Plano North | June 2022

BUSINESS FEATURE Elegance Ballroom Dance Studio and Event Center Plano studio oers lessons for people of varying skill levels, space for variety of events W hile describing dances taught at Elegance Ballroom Dance Studio and we see if we have to rush [the choreography] or have time,” he said. The age range of Behmardi’s

BY KAREN CHANEY

Instructor Fiano Behmardi, who is Fred Behmardi’s brother, dances with student Sandy Grove. She recently placed rst in 98 of 100 dances at a local competition.

and Event Center, business owner and dance instructor Fred Behmardi reexively demonstrated the styles of Latin, ballroom and line dances. Behmardi said he has worked in the dance industry for more than 40 years. He started as a dance instruc- tor and has owned numerous studios across the nation. Sixteen years ago, he launched Elegance

students usually is between 20 and 90 years old, and their skill levels span from beginners to competi- tive, he said. Throughout the year, competitive dancers from Elegance Ballroom perform nationwide. The group stays in a hotel for a weekend,

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POPULAR CLASSES Beginners: An introductory package for $45 includes three private lessons and two group sessions. Intermediate through competitive dancers: Social Foundation Program packages start at $45 and are customized for each student. Focuses include advanced dance steps, timing, foot work, posture and more.

and the dancers spend an entire day compet- ing. At the end of the competition, scores are given and trophies are awarded. On Saturdays and

“ONE STUDENT WAS DOING NOTHING. NOW, WHEN SHE’S HERE PERFORMING, YOU SEE THE SMILE ON HER FACE.” FRED BEHMARDI, OWNER

Fred Behmardi said “Dancing with the Stars” has helped his business.

Ballroom Dance Studio and Event Center in Oklahoma. He then moved the

studio to Midland, and in 2019, he opened the doors to the location in Plano. First-time visitors to the studio will be asked what dances they are interested in learning. Students are encouraged to try: foxtrot, waltz, swing, cha-cha, rumba and tango. The studio oers an introductory package for $45 that includes three private lessons and two group sessions. Behmardi said he often gets requests to choreograph dances for weddings. Sometimes it is for the engaged couple, and other times it is a parent-child team. “I ask [about] their wedding date,

Sundays, Elegance Ballroom serves as an event center. It is approximately 10,000 square feet and has a 320-person capacity, Behmardi said. Daily rates range from $1,500- $2,500 and include tables, table- cloths, chairs and chair covers, he said. Behmardi said his favorite thing about owning this business is seeing the smiles of his students. “[One student] lost her husband years ago, and she was doing nothing, just sitting at home reading a book,” he said. “Now, when she’s here performing, you see the smile on her face. That makes my day.”

A free open house is held from 710 p.m. every Thursday.

Sharon Butler, right, teaches steps to Jamie Jenkins, left, and Laurin Currie.

Elegance Ballroom Dance Studio and Event Center 8740 Ohio Drive, Ste. A1, Plano 469-607-5540 www.eleganceballroomandeventcenter.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-10 p.m., Sat.-Sun. available for event center rentals only

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