How Fred Astaire Dance Studios uses movement as a mirror of life
Owner Ekaterina Maslennikova shares how ballroom dancing becomes a catalyst for deeper human connection and self-discovery.
For the last five years, Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) has been the heart of social and ballroom dancing in the Lancaster community.
FADS offers ballroom lessons in both American and International styles as well as wedding dance choreography packages and a calendar of monthly social events designed to inspire people to fall in love with dancing.
At the center of this movement is studio owner Ekaterina Maslennikova. She operates under a simple philosophy: “Teaching people how to dance is not my ultimate goal, but a mere tool for students to rediscover themselves and view dance as a mirror of their reality,” she shared.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, Ekaterina has found that ballroom dance teaches people to tackle life’s hurdles in the exact same way they master a new routine: one step at a time.
“Before you’re able to fully execute a routine, you first need to get comfortable with the basic footwork and patterns,” she explained. “It’s just like problem solving—when we divide something big and complex into small, achievable steps, it makes it more manageable.”
Over her two decades in the industry, Ekaterina has seen first-hand how dancing acts as a catalyst for deeper human connection. It’s one of the best methods in getting partners in sync with each other, as it opens new channels of non-verbal communication. Subtle gestures, shared glances, moments of shared focus—this level of presence is everything when it comes to nurturing meaningful relationships.
“Dancing as a couple requires learning to truly let go and connect,” says Ekaterina. “In everyday life, it is easy to pretend to listen or understand. On the dance floor, faking it is impossible.
“Partner dancing is a team effort and is all about balance. If one doesn’t contribute, it falls apart,” she adds.
To build a successful dance partnership, Ekaterina and her team of instructors at FADS guide students through four essential practices:
- Each partner must know their own moves and stand confidently on their own two feet. A true partnership is only possible when both dancers are self-sufficient. After all, it is nearly impossible to contribute to someone else’s happiness if you haven’t found your own first.
- Success relies on leaning into the assigned role and remaining consistent. When the role is to follow, it requires the patience to wait for a partner’s cue before responding. This mirrors a meaningful conversation—it is about listening intently rather than interrupting to voice one’s own thoughts.
- Be present. Bringing your full attention to the moment and remaining mentally engaged with the movement is the only way to dance well and truly dance together.
- Don’t take it too seriously! Dancing is a journey that exists for the moments being created together.
“If you make a mistake, laugh at it,” Ekaterina explains. “Find a way out of it together and learn how to navigate when they don’t go according to plan. Your true reward is simply feeling alive in that shared moment.”
Ultimately, the lessons learned on the dance floor stretch far beyond the music. Ekaterina often recalls a favorite quote from one of her mentors: “Life is easy, people make it hard.”
Regardless of your age, ability, or background, Fred Astaire Dance Studios is ready to welcome you into an inviting atmosphere suited for every type and level of dancer. Take your first steps at their Oregon Pike studio and discover a whole new world of joy, connection, and confidence.
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