freddy Ball.

 

Lisa Overstreet